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Commence a Home Care Package
We recommend that you start a Home Care Package to help you remain in your home with the support of in-home services. There is a formal process that you need to complete with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to have your Home Care Package approved, as outlined in the diagram below. You will need to start the process by making a time with the DHS to get a care assessment that will determine the level of care you require, and by completing an income assessment form if required. We will then need to find a service to match your needs. Once your home care package is approved, you can enter into an agreement with your chosen service provider. The fee that you pay and the services you receive depend on:
Your income test assessment as calculated by the Department of Human Services and; Your needs as determined by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) – Level 1 – 4.
If the fees from your selected provider exceed your contribution, the government will pay the balance. We estimate that you will pay a Basic Daily fee of $XXX <as well as an Income-Tested fee of $X per day>. Your total contribution is estimated to be $X per day / $X per annum.
Care assessment
Choose care provider
Home care package approved
Home care agreement
Manage Services
Benefits:
You will be able to stay in the comfort of your own home. The Home Care package provides personal care, clinical care and support services dependant on the level of care you need. [If full age pension recipient] As you receive a full age pension, you only need to pay the Basic Daily fee for these services. You have the flexibility to choose a service provider to match your needs. [Fee payer] The annual and lifetime caps on income tested fees can help manage the fees you pay. The government gives you a list of approved services that are monitored for quality.
Points to Consider:
The Home Care Package approval process can take up to 12 months or more. If you need help in the meantime, there are ad-hoc homes services available to you. The fee you pay is determined by the Department of Human Services and will reduce the income you have available for your normal living expenses. [Fee payer] You will have to pay a fee in addition to the Basic Daily Fee for the in-home services provided. [Fee payer] You must complete the Income Assessment form and submit to the Department of Human Services for assessment. If you do not, you may have to pay the maximum rate of $32.30 per day ($11,789.50 p.a.) in additional to the Basic Daily fee. All payment rates and means tested fees are updated quarterly in line with the DHS payments on the 1 January, 20 March, 1 July and 20 September. This means your fees can change quarterly. Annual caps are reviewed twice per year on 20 March and 20 September.
Additional Resources:
My Aged Care (Government service) 1800 200 422 https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
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