A crash course for carers: here’s what you need to know and how to explain it without overwhelming anyone.
Let’s be honest, navigating aged care can feel like learning a new language. There’s funding, assessments, providers, care levels… and not to mention, acronyms—flying everywhere.
And if you’re supporting a parent, partner, or loved one, chances are you’re the one expected to make sense of it all.
So, let’s simplify it! Here, our team provides a no-nonsense guide to understanding Home Care Packages (HCPs)—learn how to explain these clearly, and help your loved ones to make an informed decision without confusion or fear.
First thing’s first, what is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is government-funded support to help older Australians stay living independently at home.
Instead of going into residential care, people can access services like:
- Cleaning, laundry, and meal prep
- Help with showering and getting dressed
- Transport to appointments and shops
- Allied health (physio, podiatry, OT)
- Home modifications and equipment
- Support coordination and personal care
They’re not cash in hand. The funding goes to a provider, who delivers and manages the services based on a care plan tailored to the person’s needs and preferences.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages
Each level represents a different amount of support and funding.
| Level | Support needs | Approx. annual value |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs | $10,931 |
| Level 2 | Low care needs | $19,224 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs | $41,847 |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs | $63,440* |
Each amount can be used to cover a broad range of services, depending on what the eligible aged care recipient needs most.
These figures reflect the new increase in funding effective from July 1, 2025.
Who’s eligible?
People aged 65 and over (or aged 50 to 64 years if an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) who:
- Are struggling with daily tasks
- Need ongoing care and support to stay safely at home
- Want help managing things like meals, mobility, or medications
An assessment determines their eligibility and care level.
The 5 steps of the HCP journey
Here’s the short version of a complex process:
1. Register with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or go online. They’ll ask some basic questions to begin the process.
2. Get assessed by ACAT
An assessor will visit the person at home to understand their daily life, health, mobility, and challenges. They’ll then decide if they’re eligible for a HCP and assign a level.
3. Wait to be assigned a package
This is the frustrating bit. Even after approval, there can be a wait of 3–12 months or longer for a package to be formally assigned.
4. Choose a provider
Once assigned, they’ll receive a letter. Then it’s time to choose a care provider to manage the package and deliver the services.
5. Start receiving care
With a provider in place, the care begins, tailored to what matters most to them.
How to explain all this to your loved one without the overwhelm
Keep it simple, personal, and focused on outcomes. Try this:
“You don’t have to do this alone—there’s government funding to help you stay in your home. It covers services like cleaning, transport, even personal care, whatever you need. We just need to start, and there’s someone to help us through it all.
Avoid words like “assessment” or “package” upfront if they’re triggering. Instead, focus on the benefits: Comfort, safety, independence, and staying in control.
Still have questions? You don’t have to figure this out alone
At CareAbout, we’ve helped over 100,000 families understand how this all works and get matched with the right provider when the time comes.
We can:
- Explain eligibility and what’s covered
- Guide you through the process, step by step
- Help your loved one feel heard and in control
- Compare providers and help with switching, if needed
- Answer questions without the jargon or pressure
All for free.
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