Home Care Package Assistance

Home Care Packages are government-funded, individualised care packages for elderly Australians that aid them in living independently at home. Home Care Packages are available in four levels, each with a different set of support services to meet your needs. They are an option for anyone who requires care and is especially useful when providing assistance at home requires a coordinated approach. They can range from simple housework, gardening and cooking to more complex services such as personal care, wound care and dementia care.

The Home Care Package program is designed as an effective means for most older Australians to remain at home, with funding increasing in accordance with the level of assistance required. To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must be over the age of 65 (50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require assistance in at least three areas of your life.

There are four levels of support available with Home Care Packages:

Home Care Package Level 1

• For basic home care needs
• Funding in excess of $9,000 per year
• Approximately 1-2 hours of support each week

Home Care Package Level 2

• For moderate home care needs
• Funding in excess of $16,000 per year
• Approximately 3-5 hours of support each week

Home Care Package Level 3

• For high home care needs
• Funding in excess of 35,000 per year
• Approximately 6-8 hours of support each week

Home Care Package Level 4

• For very high home care needs
• Funding in excess of $53,000 per year
• Approximately 10+ hours of support each week

The good news is that Home Care Packages are free for fully funded aged care pensioners. Retirees who are partially or fully self-funded are also eligible for a Home Care Package. You may be required to pay an income-tested care fee, which could be as little as $7 per week. Using this link, you can calculate your care fee.

If you only require assistance in one or two areas of your daily life or if you need extra help while waiting for your Home Care Package, the Commonwealth Home Support Program offers entry-level subsidised home support. Contact our local office and a member of our friendly team will walk you through the process so you can stay in the community you love.

If your care needs exceed the amount covered by your Home Care Package, Direct Care Australia will charge you a Basic Daily Rate for any additional care you require.

Obtaining a Home Care Package is as simple as four steps.

Step 1: Apply for an Assessment

Applying for an assessment is a simple process that can be completed online or by calling My Aged Care at 1800 200 422. To complete the assessment, you will need to have your Medicare card handy. Your GP can also refer you for an evaluation. If you require assistance or have further questions about the process, please contact Direct Care Australia and our friendly team will be happy to assist you.

Step 2: Attend a face-to-face meeting

Within three weeks of contacting My Aged Care, you will be invited by a representative to arrange a face-to-face meeting in your own home to better understand your support needs. You can learn more about what happens during your face-to-face meeting and how to best prepare for it here.

Step 3: Await confirmation of your Home Care Package

When you are approved for a Home Care Package, you will be placed on a national waiting list. The anticipated wait times are listed here. If your approval is marked as "High Priority," these times will be reduced. My Aged Care will notify you when your Home Care Package wait time is less than three months and it is time to find a Home Care Package Provider. This is a great time to contact the Direct Care Australia team to discuss your support requirements and how we can develop a personalised care plan for you.

Step 4. Give us a call

Direct Care Australia's dedicated team works very closely with you to develop an individualised care plan. We make it simple to get the best value and care from our services. We know from experience that carefully listening to you allows us to meet your needs while also allowing you to live your life to the fullest. Get in touch with our team today.