A Home Care Package is government-funded support for older Australians who need help at home. It is allocated by assessed need, not by who asks loudest. The package is not cash in your hand. It is a budget held by an approved provider, who delivers the services and charges against it.
The short version
- There are four package levels, from basic to high care.
- An assessment decides your level, not your provider.
- You can choose an approved provider and change if the fit is wrong.
- Ask for the fee schedule and the care plan in writing.
The four levels
Level 1 is basic support. Level 2 is low-level care. Level 3 is intermediate. Level 4 is high-level care. The level reflects the amount and complexity of support you need, not the quality of the provider you choose.
The funding is not the same as a salary. It is a budget that pays for services, case management and the provider's administration. That is why two providers can offer different hours for the same package level.
What a package can pay for
Personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, shopping, transport, gardening, nursing and social support can all sit inside a care plan, depending on what the assessment approved. The provider must deliver what is in the plan and keep records.
Some things, like home modifications or equipment, may need a separate pathway. Ask your provider what is covered and what is not before you assume.
The fees to ask about
- The basic daily fee, if it applies to you.
- The income-tested care fee, if Services Australia has assessed one.
- The provider's hourly rates for each service.
- Case management and administration charges.
- Cancellation and exit arrangements.
Ask for the numbers in writing. "It depends" is not a fee schedule.
Choosing a provider
Ask about staff continuity, the same carer wherever possible, how they handle a missed shift, and how often they review the plan. A provider who cannot explain their fees clearly will not become clearer once you sign.
Home Care Packages and Support at Home
Support at Home is replacing Home Care Packages over time. The two programs have different rules, so do not assume a package will transfer unchanged. Check myagedcare.gov.au for the current position, then ask a provider what it means for your plan.
While you wait
Private care can fill the gap. It does not need an assessment and can start quickly. Many people use a small amount of private support while they wait, then reduce it when the package begins.
Common questions
How long is the wait for a package?
It depends on your assessment, your level and where you live. Ask My Aged Care for the current estimate and follow up regularly.
Can I use private care while I wait?
Yes. Private care can start immediately and change when your package is approved. It is a common way to bridge the gap.
Can I change providers?
Generally, yes. Ask both providers about the exit process, any outstanding fees and how your records will be transferred.
Can I use my package for cleaning?
If domestic assistance is in your care plan, yes. Ask your provider to confirm how many hours the budget covers.
What happens to unspent funds?
Ask your provider. The rules depend on the program and the provider's arrangements. Get the answer in writing.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.