Aged Care
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government program. It provides subsidies to older Australians to support them to stay independent at home. Home Care Packages are for suitable for people who need more support, whilst the Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides support for people with lower level needs.
Whether you receive a Home Care Package or Commonwealth Home Support Programme depends on your support needs.
An assessment from My Aged Care determines these needs. However, you must also be:
- An older person 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) needs help staying home and requires coordinated services.
- A younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.
Your financial situation will not affect whether you receive a Home Care Package or CHSP. However, you might also need an income assessment from Services Australia to determine how much you may need to contribute in addition to the government subsidy.
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If you only need a little support, like one or two services, you might not need a Home Care Package. You may be more suited for help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Both programs aim to help you stay independent and live comfortably in your own home.
What are the different levels of a Home Care Package?
As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages with different funding amounts. These government funds cover basic support needs through to high care needs.
The package level assigned to you is based on your needs.
| Package level | Level of care needs |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic needs |
| Level 2 | Low needs |
| Level 3 | Intermediate care needs |
| Level 4 | High care needs |
The provider also charges fees to administer your support which are deducted from your Home Care Package fees. These will be communicated to you in your Service Agreement.
An income assessment works out if you have to pay an income tested care fee for your Home Care Package. It is undertaken by the government and is based on your income only.
How do I get started with my Home Care Package?
Once you have received your approved Home Care Package, contact your local Just Better Care office, which will work with you to create a personalised care plan. This plan will outline the specific services based on your circumstances and how often you need them. It is valuable to talk openly with Just Better Care about your support. This way, your care plan is personalised to match your preferences.
Remember, you have the right to choose your service providers and change providers at any time.
This means you can switch to Just Better Care or another provider if you feel that your current provider is not meeting your expectations. We do advise that you discuss your concerns with your provider in the first instance.
If your needs change or need more support, talk to your local Just Better Care office about your options. This may include a reassessment with My Aged Care or the option to "top up" your support privately.
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Home Care Packages
Are you an existing Home Care Package (HCP) recipient who is looking to change provider?
Download our step by step guide to changing Home Care Package Providers and switch to Just Better Care today.
Aged & Community Care Providers Association
As an ACCPA Member, Just Better Care Australia is proud to support the critical role played by ACCPA for the age services industry in caring for ageing Australians.
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Just Better Care acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We also acknowledge the diversity of Australian culture and extend our support to all individuals, regardless of culture or sexuality.