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What is a Home Care Package?

Writer's picture: My CompanionshipMy Companionship
Nov 20, 20234 min read

A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-funded program designed to support older Australians who wish to remain independent in their homes while receiving essential care services. These packages provide a structured yet flexible approach to aged care, ensuring individuals receive tailored support based on their unique needs.


The program is part of Australia’s broader aged care system and is particularly beneficial for seniors who require assistance with daily activities, medical care, and maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment.


A caregiver wearing a gray sweater and a striped apron stands behind an elderly person in a wheelchair, gently holding the wheelchair's handle. The elderly person, dressed in a plaid shirt, faces a bright window with sheer white curtains. A wooden bedside table with a lamp and some personal items is visible in the background, suggesting a home care setting.

How to Qualify for a Home Care Package

To receive a Home Care Package, individuals must undergo an assessment to determine their level of need. This process involves:


ACAT/ACAS Assessment


  • The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) (or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria) conducts assessments to determine eligibility for an HCP.

  • The assessment is free and involves a home visit where an assessor evaluates the individual's physical, medical, and personal care needs.


Steps in the Assessment Process


  1. Application: Register with My Aged Care online or via phone.

  2. Referral for Assessment: ACAT/ACAS contacts the applicant to schedule an in-home visit.

  3. Evaluation: The assessor reviews daily living challenges, health conditions, and support needs.

  4. Outcome Notification: The applicant receives a letter outlining their eligibility and assigned Home Care Package level.


An informational guide titled 'ACAT Assessment: Key Insights' from My Companionship. The guide explains the ACAT assessment, which determines eligibility for government-funded aged care services, including residential care, home care packages, and respite care. It outlines how to arrange an assessment through the My Aged Care website, a phone call, or a referral from a doctor. The flyer also details eligibility criteria, the assessment process, and expected wait times. A note at the bottom emphasizes that the ACAT assessment is free of charge. The design includes an illustration of a young man explaining information to an elderly woman dressed in a pink sweater. The My Companionship logo is placed at the bottom left.

Understanding the 4 Levels of Home Care Packages

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each designed to support different care needs:

  • Level 1: Basic care needs (e.g., occasional personal care and domestic assistance).

  • Level 2: Low-level care needs (e.g., regular assistance with daily tasks and social support).

  • Level 3: Intermediate care needs (e.g., more frequent personal care, nursing, and mobility assistance).

  • Level 4: High-level care needs (e.g., comprehensive support for individuals with complex medical conditions or disabilities).

Each level determines the amount of government funding allocated to the recipient for home care services.


An informational chart titled 'Home Care Packages: Levels of Support' from My Companionship. The chart presents four levels of home care support, structured in a pyramid format. Level 1 (Basic Care Needs) includes cleaning, meal preparation, and social support with an annual subsidy of $10,588.65. Level 2 (Low-Level Care Needs) covers housework, shopping assistance, and basic gardening with a subsidy of $18,622.30. Level 3 (Intermediate Care Needs) provides advanced personal care, nursing services, and allied health support with a subsidy of $40,529.60. Level 4 (High-Level Care Needs) includes complex nursing care, dementia support, and palliative care with a subsidy of $61,440.45. Each level is visually represented with heart icons indicating increasing levels of support. The My Companionship logo is at the bottom left, with a note directing readers to a detailed article on their blog.

Services Included in a Home Care Package


A Home Care Package offers a broad range of services to ensure older Australians receive the support they need to live safely at home. These services include:


An informational guide titled 'Home Care Package Inclusions and Exclusions' from My Companionship. The guide is divided into two sections: 'Inclusions' on the left, listing personal care services, domestic assistance, meal preparation, social support, transport services, clinical and allied health services, and assistive technologies. The 'Exclusions' section on the right highlights that general living expenses, medical and hospital services, entertainment, major home modifications, luxury items, and costs covered by other government programs are not included. An illustration in the center features a caregiver in a pink uniform assisting an elderly woman using a walker. The My Companionship logo is at the bottom left, with a note directing readers to a detailed article on their blog.

Consumer-Directed Care: Empowering Your Choices


Home Care Packages operate under the Consumer-Directed Care (CDC) model, which gives recipients more control over their care and service providers.


How CDC Benefits You

  • Choose your preferred service provider.

  • Decide on the type of services you receive.

  • Adjust your care plan as your needs change.

This approach ensures that care is customized to the individual's lifestyle, preferences, and evolving health conditions.


Funding and Costs of Home Care Packages


The Australian Government funds Home Care Packages based on the assigned level, but recipients may be required to contribute financially depending on their income.


Government Funding Amounts 


  • Level 1: Approx. $10,588.65 per year

  • Level 2: Approx. $18,622.30 per year

  • Level 3: Approx. $40,529.60 per year

  • Level 4: Approx. $61,440.45 per year


Recipient Contributions


  • Basic Daily Fee: Some providers may charge a small daily fee Up to $13.08 per day.

  • Income-Tested Care Fee: Based on an income assessment conducted by Services Australia.

  • Additional Contributions: Individuals can choose to pay extra for additional services if needed.


Benefits of Home Care Packages


Home Care Packages provide numerous advantages, including:


  • Promoting independence and dignity by allowing individuals to live at home comfortably.

  • Keeping seniors connected with their community, family, and friends.

  • Customizable care plans that adapt to changing health and personal needs.

  • Relief for caregivers, ensuring that family members have the support they need.


How to Get Started with a Home Care Package


If you or a loved one is interested in accessing a Home Care Package, follow these steps:


  1. Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au to register.

  2. Undergo an ACAT/ACAS Assessment: Wait for an assessor to visit and evaluate your care needs.

  3. Receive Approval and Funding Assignment: If eligible, you will receive an approval letter and be placed in the national priority system.

  4. Choose a Care Provider: Compare providers to find one that best fits your needs and budget.

  5. Develop a Care Plan: Work with your chosen provider to create a tailored support plan.

  6. Begin Receiving Services: Once everything is finalized, services can commence.


Supporting Your Loved Ones at Home


Home Care Packages are a vital resource for ageing Australians, ensuring they receive quality care while maintaining independence in their homes. With flexible service options, government funding, and consumer-directed care principles, these packages offer tailored solutions to suit individual needs.


If you or a loved one is considering a Home Care Package, start the journey today by reaching out to My Companionship for guidance and support.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

Older Australians who need assistance with daily living activities due to ageing or health conditions.


How long does it take to receive a Home Care Package?

Wait times vary, but individuals with high care needs (Level 3-4) typically receive priority.

Package Level

Approximate wait time

Level 1

3-6 Months

Level 2

6-9 Months

Level 3

9-12 Months

Level 4

12-15 Months


Can I change my service provider later?

Yes, you can switch providers if you find another one that better meets your needs.


What services are included in a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages cover personal care, nursing, domestic assistance, respite care, and home modifications. Learn more here Home Care Packages Inclusions and Exclusions.


How are Home Care Packages funded?

The government provides funding, but recipients may need to contribute based on financial assessments. Click here for details


Can I choose my service providers?

Yes, recipients can select their preferred providers under the Consumer-Directed Care model.


What is the process for applying for a Home Care Package?

Register with My Aged Care, undergo an Aged Care Assessment Team ACAT/ACAS assessment, and receive an approved package.


Are there any services not covered by Home Care Packages?

Packages do not cover rent, food (except for enteral feeding), Medicare-funded services, or gambling. Learn more here Home Care Packages Inclusions and Exclusions.



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