What is the difference between CHSP and Home Care Packages?

What is a Home Care Package?

The Home Care Packages (HCP) program is also funded by the Australian Government and provides support to older people with more complex care needs that go beyond what the CHSP can provide.  

Everyone’s care needs are different and require a different level of care, so there are different care packages to cater accordingly. There are four levels of home care packages available and assigned by the Australian Government:

• Level 1 – basic care needs
• Level 2 – low care needs
• Level 3 – intermediate care needs
• Level 4 – high care needs

What services can I receive as part of a HCP?

Home Care Packages are assigned based on your individual needs and living circumstances.

Depending on the package level and funds you receive, you can get access to a range of different services. These can include:

• Services to keep you well and independent

This includes things such as personal care, nursing services and allied health

• Services to keep you safe in your own home

Things such as cleaning, home maintenance and modifications, gardening and assistive technology

• Services to keep you connected to your community

This covers things such as transport and social support services.

Am I eligible for a HCP?

You may be eligible for a Home Care Package if you have:

• noticed a change in what you can do or remember
• been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
• experienced a change in family care arrangements, or
• experienced a recent fall or hospital admission.

You can check if you meet the requirements for a HCP assessment on the government’s website or if you’re ready, you can apply for an assessment now.

After you have been assessed as being eligible, it can take some time before the government assigns you a Home Care Package, and the waiting time depends on what package you’re eligible for.

For Level 1 home care packages, the approximate wait time is anywhere between three and six months, whereas for Level 2 – 4 care packages, the wait time is typically 12 months or more.

How urgently someone needs services can also impact how long it may take to receive a HCP, and those with higher or more urgent needs are usually prioritised.

Once you’re allocated a HCP, the next step is to choose a provider, such as IRT. They will work with you to decide on the care and services that best suits your individual needs and how your HCP funds will be spent.

How much does a Home Care Package cost?

Each HCP level attracts a different subsidy; that is the monetary value of the package as determined by the government.

You’ll be expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford it. Your contribution is made up of different types of fees which are paid directly to the home care provider:

1. Basic daily fee

Every home care recipient can be asked to pay this. It’s based on your Home Care Package level and capped at 17.5% of the Full Single Aged Pension.

2. Income-tested care fee

This is an additional fee that some people pay if their income is over the maximum income for a full pensioner. It’s determined through a formal income assessment and the government will inform your chosen provider if you are required to pay this. Full pensioners do not pay an income-tested care fee.

3. Administration fee / package management

This covers the administrative costs of providing home care services to you. These fees differ between providers and are typically calculated as a percentage of your overall package funds.

4. Care management fee

 When you’re allocated a Home Care Package, you will have a Care Manager assigned to you to help you navigate the My Aged Care system, develop and maintain your care plan, organise additional services or purchases for you, liaise with your family and decision makers, and coordinate the timing of your home care services. The care management fee contributes to your individual care management visits and regular contacts with your Care Manager. Some providers include this in their administration fees, whereas others keep it separate.

5. Other fees

This includes any other amount you have agreed to pay for extra care and services that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by your HCP. For example, you can use your Home Care Package funds to have a home care worker do your grocery shopping for you. However, you can’t use the HCP funds to buy your actual groceries. Instead, you may agree to give your home care worker $50 to pay for these items. Other fees may also include establishment/set up fees and exit fees.

Private home care services

Some people decide to pay for private home care services rather than a government-funded home care service. This could be for a number of reasons – you may not be eligible for a CHSP or HCP, or you don’t want to wait for care.

If you decide to pay for private home care services, you will not receive a government subsidy for the care services. It’s also important that you understand the costs and fees involved with paying for private services before you make a decision. Remember, it’s always best to get independent legal and financial advice.