Home Care Package Guidelines & Fact Sheet
We understand that it can be stressful navigating the application process.
We have outlined some general information and a step-by-step process of the application process below. We offer guidance at every step and can take care of some of these steps for you! Simply call our friendly concierge team.
What is a Home Care package?
A Home Care Package is one form of aged care funding provided by the Australian Government. It helps to pay for services that enable people to remain living safely and well at home.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a Home Care package ranging from levels 1-4. The difference between the levels is the amount of support you require to meet your needs, and the amount of government contributions provided to deliver this support.
What is funding is provided for each of these levels?
Level 1 - Basic care needs
A little extra support, such as help with cleaning the house, your health and wellbeing, meal preparation, shopping, and getting around.
Approximate yearly government contribution: $9,000
Level 2 - Low care needs
Assistance you with daily tasks like cleaning and personal care, as well as professional medical support
Approximate yearly government contribution: $15,750
Level 3 - Intermediate care needs
Assistance in your day-to-day tasks, and by a highly trained clinical team to support all your medical needs.
Approximate yearly government contribution: $34,500
Level 4 - High care needs
Support with your high level and complex nursing care needs
Approximate yearly government contribution: $52,250
How do I apply for a Home Care Package?
We can help you apply for Government contributions and guide you through each of the six steps of the application process below.
Step 1 – Registration or Referral
To apply for a Home Care Package, you need to go through a government body called My Aged Care (MAC). To get started you need to request an assessment. You will be given a MAC referral code.
We can make a referral for an assessment to My Aged Care (www.myagedcare.gov.au) on your behalf and help you to prepare. We can also assist you with interim support services that you may need during the time it takes to complete the application and start receiving services.
If Aunty Grace is your preferred supplier, you can let My Aged Care know when requesting your assessment. This means when your package becomes available, we will also be informed and can contact you to start organising your support plan.
Step 2 – Phone Assessment
My Aged Care will contact you with a time and date for your assessment. During this assessment, you should discuss your needs, situation, and any current care or support services that you are receiving.
It is important for the assessors to understand your capabilities with and without support (formal or informal).
Step 3 – In-home Assessment
The Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT/ACAS) will schedule a time to visit you at your home. This assessment will determine if you are eligible for a Home Care Package and which package level best meets your support needs. There are four levels – basic, low-level, intermediate, and high-level.
It is important for the assessors to understand your capabilities with and without support (formal or informal). Aunty Grace can help prepare you to get the most out of your assessment.
Step 4 – Assessment Outcome
After your assessment, My Aged Care will send you a letter to let you know if you are eligible to receive a Home Care Package, and what level of funding you’ve been approved for. If eligible, you will be placed on a national waitlist and notified when your package becomes available. Packages can have significant wait times and are prioritised on a needs basis.
When you receive your letter, call us, and we can guide you through the next steps. While you are waiting, we can assist you with interim support services that you may need.
Approximately three months before you can access your package, you will get a ‘Readiness Letter’ from My Aged Care, which will include some paperwork you will need to complete. We can help you fill this out and start a discussion about your support in preparation for when you receive your package.
Step 5 – Assignment of Package and Selection of Provider
Once you have been allocated a Home Care Package, you will receive a letter outlining that a package has been assigned to you.
You’ll have 56 days from the date you receive your letter to choose a provider, such as Aunty Grace, and commence services. An extension of 28 days is available should you require more time.
To request an extension simply call My Aged Care or Aunty Grace.
Step 6 – Creating a Tailored Plan
The final step is to create your care/support plan. This is where we get to know you better, learning about your life, and your preferences. We then work with you to tailor a plan that outlines your goals, and the supports required for you to achieve them. Once this plan is complete, we can schedule your first service!
What is an Income Tested Fee (ITF)?
Unless you are a full Pensioner, you will be asked to pay an Income Tested Care Fee towards your care. The Department of Human Services (Centrelink) will assess your income and notify you about how much you need to pay. Your income is reviewed by Centrelink quarterly. Providers cannot waive or discount this fee. If you haven't had a means test, Aunty Grace can help you with this process.
To view how much you will be required to pay please view the government’s ITC calculator: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/fee-estimator
I need care now, can you help?
We understand that it can be overwhelming navigating and waiting for a Home Care Package, especially when you need timely support.
To get support you need while navigating this process, you may want to purchase in-home care services privately from Aunty Grace through our Private Funding option. This can ensure you receive services immediately.
For more information call out friendly concierge team.
