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What is a home care package?

A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-subsidised program for eligible seniors designed to help older people who want to stay at home for longer.

It lets you access long-term coordinated support services which help you continue living independently and confidently in your own home. These might include allied health services, personal care, housework, meal preparation, transport and shopping.

Our services

We offer home care services throughout NSW, Qld and the ACT. The services available can vary based on where you live, the level of care you need and if you’re eligible for government funding.

Personal care

Assistance with daily hygiene tasks such as showering, dressing and grooming

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Cleaning and household tasks

Help with cleaning and keeping your home in order

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Getting out and about

Assistance with getting you to appointments and activities in the community

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Social connection

Help with participating in the community and remaining connected socially

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Health and wellbeing support

Help with maintaining mobility through things like physio and podiatry

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Home safety and security

Help with security, safety and minor jobs around the house

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Nursing services

Help with treating and managing medical needs at home

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How does it work?

Home Care Packages are funded in two ways:

  1. Government contribution (or subsidy)
  2. Your contribution (fees and other additional costs)

If you’re approved for funding, the government pays your home care provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs. This subsidy is received by you every day, whether you use it or not. The level you’re allocated depends on your individual needs and how much support you require to remain independent at home.

Package TypeLevel Of Care NeedsApproximate Subsidy (Per Year*)
Level 1Basic$9,026
Level 2Low$15,877
Level 3Intermediate$34,550
Level 4High$52,377

*The government contribution increases each year. Package funding correct as of September 2021

How do I apply?

If you’re still living at home and need home care support, you or your carer can apply for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care.

At IRT, we’re always happy to help at any stage of the process

Step 1: Apply for an assessment

Register on My Aged Care or by phone on 1800 200 422 to check your eligibility to receive government-funded services. This quick 15 minute application is broken down into three parts:

  • Understanding your current situation
  • Capturing your personal details
  • Determining who the assessor should call to arrange the face-to face assessment.

Note: After submitting your application, an assessor will contact you within two to six weeks to arrange an assessment.

If you’re deemed eligible, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will contact you for a face-to-face assessment to further understand your situation and determine the level of support you need.

You will discuss:

  • Your current health and lifestyle
  • If you are currently receiving support
  • Any issues or concerns you may have

Step 2: Wait to be allocated a package

Post your assessment, your assessor will go away and review the information you have provided to see if you are eligible for government-funded services and, if so, which ones you’re eligible for. You will notified by letter to explain the outcome of your assessment.

Note: It usually takes two to six weeks after your assessment for you to be sent your outcome.

If you are approved for a HCP

Your assessor will work with you to develop a support plan that outlines the care and services that will best suit your needs.

Not approved for a HCP

We may still be able to organise some private home care services for you. Simply call us on 134 478 or enquire online to discuss your options.

Once you have been approved for a HCP, you will be placed in the Government’s national queue for a Home Care Package to be allocated to you. Wait times vary depending on what level of package you're approved for (see table above).

While you wait to be allocated a HCP, there are a number of things you can to do prepare:

Do an income and asset assessment

If you have been assessed as being able to contribute towards your Home Care Package, you may be asked to pay an income-tested care fee.

Talk to our home care experts

Take this time while you wait to talk to one of our friendly team members.

You’ll discuss:

  • Your needs and goals
  • Costs and fees
  • The services you would like to receive
  • Our staff

Step 3: Begin and manage your services

Once you have been assigned your Home Care Package, you have 56 days to enter into a formal agreement with your chosen provider. Remember, you can only choose one provider to manage your HCP.

Your formal agreement will outline:

  • Costs and fees
  • Your aged care rights
  • Your customer representative details

One of our dedicated customer relationship managers will meet with you quarterly to review your care plan to make sure the services you are receiving are still meeting your needs and goals.

To find out more about the full application process, visit our page which breaks down the ACAT Assessment.

If you need some guidance through the process of applying for a Home Care Package, we’re always happy to lend a hand! Just give us a call on 134 478.

Home Care Package Scenario - Bill, 87

Bill’s backstory

Bill is an 87 year old man on a full pension who lives with and supports his partner who has dementia. Bill has recently returned home from hospital with breathing and mobility issues.

He applies for a My Aged Care assessment and is approved for a Level 4 Home Care Package (government subsidy of approx. $52,377 per year)

Bill’s fees and budget

As Bill is on a full pension he is not required to pay an income tested care fee. His home care fees will only include a basic daily fee. For a level 4 Home Care Package, this will be $11.26 per day.

Bill’s basic daily fee will be added to the government subsidy to make up his total Home Care Package budget of $154.76 per day.

What does he receive?  

With an approved Level 4 package, Bill will receive approximately 15 hours per week of a variety of home care services to keep him living independently at home. These could include:

  • Weekly assistance with domestic and laundry
  • Transport, as required, which he uses to attend appointments and visit the RSL club
  • Purchase or hire of aids, as required
  • Weekly one-hour physiotherapy sessions

Want to know more about Home Care?

Home Care Packages and CHSP: what’s the difference?

When looking into home care, you’ve likely heard of the terms ‘Home Care Package’ and ‘Commonwealth Home Support Program.’ So, what’s the difference, and what option is best for you?

What is self-funded home care?

Waiting times have increased significantly for a HCP over the last couple of years. Paying for home care privately allows you to start your home care journey while you’re on the waiting list for a government funded Home Care Package.

7 benefits of home care

Getting help in the home from a qualified and skilled provider is easy once you’ve made the decision to do it. But making that decision can be tricky without knowing all the benefits that a home care service can offer.

Need help with this process?

We’d love to find out more about you to see how we can help. Our Customer Service team operates from 8:30am – 5pm 7 days a week. Call us on 134 478.

Don’t have time to call? Submit an online enquiry form and our friendly team will be in touch.

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