What are the different levels of a Home Care Package?

If you’re looking to remain in your own home while accessing in-home support, a Home Care Package might be your best option. In this article we explore the differences between each level.

What is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-subsidised package of care and support services that helps older Australians receive aged care and support in their own homes, and can be particularly beneficial for those with more complex care needs. 

As of 31 December 2021, 217,724 people had access to a home care package.

Find out more about home care packages, the services you can receive through it, and how to access a home care package.

What are the different levels of a Home Care Package?

There are four levels of home care packages that Australians can access. Each level comes with a different amount of funding. Depending on the level of support you need — ranging from basic care needs (Level 1) to high-level care needs (Level 4) — the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) team will assess and decide the best level of Home Care Package for you. Find out more about preparing for an ACAT assessment, to make sure your support needs are met.

According to MyAgedCare, here’s what a home care package includes at Level 1, 2, 3 and 4:

• Level 1 – basic care needs
  This is the “entry level” for many Australians seeking in-home aged care and support. Many people who are receiving a Level 1 home care package would have previously relied on short-term support services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. A Level 1 package provides an annual subsidy of $9,026.45
  
• Level 2 – low-level care needs
  This is the most commonly allocated home care package. A Level 2 package provides an annual subsidy of $15,877.50.
  
• Level 3 – intermediate care needs
  A Level 3 package provides an annual subsidy of $34,550.90
  
• Level 4 – high-level care needs
  A Level 4 package is allocated to individuals with high-level care needs. This package provides an annual subsidy of $52,377.50.

The government contribution changes on 1 July every year; these figures are up to date as at 1 July 2021.

Once you’ve been deemed eligible for a home care package and the ACAT team has decided which level suits you best, the next step is to choose a provider to identify your care needs and decide how you can use your home care package funding to best support you.

Your service provider coordinates and can manage your services for you on your behalf. Alternatively, you can self-manage your home care package through Mable to have complete control over who you select to provide support, at your chosen time and rates, and potentially double the hours of care and support you receive.

What can home care package funds be used for?

You can purchase many different support services with your home care package, including:

• Personal services: this includes assistance with personal activities such as hygiene maintenance, mobility and communication
• In-home support: this includes assistance with nutrition, hydration, meal preparation and support to maintain a clean home environment
• Continence management: this includes assistance using continence aids or disposable pads
• Transport: this includes assistance shopping, attending personal appointments and transport to social activities
• Mobility: this includes costs for crutches and mobility aids such as walking frames, walking sticks and mechanical devices
• Nursing, allied health and therapy services: this might include occupational therapy, psychology support, podiatry or physiotherapy

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