Home Care Packages (HCP) Programme

The Home Care Packages Programme is a package of home care services designed for those with more complex care needs, who may still wish to remain living independently in the comfort of their homes. There are four levels of Home Care Packages that are government-funded with which Home Instead can assist with and provide care for.

There are 4 levels of Home Care Packages available:

Level 1
Basic Care Needs

Level 2
Low-Level Care Needs

Level 3
Intermediate Care Needs

Level 4
High-Level Care Needs

IMPORTANT: WAITING FOR HOME CARE PACKAGE APPROVAL?

Across Australia, due to high levels of HCP assessments and demand, the funding approval process for Home Care Packages can have a wait list as long as 12 months. If you or a loved one is in need of urgent home care services while waiting for your Home Care Package approval and funding, Home Instead is here to help.

There is no need to wait for your Home Care Package approval before receiving any home care services. You can start receiving home care immediately or at any time through privately funded care with Home Instead. Once you are approved for a government subsidised Home Care Package, you can continue receiving care from Home Instead CAREGivers as our professional and passionate team can manage your package and give further assistance.

Get Home Care Immediately

Home Care Packages Approved Providers are private or public businesses that have met the Department of Health’s criteria for delivering high-quality home care services to eligible recipients. As a recipient of a Home Care Package, you have the freedom to choose your preferred provider and the types of services you receive. Approved Providers are required to deliver home care services as outlined in the care agreement. Your approved provider may also charge administration, case management, subscription, or other fees. Therefore, it is essential that they disclose all costs, not just their daily fees.

Note: Home Instead DOES NOT charge hidden fees – Contact us for our fees and costs.

 

Male client and his CAREGiver.

Want to switch provider? If you or your loved one is dissatisfied with the quality of home care or approved provider, you can request a change of providers through the My Aged Care or through Home Instead’s caring team at any time.

A Home Instead Care Manager can also assist with creating a custom care plan that outlines the specific services your loved one will need, as well as potential costs. This way, you can understand how their Home Care Package will be budgeted, ensuring value for money before their services begin.

Switch to Home Instead

caregiver holding a watering can smiles at on older person in a wheel chair

A level of care to suit your lifestyle!

No matter which level of Home Care Package you fall into, Home Instead can offer caring, flexible services to suit your needs. Thankfully, if you receive a government subsidised Home Care Package, you stay in complete control of:

  • Your service provider
  • Who delivers your home care services
  • The type of services you receive
  • When you receive services e.g. day and time
  • Where your services are provided (so you can receive them in the comfort of home).
You will also receive:
  • A detailed Care Plan
  • An individual budget, detailing the home care services you have chosen to receive against the value of your Home Care Package
  • A monthly statement detailing how your Home Care Package subsidy is being spent.

Get value from your Home Care Package


At Home Instead, we understand that each person living at home will have slightly different needs and wishes. That’s why we offer completely unique home care packages – so you can live at home with complete choice, flexibility and control of your care services.

All of Home Instead’s care services are available immediately – even if you’re waiting for your ACAT or ACAS assessment, or in the national prioritisation queue.

You’ll be personally assigned with a CAREGiver who can provide everything from occasional support to 24/7 care. And when your care package is decided, Home Instead is committed to maximising its value.

  • You’ll be personally matched with one of our qualified CAREGivers
  • You pick the times, days and tasks you’d like a hand with
  • You can change your package and services as you wish
  • We’re ready by the phone – 24/7 – if you need any extra support
  • There are no exit fees or daily fees, just your regular, low management fee.

If you are assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package, you will receive a letter of approval from My Aged Care. That letter sets out the level of Home Care Package you are approved to receive. The amount of government subsidy you receive increases with each level. The subsidy is paid directly to your Home Care Package provider of choice.

It is important to know that you may be required to pay a basic daily care fee and/or an income-tested care fee if you are not on a full aged pension. To find out if this might apply to you, please give us a call on 1300 008 018, and we’ll gladly run through it with you.

We recommend you arrange for a formal income assessment by the Department of Human Services after you have been assessed by an ACAT* to understand what your contribution towards your Home Care Package will be.

There may be a waiting period between being approved for a Home Care Package and being assigned a Home Care Package. My Aged Care will place you in a national priority queue for Home Care Packages and will contact you when a package becomes available for you. The time you wait before you are assigned a Home Care Package is based on your individual needs and circumstances as well as the time you have spent waiting for a Home Care Package following assessment.

Navigating the government’s Home Care Packages can be difficult. That’s why we’re committed to finding you the care you need – no matter what level or provider that’s with. If you would like some help with this process, give us a call on 1300 008 018.

*ACAT = Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. 

Your friendly CAREGiver can help with a wide variety of your domestic tasks, including:

  • Personal care – We can assist with showering, toileting, dressing, and plenty more.
  • Day-to-day tasks – If you have regular medication or tasks, your supportive CAREGiver can help manage them for you.
  • Meal preparation – Your CAREGiver can even give your favourite recipes a go, so you’ll always have a healthy, tasty and familiar meal ready for you.
  • Transport – You’ll be driven to the shops, your social outings, your appointments and more by your single, personally-assigned CAREGiver.

If you need more services than your Home Care Package provides, Home Instead can help. Simply top-up your individual budget by purchasing additional home care services as needed.

The Home Care Package is intended for:

  • Older people needing support to continue living independently in their home
  • Younger people with disabilities, dementia, or other special care needs not met through other specialist services.

There are no minimum age requirements or residency restrictions, but Home Care Packages are not intended for:

  • Visitors to Australia
  • People requiring temporary or short-term care.

To find out if you are eligible for a Home Care Package, contact My Aged Care, who will refer you to an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for an in-person assessment. They will determine your eligibility, and which Home Care level best suits your needs.

Learn more about Home Care Packages with our compassionate team

For more information on government subsidised Home Care Packages and how Home Instead can support yours or a loved ones’ needs, contact your local Home Instead office and start your in-home care journey today. Whether you only looking around and wanting to understand more, or ready to take the step towards receiving in-home care, we’re here to help.

Find your local provider

What makes Home Instead the best choice as a Home Care Package provider...

  • Our CAREGivers truly care. They are compassionate, dependable and professionally qualified, with many having cared themselves for an older friend or relative.

  • We will provide you with care that is both flexible and personal. This is our commitment to you. We offer you the best in-home care and support, tailored to suit your personal needs and preferences.

  • We are a national network of local offices providing exceptional in-home care and trusted services. We work closely with our community.