Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages (HCP) are one of the ways that older Australians can access affordable care services to get some help at home. They are designed for those with more complex care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide.

Home Care Packages can be an option if you need a coordinated approach to the delivery of your help at home - perhaps because you need help with many everyday tasks, or the care you need is more complex or intensive.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through a face-to-face assessment, but you must also be:

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

How does it work?

You choose a service provider that is right for you. The government then pays your provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs.

• Level 1 (approx. 1-2 hours a week on average)
• Level 2 (approx. 4-6 hours a week on average)
• Level 3 (approx. 7-9 hours a week on average)
• Level 4 (approx. 14-20 hours a week on average)

What will it cost me?

You’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care. Your contribution is made up of three types of fees:

1. Basic daily fee
   Your provider may ask you to pay a basic daily fee based on your home care package level.
2. Income-tested care fee
   Some people may also have to pay an income-tested care fee. Whether you pay it, and how much of it you pay, is determined through a formal income assessment from the Services Australia. If you have to pay this fee, there are annual and lifetime limits on how much you can be asked to pay.
3. Additional fees
   Any other amount you have agreed to pay for extra care and services that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by your Home Care Package. You can read more about the fees, caps, and how to use your package funds on My Aged Care Home Care Package costs and fees page.
   To get an estimate of the fees you may be asked to pay, use the fee estimator.

If you would like more information, please contact Barcaldine Regional Council Community Care Services / NDIS.

Click here for contact details