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If you need help to keep living independently at home, you may be eligible for a government-funded Home Care Package.
On this page, we’ll break down:
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-subsidised program for eligible seniors designed to help older people who want to stay at home for longer.
It lets you access long-term coordinated support services which help you continue living independently and confidently in your own home. These might include allied health services, personal care, housework, meal preparation, transport and shopping.
We offer home care services throughout NSW, Qld and the ACT. The services available can vary based on where you live, the level of care you need and if you’re eligible for government funding.
Assistance with daily hygiene tasks such as showering, dressing and grooming
Assistance with getting you to appointments and activities in the community
Help with participating in the community and remaining connected socially
Help with maintaining mobility through things like physio and podiatry
Home Care Packages are funded in two ways:
If you’re approved for funding, the government pays your home care provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs. This subsidy is received by you every day, whether you use it or not. The level you’re allocated depends on your individual needs and how much support you require to remain independent at home.
| Package Type | Level Of Care Needs | Approximate Subsidy (Per Year*) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic | $9,026 |
| Level 2 | Low | $15,877 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate | $34,550 |
| Level 4 | High | $52,377 |
*The government contribution increases each year. Package funding correct as of September 2021
If you’re still living at home and need home care support, you or your carer can apply for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care.
At IRT, we’re always happy to help at any stage of the process
Register on My Aged Care or by phone on 1800 200 422 to check your eligibility to receive government-funded services. This quick 15 minute application is broken down into three parts:
Note: After submitting your application, an assessor will contact you within two to six weeks to arrange an assessment.
If you’re deemed eligible, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will contact you for a face-to-face assessment to further understand your situation and determine the level of support you need.
You will discuss:
Post your assessment, your assessor will go away and review the information you have provided to see if you are eligible for government-funded services and, if so, which ones you’re eligible for. You will notified by letter to explain the outcome of your assessment.
Note: It usually takes two to six weeks after your assessment for you to be sent your outcome.
If you are approved for a HCP
Your assessor will work with you to develop a support plan that outlines the care and services that will best suit your needs.
Not approved for a HCP
We may still be able to organise some private home care services for you. Simply call us on 134 478 or enquire online to discuss your options.
Once you have been approved for a HCP, you will be placed in the Government’s national queue for a Home Care Package to be allocated to you. Wait times vary depending on what level of package you're approved for (see table above).
While you wait to be allocated a HCP, there are a number of things you can to do prepare:
Do an income and asset assessment
If you have been assessed as being able to contribute towards your Home Care Package, you may be asked to pay an income-tested care fee.
Talk to our home care experts
Take this time while you wait to talk to one of our friendly team members.
You’ll discuss:
Once you have been assigned your Home Care Package, you have 56 days to enter into a formal agreement with your chosen provider. Remember, you can only choose one provider to manage your HCP.
Your formal agreement will outline:
One of our dedicated customer relationship managers will meet with you quarterly to review your care plan to make sure the services you are receiving are still meeting your needs and goals.
To find out more about the full application process, visit our page which breaks down the ACAT Assessment.
If you need some guidance through the process of applying for a Home Care Package, we’re always happy to lend a hand! Just give us a call on 134 478.
Bill’s backstory
Bill is an 87 year old man on a full pension who lives with and supports his partner who has dementia. Bill has recently returned home from hospital with breathing and mobility issues.
He applies for a My Aged Care assessment and is approved for a Level 4 Home Care Package (government subsidy of approx. $52,377 per year)
Bill’s fees and budget
As Bill is on a full pension he is not required to pay an income tested care fee. His home care fees will only include a basic daily fee. For a level 4 Home Care Package, this will be $11.26 per day.
Bill’s basic daily fee will be added to the government subsidy to make up his total Home Care Package budget of $154.76 per day.
What does he receive?
With an approved Level 4 package, Bill will receive approximately 15 hours per week of a variety of home care services to keep him living independently at home. These could include:
Home Care Packages and CHSP: what’s the difference?
When looking into home care, you’ve likely heard of the terms ‘Home Care Package’ and ‘Commonwealth Home Support Program.’ So, what’s the difference, and what option is best for you?
What is self-funded home care?
Waiting times have increased significantly for a HCP over the last couple of years. Paying for home care privately allows you to start your home care journey while you’re on the waiting list for a government funded Home Care Package.
7 benefits of home care
Getting help in the home from a qualified and skilled provider is easy once you’ve made the decision to do it. But making that decision can be tricky without knowing all the benefits that a home care service can offer.
We’d love to find out more about you to see how we can help. Our Customer Service team operates from 8:30am – 5pm 7 days a week. Call us on 134 478.
Don’t have time to call? Submit an online enquiry form and our friendly team will be in touch.
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