Home Care Questions

What is a level 2 home care package?

A level 2 home care package is a government-funded package of care that provides a low level of care needs. The services can help you live independently in your home. Some of the services that can be covered with a level 2 home care package are personal care, domestic assistance, social support, meal preparation, and transport. It is designed to meet your personal needs.

What is a level 4 home care package?

A level 4 home care package is intended to support people with high-level care needs so that they can continue to live at home safely. Some of the things that might be covered with a level 4 home care package are personal care, assistance with aids or appliances, medication management, allied health support, and support regarding changes in memory and behavior.

What are the differences between a home care package and HACC/CHSP services?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the HACC services are designed to assist you if you are frail or have a disability that prevents you from living independently. CHSP and HACC also provide a range of basic services such as domestic assistance, nursing care, and home maintenance in order to support you with your everyday tasks. 

However, a home care package (HCP) offers a higher level of support for more complex needs. There are 4 levels of Home Care Packages. 

To receive a home care package, you will need to be assessed by aged care assessment services (ACAS). A doctor, nurse, or social worker will visit to assess your care needs at home. Services that are covered by home care packages include social support, personal care assistance, and home modification if required.

How do you know if a home care provider is good?

There are many factors to consider when trying to find a home care provider. 

• You may want to use the attached checklist to compare home care providers

 Checklist found here

• You will need to research whether home care providers are able to provide services that are necessary and/or important to you. 
• You may also want to consider where the provider is located and do they have knowledge of your local area, support groups, and other services
• You may also be expected to contribute to the costs of your services and knowing how much each service costs and what type of services you can receive can help you get the most out of your home care package. 
• It is good to discuss any care preferences you may have regarding culturally specific care

What assessment is required for a level 4 home care package?

Level 4 Home Care Packages are designed to assist people with high-level or complex care needs to continue living at home safely. 

To access a level 4 home care package, an assessment is required to assess your suitability by Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS). A home care package is not suitable for visitors to Australia or people requiring short-term or temporary care.

To get started, you first need to contact My Aged Care and request an assessment

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-home/home-care-packages

What funding does a level 3 home care package provide?

The cost of a home care package is made up of

• What you pay (your contribution)
• What the Aus. The government pays (the subsidy)

The subsidy paid by the Australian Government is up to approx. $33,000 per year for a level 3 home care package. The individual amount will vary depending on whether you’re asked to pay an income-tested care fee.

How much is the subsidy for a level 2 home care package?

The cost of a home care package is made up of

• What you pay (your contribution)
• What the Aus. The government pays (the subsidy)

The subsidy paid by the Australian Government is up to approx. $15,000 per year for a level 2 home care package. The individual amount will vary depending on whether you’re asked to pay an income-tested care fee.

Does a level 4 home care package cover a pressure care mattress?

Yes, some aids and equipment that are directly associated with your care needs can be purchased using funds from your package budget. Home Care Level 3 and 4 packages have a greater emphasis on delivering complex care in the home. You can read more about aids and equipment on this link

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-home/home-care-packages/aids-and-equipment

What are the subsidy rates in 2018 for a home care package?

The total cost of a home care package is made up of

• What you need to pay (your contribution)
• What the Australian Government pays (the subsidy).

The Australian Government pays a different subsidy amount for each level of the home care package. This amount is paid to the home care provider you choose such as Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne.

What funding does a level 4 home care package provide?

The cost a home care package is made up of

• What you pay (your contribution)
• What the Aus. The government pays (the subsidy)

The subsidy paid by the Australian Government is up to approx. $50,250 per year for a level 4 home care package. The individual amount will vary depending on whether you’re asked to pay an income-tested care fee.

What home care packages are available in Melbourne?

Home care packages are coordinated packages of care and services to help you live independently in your home for as long as you can. 

The Australian Government pays a subsidy amount to the home care provider (like Home Care Assistance) that you choose. There are 4 levels of home care packages to help meet the different levels of care needs, and these packages can be used by any Australian citizen across Australia.

Where can I find information about a level 2 home care package on My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is a great resource for in-home care. From time to time, they will update their information and provide resources for assessment.

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-home/home-care-packages/about-home-care-packages

What is a level 3 home care package?

A level 3 home care package is designed to support people with intermediate care needs. You may be eligible to receive assistance for personal care, social support, allied health support, and medication management.

Which aged care providers provide home care packages?

There are over 369 licensed home and community care providers like Home Care Assistance in Victoria.

For more information, you can visit

https://agedcare.health.gov.au/programs/home-care/researching-home-care-providers-considerations-and-checklist

How many hours are in a level 2 home care package?

A level 2 home care package provides roughly 7-9 hours a week of care.

Is a level 3 home care package available in Tasmania?

Yes, 11 providers are able to provide a level 3 home care package in Tasmania. A full list is available here.

https://www.agedcareonline.com.au/home-and-community-care/tasmania?type=home-care-packages-level-3

Who can provide a level 3 home care package?

Any approved providers like Home Care Assistance are able to provide a level 3 home care package. A full list is found on the aged care online website.

What is a home care package and what are the 4 levels of packages available to clients?

A home care package is a coordinated package of care and services which help you live independently in your own home. There are four levels of home care packages to help meet the different levels of care needs. 

A level 1 home care package provides basic care needs, a level 2 home care package provides low-level care needs, a level 3 home care package provides intermediate care needs, and a level 4 home care package provides high-level care needs.

It is expected that more people will be assessed as eligible for a lower-level package, with a smaller number being assessed as needing higher-level packages.

Which providers offer a level 2 home care package?

Any licensed provider can offer a level 2 home care package. A full list is available on the aged care online website.

Is there a PowerPoint presentation regarding home care packages available?

No, there is no PowerPoint presentation regarding home care packages available. However, more information can be found here

https://www.agedcareonline.com.au/aged-care-online/understanding-aged-care/your-guide-to-home-care

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-home/home-care-packages/about-home-care-packages

How can I get services under a home care package?

If you need a coordinated package of care and services to help you live independently in your own home. You may be eligible for a government-funded home care package.

• You can arrange an assessment of your needs in your home by an ACAS member by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Receive the outcome of your assessment- then you will receive confirmation of your eligibility to receive a home care package
• Research home care providers and work out costs- and start making enquiries about different providers, services you like, and how much it will cost
• Be assigned a home care package- you will receive a letter that you have been assigned a home care package and a unique referral code
• Enter into a home care agreement- Once you receive the letter, you have 56 days to find a provider like Home Care Assistance, develop a care plan and sign a home care agreement
• Manage services- We have years of experience in providing services, so we can work with you to understand your options and help you get the most out of your package. Call us on 03 9005 1159 (Home Care Assistance South East Melbourne). We’ll guide you through the process and help you access the home services you need.