What are the four levels of home care packages?
There are four levels of Home Care Packages for different care and support needs:
- Level 1 for basic care needs
- Level 2 for low-level care needs
- Level 3 for intermediate care needs
- Level 4 for high-level care needs
Each level receives a different amount of government funding (see below for fees). The higher the level, the more funding the government pays on your behalf, allowing you to access more services. Once you have had an ACAT Assessment, you will be advised which level applies to you.
What can HCP funds be used for?
You can use home care package funds to pay for a range of support that will help you to remain independent and well at home and in your community. This could include nursing care, jobs around the home, meals, personal care and social support depending on your level of funding. You’re not limited to a prescribed menu of services, we will work with you to design a personalised home care package to meet your needs.
Do you have to pay for a home care package?
The Australian government pays for the bulk of aged care in Australia. However, to receive help at home through the government’s home care packages you may need to contribute towards one of both of the following:
- An income tested fee, which is determined by the Department of Human Services. This fee is means-tested and payable if your income is over a certain amount
- A basic daily fee, which is a contribution towards your care, and is calculated as a percentage of your aged pension. UCWB does not charge home care package clients the basic daily fee.
| Fees charged to your package | Weekdays 6am to 8pm (per hour) | Weekdays 8pm to 12pm (per hour) | Saturday (per hour) | Sunday (per hour) | Public Holidays (per hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal care | $85.19 | $92.40 | $118.39 | $145.93 | $180.50 |
| Personal care (30-min) | $59.06 | $65.63 | $82.04 | $101.72 | $124.69 |
| Domestic assistance | $83.97 | $91.08 | $116.70 | $143.84 | $177.92 |
| Domestic assistance (30-min) | $58.22 | $64.68 | $80.86 | $100.27 | $122.90 |
| Registered Nursing | $160.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Registered Nursing (30-min) | $110.00 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Social support | $85.19 | $92.40 | $118.39 | $145.93 | $180.50 |
| Social support (30-min) | $59.06 | $65.63 | $82.04 | $101.72 | $124.69 |
| Gardening and home maintenance | $93.85 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| In-home respite | $85.19 | $92.40 | $118.39 | $145.93 | $180.50 |
| Social group | $112.00 per 4-hr session | ||||
| Allied Health Services | Please discuss with your coordinator | ||||
| Nursing Assessment | Please discuss with your coordinator |
| Other fees | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | |
| Package management fee (per fortnight) | $56.86 | $92.86 | $186.55 | $259.23 |
| Care management fee (per fortnight) | $77.17 | $135.71 | $295.37 | $447.76 |
| Transport costs (charged when driving you or on your behalf) | $1.50 per km | $1.50 per km | $1.50 per km | $1.50 per km |