Home Care Packages in 2022: Guidelines, Eligibility, and FAQs

The Australian government funds Home Care Packages to provide Australian citizens with access to affordable home care.

This helping hand has proven a lifeline for many, allowing them to maintain their independence despite any physical or mental disadvantages/disabilities they may have.

This article will give you all you need to know about the criteria for the packages, what they will (and won't) pay for, and then answer a few of the more commonly asked questions about them.

Who can apply for Home Care Funding?

To be eligible to receive Home Care Package funding from the Australian government, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The criteria vary depending on your age and whether or not you have a disability.

You can apply if:

- You are 65 years of age or older, even if you don't have any disabilities

- You are between 16 and 64 years of age and have a physical or mental condition preventing you from performing everyday tasks

- You are under 16 years of age and have a disability

Home Care Package levels

The Home Care Package levels range from level 1 to level 4, each with different care and support needs. The degree to which you are accepted for a Home Care Package will be determined by the conclusion of your Aged Care Assessment.

A Level 1 Home Care Package offers a low amount of funding, enough to pay for a few hours of care and support each week.

A Level 4 Home Care Package is the most comprehensive option and is meant to help someone who requires a significant level of assistance to remain at home.

Package Levels of care needs

Level 1 Basic care needs – $9,026.45 a year

Level 2 Low care needs – $15,877.50 a year

Level 3 Intermediate care needs – $34,550.90 a year

Level 4 High care needs – $52,377.50 a year

What home care services will the Home Care Package cover?

The Home Care Package guidelines say they can be used to pay for home modifications, personal care, home nursing, meal delivery, equipment hire and respite care.

Personal care services include home help with everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundry and grocery shopping.

Home modifications can be anything from home ramps to grab rails, while equipment hire includes items like wheelchairs and hospital beds.

Meal delivery is where you get home-cooked meals brought straight to your home, and the home nursing service pays for a home nurse to come and administer care.

What will the Home Care Packages not cover?

The Home Care Package funds will not cover cosmetic home modifications, such as installing new tiles on the floor of your home.

Nor will they cover luxuries or entertainment you would typically be expected to pay for yourself (so you still have to pay for your own beer!)

What Home Care Services are already covered by other funds?

The Home Care Package funds will not replace any other existing home support services, Medicare benefits schedule or pharmaceutical benefits scheme you receive.

FAQ's

How do I apply?

If you are 65 years of age or older, contact Aged Care Services or the nearest Centrelink office.

If you are between 16 and 64 years of age with a disability, complete an "application for home-based aged care" form. Your chosen service provider will first need to certify that you meet eligibility criteria.

If you are under 16 and have a disability, make sure you first talk to someone at NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) on 1800 800 110 before applying for Home Care Funding.

What happens after I apply?

The Aged Care Assessment Team will consider your request and decide whether you are eligible to receive Home Care Funding.

If Home Care Services are being funded, you will need to register with one of the Home Care Package providers in your area.

Who chooses my service provider?

A suitable local provider can be recommended, or you may choose your own.

Do I have to pay anything for my Home Care Package?

If you can afford it, you're expected to pay towards the cost of your care. There are three sorts of fees involved in your contribution:

1. Basic daily fee (up to $11.02 from 20 September 2021)
2. Income-tested care fee (up to $31.63 from 20 September 2021)

Some people may be required to pay an income-tested care fee as well. The Services Australia uses a formal income evaluation to determine if you must pay this charge and how much of it you will have to pay.

For further information, please consult the aged care website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/.