Aged Care options – What is Home Care?

Home Care is designed to make it easier for you (or your loved one) to remain living as independently as possible for as long as possible. 

It can also help to reduce pressure on your family who might have been providing care to you previously. 

Home Care Packages that provide services that can include:

  • Personal care

  • Social support

  • Transport

  • Housework

  • Meal preparation

  • Gardening

  • Registered nursing care, or care by other health professionals (for example physiotherapist or podiatrist)

It is important to realise that Home Care is ‘consumer-directed care’ meaning you set the parameters for the type of care you wish to receive. 

How do I access a Home Care Package?

You will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to be able to access a Home Care Package. 

This can be arranged through your GP, the hospital (if you are an inpatient and need to organise Home Care ready for your return home) or by calling the ‘My Aged Care’ call centre on 1800 200 422.

There are four levels of Home Care Packages. The ACAT will determine the level of care (and Home Care Package) you require. 

Home Care Package Levels

 
Home package Care needs.png
 

What if I am assessed for a level four but there aren’t any packages available in my area?

If you have been approved for a level four Home Care Package, but there aren’t any of these packages available in your area, often you will be offered a lower level Home Care Package (such as a level two) in the interim.

Are Home Care Packages Government subsidised?

Yes, the current subsidies for the different Home Care Packages are outlined below:

 
Home care package Annual Gov Subsidy.png
 

Will I be charged for Home Care?

Yes, you will be charged a Basic Daily Care Fee (BDCF) & an Income Tested Fee (ITF). 

It is important to understand that Home Care is government subsidised – meaning the Government contributes a subsidy towards your care, and you will be expected to contribute towards your care too (the above fees you will be asked to pay).

Basic Daily Care Fee (BDCF)

Everyone in receipt of a Home Care Package is asked to pay the BDCF. 

The BDCF is determined by the level of package you are receiving. Depending on this level of your package, you will be asked to pay between $9.63 and $10.75 per day. 

Income Tested Fee (ITF)

The ITF is a little more complex and is determined by your financial and family (partnered or single) situation.

The ITF can be up to:

  • $0 if you are in receipt of the full Age Pension

  • $15.43 per day if you are in receipt of a part Age Pension

  • $30.86 per day if you are a self-funded retiree (not in receipt of any Age Pension)

 There are annual & lifetime caps on the ITF you will be expected to pay – speak to our team to learn more. 

Will subsidy amounts and costs change?

Yes, the subsidy rates and fees will be updated in March and September each year. 

Our team of specialists are here to help

Navigating Aged Care yourself or assisting a loved one can be an emotionally charged, overwhelming and complex time so it is important to find the right person to guide you through the process. 

To ensure you are equipped with an understanding of how to access Home Care, get in touch with the Rethink Aged Care team for our personalised service to assist you in determining your care needs. Contact us on 4962 4440.

Figures are current at the time of writing & are subject to legislative change.

Aged CareSamantha GeelanHome care, Aged care, Home care packages