Understanding Home Care Package Level 1

Could a little extra support make daily life easier? A Home Care Package Level 1 offers essential services like cleaning, personal care, and transport—helping you stay independent and comfortable at home. But what is a level 1 home care package? What is included in the level 1 health Care Package? Let’s find it out.

What is a home care package?

Home care Packages are care services funded by the Australian Government to support and help citizens live independently. They help with everyday tasks such as laundry, taking care of yourself, grocery shopping, and more.

Home care packages are available at different levels:

• Basic care needs(Level 1)

• Low-level care needs (Level 2)

• Intermediate care needs (Level 3)

• High-level care needs (Level 4)

  
  

What is a Level 1 Home Care Package 

A Level 1 Home care package is designed for individuals who need basic support for their independence. The entry-level tier offers essential services like Domestic assistance, personal care, transport, and social support. 

What’s Included in Level 1 Home Care Package?

The services included in Home Care Package Level 1 are:

• Personal Care

• Domestic Assistance 

• Transport Services

• Social Support

• Nursing Care

• Meal Preparation

• Home Maintenance

  
  

Eligibility for Home Care Package Level 1 

There are few Eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government like:

• To be eligible an individual should be 65 years or older (50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)

• Individuals less than 65 years, are also eligible if they have a disability, dementia, or other specific care needs that cannot be met through other services. 

• Assessment process (ACAT or RAS assessment) will happen to evaluate your health, mobility, social support, and ability to perform daily tasks.

  
  

How much is level 1 home care package?

 Here is the breakdown of the cost which are reviewed by the Australian  government and are subjected to change:

Level 1	Cost
Government Funding	Approximately $10,687 per year (as of Feb 2025)
Basic Fortnightly Fee	Up to $409  (set by the government)
Income-tested care fee	0 to 32.15 per day (with annual and lifetime caps)
Additional costs	For services exceeding package funding
Domestic Assistance	social activities, hobbies, cleaning, laundry, and basic home activities
Social Support	Support for social activities that keeps the person involved in their community
Meal Preparation	Help with planning and preparing meals
Shopping	Assist the  grocery shopping
Transport	Medical appointments and social engagements
Medication Management	Ensuring medication administration and monitoring
Allied Health Support	Helps with personal care and home clean and tidy
Personal Care	Help to conduct the basic activities
Aids and Appliances	Help in using aids like walkers, shower chairs, and other mobility aids

Benefits of Home Care Package Level 1 

A Home care package Level 1 provides essential support for individuals who opt for low-level assistance to continue living independently. The other few benefits are mentioned below:

• Improved quality of life for seniors

With the essential support services, seniors receiving a Level 1 Home Care Package can enjoy safe personal care, Domestic assistance, Meal preparation as well as shopping assistance.

• Ability to remain independent at home

A Level 1 Home care package allows individuals to live on their own doing, engaging themselves in social activities, hobbies,community activities, and companionship.  The household task, personal care assists in making home safe and liveable.

• Tailored care plans to meet individual needs

Level 1 Home Care Package is personalized to a person's specific needs. From cleaning, gardening and meal preparation to social support, the care plan is designed to ensure comfort with the right level of support.

• Support for family caregivers

Home care services provide relief for family members as they have peace of mind knowing health packages help with showering, getting ready in the morning, and continence management. 

Level 1 health care supports help in keeping home clean and tidy. It also ensures caretakers eat nutritious and nourishing food.

• Flexibility to adjust services as needs change

Health and lifestyles fluctuate, so adjusting the home care packages offers flexibility to modify services.  From Personal care, Domestic assistance,Shopping assistance and transport  appointments to nursing care. If additional support is required over time, individuals may transition to higher levels  with necessity .

How to Get Started with Home Care Package Level 1

A home Care package (HCP) Level 1 Provides basic support for older Australians to live independently at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply and manage your package.

• Step 1: Contact My Aged Care to request an assessment

Call My Aged Care (1800 200 422) or visit their website to request an assessment. After the request, they will inquire about the current situation, health, and support needs. If eligible, they will arrange for an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS) to visit you.

• Step 2: Undergo an Assessment

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS) is free and takes place in your home or hospital. The assessor will discuss your needs, preferences, available support, and the Level of care from (HCP Level 1-4).

Step 3: Wait for Approval and National Queue Placement

After your assessment, you’ll receive a letter confirming your Home Care Package level (e.g., Level 1 for basic care). You’ll be placed in a national priority queue and wait time can range from 3-12+ months.

Step 4: Choose a Home Care Provider

Once assigned a package,  you’ll receive a letter with your referral code. Choose a provider based on services, fees, and flexibility.

Step 5: Create a Care Plan

Contact your preferred provider, develop the personalised care plan. Allocate your budget, discuss the cost, government subsidies and at last  give the referral code to begin with the services.

 What to Expect During the Assessment

• A friendly discussion about your health, mobility, and daily needs.

• Questions about your ability to manage household tasks, personal care, and social activities.

• The assessor may also talk to family members or carers if needed.

Tips for Managing Your Home Care Package

There are a few important criteria to acknowledge to manage your home care package:

• Understand your Budget:  Always know the total amount of funding available and its use efficiently. 

• Compare providers: Choose a service like My Companionship that offers quality care at reasonable fees.

• Stay informed: Regularly review your care plan and make adjustments if your needs change.

• Ask questions: Ensure you fully understand the services, fees, and inclusions.

How We can Help?

Home Care package Level 1  provides the essential support to help individuals maintain their independence and well- being. Being Careful to manage budget, selecting a reliable provider and staying informed about your care plan, you can maximize the benefits.

Explore home care options and ensure you receive personalized care plans to support and enhance your quality of life. Choosing a trusted provider that allows you to access high-quality care tailored to your specific needs.

If you are ready to take the next step in securing the right home care services,  My Companionship is here to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the primary difference between Home Care Package Level 1 and Level 2?

The primary difference between Home Care Package Level 1 and Level 2 is the level of care required and the amount of government funding provided.

Level 1 is designed for basic care needs and provides approximately $10,000 per year in funding. 

Level 2 is for low-level care needs and provides around $15,000 per year.

2. Can I upgrade from Level 1 to a higher level if my needs change?

Yes, you can upgrade. You should reUquest a reassessment by ACAT or RAS and if approved you can upgrade to a higher-level package.

 3. How long does it take to get approved for a Home Care Package?

The approval process can take several weeks to months, depending on the availability of assessments and the demand for packages. 

4. What happens if I don’t use all the funds in my package?

Unused funds roll over to the next month but cannot keep them forever. It’s important to use your funds effectively for the different services you need.

5. What if I’m not happy with the services provided?

If you’re not satisfied, you can discuss your concerns with your provider, request a change of provider, or contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.