Aged Care Packages in Australia are a scheme for older adults over 65 who want to be as independent as possible but still need the supportive care required.
In this blog, we will go through what you need to know about using such packages to increase the quality of life in your twilight years, what can your Home Care Package can be used for, who is eligible, and how to apply.
A Home Care Package is a Government-subsidised program that supports providing care services for older Australians to enable them to continue living independently at home for as long as possible. These packages offer a range of services that suit the needs of the person, promoting well-being and independence.
Usually, this package is targeted at elderly Australians who require assistance with the activities of daily living to enable them to continue to live fully engaged in their home and community in relative safety and good health. An assessment from the ACAT is conducted to be eligible for a Home Care Package. The assessment considers health status, mobility, and capacity to perform daily activities.
The Home Care Packages are designed with four levels of organised support, structured around the amount of funding and service support level provided. The ACAT is responsible for assessing the package levels—that is, evaluating the results and recommendations to people from the results of the ACAT assessment to determine the package level. Although the individual is funded, they can purchase several services through the available approved providers for the best services.
To access a Home Care Package based on your support, you will need an ACAT assessment, which should be arranged through My Aged Care, the government entry point for aged care services. If, following your ACAT assessment, you are approved, then you will receive a subsequent program letter of approval issued by an Aged Care Assessment Team.
The Home Care Package program has four packages; however, the funding is characterised according to the support they offer.
1. Level 1: Basic needs of care
2. Level 2: Low-level care needs
3. Level 3: Intermediate care needs
4. Level 4: High-level needs care
Home Care Package funding has diverse services that will improve the quality of life and independence of older people. Such might include:
Help with daily care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and personal grooming.
Support in participation within the community and relationships to lower one’s level of loneliness and enhance mental health.
Occupational and physiotherapy, like occupational therapists and workplace physiotherapists.
Helping to plan, prepare, and deliver meals to users while maintaining a healthy, disease-specific diet.
Products and assistance that manage continence problems.
Services for disease prevention and treatment, including careful care of the skin to maintain its health and cleanliness.
Other ways in which you can access useful Home Care Package funding include:
Home care packages may include the following costs and fees:
The Home Care Package budget is managed by the provider on behalf of and in partnership with the care receiver. The following budget is an itemised list of the government funding available and the contribution of the consumer to ensure that funds are spent with the best effect to support the care needs:
How Much Does the Government Contribute?
Example for package-level dependent contribution from the government:
Level 1: Approximately $9,000 (Annually)
Level 2: Approximately $15,750 (Annually)
Level 3: Approximately $34,250 (Annually)
Level 4: Approximately $52,000 (Annually)
In addition to this, the participants might have to make essential daily fee contributions, as well as an income-tested care fee based on their income.
By wisely utilising the aged care funding, Australian seniors may afford to stay in their homes and enhance their living standards with care. Therefore, if you or someone close to you needs a Home Care Package, the first step is to arrange an assessment with ACAT through My Aged Care to get help and look into the many services and support you can access.
