So you’ve probably heard a lot about Home Care Packages in recent budget updates and policy announcements. Unfortunately, the official government website can be quite convoluted but the process is actually fairly simple.

So, what’s a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages are designed to provide older Australians that have complex needs with the care required to ensure that they’re able to continue to live independently at home. A Home Care Package can bundle up lots of services and ensure that they’re delivered by a single provider, dramatically simplifying the service booking process.

These services include personal care, nursing, allied health etc. They can also assist with home related care, such as cleaning or fitting your home with the required modifications or assistive technology.

Home Care Packages can also include transport and social support, helping you to keep in contact with your community.

How are they funded?

Home Care Packages are co-funded by the government, based on what you can afford. There’s a basic daily fee, plus an income-tested care fee, determined by Services Australia. (For more information on HCP fees, check out our article on it here.)

To be eligible, you must be either:

• An older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home
• A younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services

Your care needs are determined through a face-to-face assessment. Your eligibility isn’t affected by your financial situation, but your co-contribution will vary depending on your financial status.

You can apply for an assessment here.

How is the plan managed?

Similar to the NDIS, you can elect to have a plan manager coordinate your services, or you can self-manage your funding.

Explore the services you can receive through your Home Care Package, using tappON.