Navigating aged care can often feel overwhelming, but understanding the options available to you can make a significant difference in your quality of life or that of your loved ones.

Home Care Packages (HCPs) are designed to support older people wishing to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

In this article, we break down the different levels of Home Care Package funding, from Level 1 to Level 4, to help you understand what each level offers and how they can meet varying care needs.

What is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is a government-funded program that assists older Australians to live independently with in-home care by providing a coordinated package of care and services tailored to your specific needs. The program is flexible, allowing you to choose the care and services that best meet your personal goals and requirements, with the support of a home care provider to manage the care plan effectively.

Click the following link to learn more about Amana Living's home care packages.

There are four Home Care Package levels, each designed to cater to different care needs, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate support they require.

What Services Can I Get?

Home Care Packages fund a wide range of services designed to support you in your daily life. The goal is to empower you to remain well, independent, safe at home, and connected to your community.

These services can include personal care, nursing, household chores such as cleaning and gardening, medication management, and even modifications to the home to improve safety and accessibility. It's about building a comprehensive support system to address your needs and preferences.

For more information on using your home care package finding, see What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

What are the Different Home Care Package Levels?

The four levels of Home Care Packages are structured to provide varying degrees of care, starting from basic care needs at Level 1 to high-level care needs at Level 4.

This tiered approach ensures that you or our loved one can access the level of support that aligns with your specific care requirements, enabling you to maintain your independence and quality of life at home.

Home Care Package Level 1

Level 1 packages are designed for people who require basic assistance with everyday tasks to remain independent at home. This might include help with household tasks such as cleaning or gardening.

Home Care Package Level 2

Level 2 packages cater to those who need a low to moderate level of support. This means more regular assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as housework and meal preparation. It can also offer more personal care and social support.

For more information, see Level 2 Home Care Packages.

Home Care Package Level 3

For those with intermediate care needs, a Level 3 package may be appropriate. You'll get a higher level of assistance, including personal care, domestic assistance, social support and possibly nursing support.

Home Care Package Level 4

Level 4 packages are intended for older people with complex, high-level care needs. This includes comprehensive assistance with daily tasks, personal care, nursing care, and medical support, with carers potentially visiting daily.

At all package levels, Amana Living will work with you to tailor the services to meet your needs.

How Much Do Home Care Packages Cost?

The cost of a Home Care Package is shared between the Australian Government, which provides a subsidy, and the recipient, who may be asked to pay a basic daily fee. The Government subsidy varies by package level, ensuring that the support provided aligns with your care needs.

Let's break it down.

Government Support for Your Care

As of 1 July 2023, here's what the Government provides for each package level:

  • Level 1: The Government adds $28.14 daily to your package, totaling $393.96 per fortnight, to support basic care needs.
  • Level 2: For those needing a bit more support, the daily contribution is $49.49, which adds up to $692.86 every fortnight.
  • Level 3: If your needs are more complex, the Government's daily subsidy of $107.70 brings the fortnightly support to $1,507.80.
  • Level 4: For the most comprehensive care, the daily government subsidy of $163.27 ensures a fortnightly contribution of $2,285.78 to your care.

These contributions are reviewed yearly, ensuring they keep pace with the cost of providing quality care.

Your Contribution: The Basic Daily Fee

Alongside the Government's subsidy, you might contribute a basic daily fee, calculated as a percentage of the single basic age pension. This fee varies between package levels and is designed to be manageable. However, not all providers will ask for this fee, giving you some flexibility in managing your care costs.

To learn about our home care package fees, please review our Home Care Package Pricing Schedule.

What Happens to the Home Care Package Funds?

The funds from the Government don't go directly into your bank account. Instead, they are safely managed by Services Australia and allocated by your chosen Home Care Package provider. This means you can focus on your care needs, working with your provider to use these funds to best support your independence and wellbeing.

Rest assured, these funds are not considered income, so they won't affect your pension. This setup ensures that you can access the care you need, when you need it, without worrying about your financial security.

How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

To apply for a Home Care Package, you must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). A GP can make a referral, or you or a family member can self-refer by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and asking for an ACAT assessment.

The ACAT assessment is conducted in the comfort of your own home by a qualified professional, such as a nurse, social worker, or other healthcare expert. Typically spanning one to three hours, this session entails an ACAT member reviewing your health and devising a support plan outlining the care and services most beneficial for you.

We're here to help make this process as easy as possible.

Amana Living provides aged care services across Perth and regional Western Australia, offering support and guidance to individuals and families navigating the options available to them.

If you or a loved one is considering a Home Care Package, contact Amana Living to discuss how we can tailor a care plan to meet your unique needs and preferences, ensuring you receive the support you deserve.

For more information on the support available, learn about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.