Asking for help doesn’t mean losing your independence
As you get older, living independently in your own home can become more difficult. If you’re finding it harder to do the things you used to, you can ask for some help at home.
Help at home looks different for different people. It may mean getting help with shopping and cooking. Or it could be receiving personal care to bathe, dress, and get in and out of bed.
Getting a little help with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for longer.
In fact, a little support can lead to a much better life.
A home care package is a coordinated package of care and services to help you to live independently in your own home for as long as you can.
Some people receive services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and are then assessed for a Home Care Package. Others will start with a Home Care Package.
Benefits
The benefit of a Home Care Package is that your home care provider will work with you to:
choose care and services that best meet your needs and goals
manage your care and services
What are Home Care Packages?
Assessment for a Home Care Package
Your Home Care Packages journey can feel overwhelming, but our friendly team are experts in supporting you every step of the way.
Step 1
If you’re over 65 years of age (age 50 if you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person) and need support to continue to live life independently call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit its website at www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Step 2
Referral to the Aged Care Assessment Team for an assessment in your home. Tell the assessor you would like services with Central Highlands Rural Health.
Step 3
Meet with a Central Highlands Rural Health Case Manager in your home to develop a care plan specific to your needs.
Step 4
Begin care.
What does it cost?
We will discuss with you the kinds of services we can provide in your Home Care Package. Then we will work with you to design a specific care plan based on your needs and provide you with a personalised Home Care Agreement.
If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, it’s important to understand what fees you may have to pay, how much the government will contribute, and how your budget works.
When you receive a Home Care Package, you have a budget to pay for the services you need. Your budget depends on your level of care, and includes contributions from you and the government.
The total amount of a Home Care Package is made up of:
The Australian Government’s contribution:
the subsidy (and supplements, if eligible)
Your contribution (the fees you may be asked to pay):
your basic daily fee (which everyone receiving a Home Care Package can be asked to pay)
your income-tested care fee (if you have been assessed as being able to contribute)
any additional fees you agree to.
Together, these funds cover your care services as well as the package management costs from your provider to organise and manage your package services.
How much does the government contribute?
The Australian Government contributes a different amount for each level of Home Care Package. The government subsidy for each package level is as follows:
$28.14
$49.49
$107.70
$163.27
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Fortnightly government contribution
Home Care
Package level
Daily government
subsidy rate
$393.96
$692.86
$1,507.80
$2,285.78
Where can I go for more information?
Go to My Aged Care which is the gateway to Australian Government-funded aged care services.
You can phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website www.myagedcare.gov.au.
You can also learn more about the Central Highlands Rural Health Home Care Package Program through the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website.