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1. What is a Home Care Package (HCP)?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-subsidized program in Australia that provides coordinated services to help older people live safely and independently at home. In simple terms, they’re designed to support older Australians who want to remain independent and continue living at home. If you're over 65 and prefer to avoid moving into residential care, a Home Care Package could be the right option.
These packages provide long-term assistance, including services like help with everyday activities, personal care, nursing, and therapy.
In this blog, we’ll explain what HCPs include, how funding works, who’s eligible, and how to apply, helping you make informed decisions for yourself or a loved one.
2. Benefits of Health Care Package:
Some of the major benefits of HCP are listed below:
1. Personalized Support:
Services are tailored to your specific health needs, lifestyle, and personal goals ensuring you get the right support at the right time.
2. Stay Independent at Home:
Receive help with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking, personal care, and transport, so you can continue living in your own home for as long as possible.
3. Flexible and Evolving Care:
As your needs change, your care plan and services can adjust providing long-term, consistent support.
4. Access to a Wide Range of Services:
From nursing care and physiotherapy to home modifications and social support, HCPs cover a broad spectrum of aged care services.
5. Government-Subsidized:
Home Care Packages are heavily subsidized by the government, making quality care more affordable.
6. Choice and Control:
You decide which providers you want to work with, what services you need, and when you want them delivered.
3. What Does a Home Care Package Include?
These packages can be used for a wide range of services, such as:
- Personal care (showering, dressing)
- Domestic Cleaning (cleaning, laundry)
- Companion Care
- Overnight Care
- Nursing Care
- Gardening
- Transportation
- Home Modification
- Physiotherapy
4. What does a Home Care Package not include?
1. General Living Expenses
- Household bills (electricity, water, gas, phone, internet)
- Basic groceries or meals (except for enteral feeding)
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Insurance premiums (e.g., home, car, health)
2. Financial/Administrative Costs
- Home Care Package fees (basic daily fee or income-tested care fee)
- Services or items already funded by:
- Medicare
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Other government programs (like NDIS or DVA)
3. Non-Essential Home Modifications
- Renovations not tied to care needs (e.g., kitchen upgrades)
- Capital items not related to mobility or safety
4. Personal Leisure & Travel
- Holiday travel or accommodation
- Club memberships (e.g., gyms, RSLs, social clubs)
- Tickets to events or entertainment subscriptions (Netflix, apps, etc.)
- Hobbies and personal interests not aligned with care goals
5. Inappropriate or Prohibited Spending
- Gambling
- Medications not prescribed or not part of the care plan (including OTC medicine)
- Anything used by family members or carers, rather than the care recipient
Home Care Packages offer a range of support services tailored to individual needs. You can explore a full list of what’s included and excluded in Home Care Packages to better understand how they can help.
5. The Four Levels of Home Care Packages
There are four levels of home Care Packages, each offering a different amount of funding based on the complexity of care required:
6. Who is Eligible for a Home Care Package?
To qualify for a aged care assessment, individuals must meet certain age and care needs criteria. You may be eligible if:
- You are 65 years or older, or
- You are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 to 64 years with care needs, or
- You are aged 50 to 64 years and homeless or at risk of homelessness with care needs.
7. How to apply for a Home Care Package?
Home Care Packages (HCPs) help older Australians stay independent at home by providing tailored support like personal care, nursing, and help with daily tasks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
1. Eligibility: You must be 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and need support to live at home. Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to check.
2. Apply for an Assessment: Apply through My Aged Care. You’ll need about 15–20 minutes, your Medicare card, and basic info An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will contact you to arrange a home visit.
3. Get Assessed: ACAT will assess your health, lifestyle, and care needs. You’ll then be told if you’re approved, what level of care you qualify for (Level 1–4), and how long you might wait for a package.
4. Understand the Costs: You may need to contribute to your care. Complete a financial assessment online, by form, or by calling My Aged Care. Providers like My Companionship can help you with this step.
5. Choose a Home Care Provider: Research local providers based on services offered, reviews, and costs.
6. Accept Your Package & Start Your Care: Once approved, you’ll get a referral code and funding level. Your chosen provider will help create a care plan based on your needs. Care is flexible and can be adjusted over time.
This process helps ensure you or your loved one can age at home with comfort and confidence.
8. How Long Does It Take to Get a Home Care Package?
Once you've been assessed and approved for a Home Care Package, the time it takes to receive your package depends on two main factors:
- Your approval date
- The priority level assigned to you during the assessment
People with higher or more urgent care needs are given priority and may receive their packages sooner.
For those assessed as medium priority, the wait times from the approval date (as of March 2025) are approximately:
9. How much does a Home Care Package Cost?
If you're eligible for a Home Care Package, it's essential to understand the costs involved, including your contributions and the government's funding. Knowing how your budget is structured helps you choose a provider that meets both your care needs and financial situation. This section outlines your payment responsibilities and the level of government support you can expect.
What fees might I have to pay?
Your contribution to your Home Care Package may include several types of fees, depending on your financial situation and the provider you choose. These can include:
1. Basic Daily Fee
This is a standard fee that providers can ask all Home Care Package recipients to pay. It’s set by the government and is calculated as a percentage of the single basic age pension (ranging from 15.68% to 17.50%, depending on your package level). The amount is reviewed every March and September in line with pension changes.
As of 20 March 2025, the basic daily fees are:
Not all providers require you to pay the Basic Daily Fee. If they do charge it, the amount is added to your total Home Care Package budget, allowing you to access more services. If the fee isn’t charged, your budget will be smaller, which may limit the support available, so it’s important to consider your care needs when deciding.
2. Income-Tested Care Fee
This is an additional fee based on your income. Services Australia decides how much you need to pay after assessing your finances.
- If you're a full pensioner or your income is below $33,849.40, you won’t have to pay this fee.
- If your income is above the following thresholds, you may have to pay up to $18.85 per day:
- Single: Over $33,849.40
- Couple (living together): Over $26,197.60
- Couple (living apart for health reasons): Over $33,173.40
- If your income is much higher, you may pay between $18.85 and $37.70 per day:
- Single: Over $65,260.00
- Couple (living together): Over $49,873.20
- Couple (living apart for health reasons): Over $64,584.00
These income limits and fee caps are reviewed and updated every March and September.
3. Additional Service Fees
Additional service fees are extra costs you agree to pay for services or care that aren’t included in your standard Home Care Package. These fees are arranged directly between you and your care provider. They should only apply if your Home Care Package budget doesn’t have enough funds to cover the additional services you've requested.
For example: Christina receives a Level 3 Home Care Package, which covers her basic personal care, housekeeping, and nursing needs. She also wants weekly hairdressing services at home and a monthly podiatry visit—services not included in her standard care plan. Her provider arranges these as additional services, and Mary agrees to pay an extra fee for them each month.
10. Tips to Manage and Optimize Home Care Package Cost:
1. Regularly review your package:
Your care needs may change over time, so it’s important to reassess your services often. This helps ensure you're only paying for what you actually need.
2. Talk openly with your provider:
Ask for a detailed explanation of what's included in your package and what might cost extra. Clear communication can help you avoid surprise fees.
3. Get Financial advice:
A financial advisor who understands aged care can help you figure out what government support you're entitled to and how to plan for any personal expenses.
Understanding how your Home Care Package costs are structured helps you make smart, informed choices. While most of the funding comes from the government, managing your own costs like additional fee and daily fees is the key.
11. Conclusion
Choosing a Home Care Package (HCP) is one of the most empowering steps you can take to remain independent, safe, and supported in your own home as you age. Funded by the Australian Government, an HCP offers tailored support services based on your unique needs and lifestyle preferences. Whether you're living alone, with a partner, or supported by family, a Home Care Package can make daily life easier and more fulfilling.
At ACC, we believe everyone deserves high-quality, compassionate care in the comfort of their own home. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step from applying for a package to managing your care plan. Let us help you make the most of your Home Care Package. Start your journey with ACC today and experience care that truly puts you first.
