Home Care Packages
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-funded program that is designed assist people with more complex care needs than those using the CHSP. Some of the services available under the Home Care Package program include:
- Personal care, including washing and nursing services
- Support around the home, including cleaning, home modifications and some gardening
- Assistance in the community, including helping you complete your shopping, and transport services to keep you socially connected
For the most up to date list of services that are included (and not included) in a Home Care Package, please visit the My Aged Care website.
What are the different types of Home Care Package?
There are four levels of Home Care Packages available, which are designed to meet different care needs. The level of package you are approved for determines the level of government funding you will receive:
- Level 1: $10,588.65 per year
- Level 2: $18,622.30 per year
- Level 3: $40,529.60 per year
- Level 4: $61,440.45 per year
(note: these figures are accurate as of 1 July 2024)
The federal government pays this money directly to your home care provider, who will then work with you to arrange the services you need in line with your Home Care Agreement.
A Home Care Agreement sets out how your services will be provided, who will provide them and how much they will cost. Your home care provider has a responsibility to help you understand the terms of your Home Care Agreement, and AccessCare is committed to ensuring our clients are completely happy with their package before they are finalised.
Additionally, if you choose AccessCare as your home care provider, you will be partnered with your own Aged Care Advisor, regardless of which level of Home Care Package you have. Your Aged Care Advisor’s job it is to help you identify your care goals and create a support plan that works toward achieving them. Your Aged Care Advisor is there to answer any questions you have, help you access the services you need from high quality health professionals and assist you to update your care plan as your needs change.
Find out more about the difference between care managed and self-managed care on this page.
Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?
To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must be aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). AccessCare currently provides Home Care Packages to people living in the Local Government Areas of Kingston, Bayside, Glen Eira, Stonnington and Port Phillip.
How do you apply for a Home Care Package?
Applying for a Home Care Package requires you to first complete an assessment through My Aged Care. Once you are assigned a Home Care Package, you will have 56 days to choose a home care provider.
You can find out more about how to apply for a Home Care Package on this page.
How much does a Home Care Package cost?
While the federal government subsidises the cost of Home Care Packages, you may be required to make a small contribution to cover necessary fees. These include:
- Basic daily fee
- Income-tested care fee (this is an extra contribution that some people as it is based on an income assessment – do note that full pensioners do not pay this fee)
- Home care fee
For more information about what out-of-pocket expenses you may have, please visit the My Aged Care website.
More information
Our friendly team is here to help you, so if you have any questions about Home Care Packages, please get in touch by calling 1300 819 200.
FAQs
How much do services costs?
How can I track how much I’m spending each month?
You will receive monthly statements which show how your Home Care Package budget is being spent. The statement will include the income and expenditure for the package and also any unspent home care amount so you can keep track of your spending.
Any unspent funds can be carried over for as long as you continue to receive care under the package.
Will my Home Care Package affect my pension?
No, your Home Care Package funding will not affect your funding as this money does not count as income.
How do I apply for home care?
You can find out more about how to apply for a Home Care Package on this page.