What Is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a coordinated program of care and services to help older Australians live independently in their own home for as long as possible. Funded by the Australian Government, these packages provide subsidised support ranging from help with household tasks to complex medical and nursing care.
Home Care Packages are consumer-directed, meaning you have a say in what services you receive and which approved provider manages your package.
The Four Levels of Home Care Packages
Packages are divided into four levels based on assessed care needs:
| Level | Care Needs | Annual Government Subsidy (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs | Around $10,000 |
| Level 2 | Low-level care needs | Around $17,000 |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs | Around $37,000 |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs | Around $56,000 |
Note: Subsidy amounts are reviewed periodically by the government. Check My Aged Care for the most current figures.
What Services Can a Home Care Package Cover?
Depending on your assessed needs and the package level, services can include:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Nursing and allied health services
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
- Social support and transport to appointments
- Home modifications (handrails, ramps)
- Respite care for carers
- Continence aids and other assistive products
How to Apply for a Home Care Package
- Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website. Register and request an assessment.
- Undergo an ACAT assessment: An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessor will visit your home to assess your care needs and determine what level of support you require.
- Receive your approval letter: If approved, you'll receive a letter confirming your assigned package level and your place in the national priority queue.
- Wait for a package to be assigned: Due to demand, there may be a waiting period before a package becomes available. During this time, you may be eligible for lower-level interim support.
- Choose an approved provider: Once assigned a package, you select a provider from the My Aged Care Find a Provider tool to manage and deliver your services.
What Does a Home Care Package Cost You?
The government pays the bulk of the cost, but you may be asked to contribute:
- Basic daily fee: Up to a set percentage of the basic age pension (not everyone is charged this).
- Income-tested care fee: For people with higher incomes, an additional fee may apply, assessed by Services Australia based on your income.
There is an annual and lifetime cap on the income-tested care fee, protecting people from unlimited charges over time.
Consumer-Directed Care: Your Rights
Under the consumer-directed care model, you have the right to:
- Choose your own provider and change providers if you're not satisfied
- Have input into your care plan and the services you receive
- Receive a monthly statement showing how your package funds are being spent
- Direct unspent funds toward other approved services
For personalised advice, contact My Aged Care directly or speak with an aged care financial information officer through the free Aged Care Financial Advice service.