Understanding Home Care Packages: A Simple Guide to Benefits and Steps

Have you or your loved one ever struggled to manage at home, but are still keen to remain at home as long as possible? Home Care Packages could be your solution! 

This article helps you understand what Home Care Package is all about. 

Home Care Packages

Home care packages provide coordinated and complex support at home, which address an individual's aging related care needs and personal goals. By having formal services in place, individuals would be able to live safely and independently in their own home for as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so. 

There are 4 levels of Home Care Packages to address an individual's assessed care needs. Different budget amounts are allocated by the individual’s case needs. 

Funding is paid directly to a home care provider, who will coordinate services on behalf of the care recipient. 

Process to get a Home Care Package

1. Refer or register on My Aged Care and check if you are eligible for a home care package

2. A comprehensive assessment to be completed by Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine which level you would benefit from

3. Complete an income assessment through Services Australia

4. After you are assessed as eligible for a home care package, you will then be placed on the national priority system

5. Once you are assigned a package, you are required to find and engage with a home care provider which best fits your needs and goals. 

Alternatively, you can self-manage or nominate a family member or friend to assist in self-managing the package. This will provide you freedom and choice with what services you want to be provided. However, it also requires a lot of dedication and time. Self-managed home care package does not mean that you have to do it all alone. You can choose a service provider to assist with either care management or financial management or even both. You maintain regular contact with service providers to host the package and care plan. On the other hand, you can choose the service team that supports you and what that support looks like. 

Home care packages continue for as long as the individual needs services. The individual has the option to request a reassessment if they require a higher level of care. Alternatively, they can discontinue the service when support at home is no longer needed or if they move into residential care.

For additional information, you can visit the My Age Care website. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/