FAQ

• Transport– help to get out and about into the community such as attending medical appointments, shopping or visiting family and friends.
• Domestic assistance– General house cleaning such as vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom.
• Personal care– help with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care, and going to the toilet.
• Specialised support services – Assistance with registration to My Aged Care and guidance to access services through other CHSP providers. Please read more about it here.

Selecting the right service provider is crucial. The government subsidises your chosen provider to organise a tailored package of care services to suit your individual needs. Given the diversity in care requirements, there are four Home Care Package levels, each with varying funding amounts addressing basic to high care needs.

Package Levels:

Level 1: Basic care needs

Level 2: Low care needs

Level 3: Intermediate care needs

Level 4: High care needs

Your assigned package level depends on your unique needs. Collaborate with your chosen provider to assess your care requirements and strategically allocate your package funding. Your service provider will efficiently coordinate and manage your services on your behalf. For more information, please visit https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages

Home Care Packages offer flexibility to include a variety of care, and services tailored to your specific needs. Collaborating with your provider, it’s essential to determine if a particular care or service aligns with the following criteria:

Direct Link to Care Needs and Goals:
Ensure that the care or service is directly associated with your identified care needs and goals, fostering a personalised approach to your well-being.

Health and Wellbeing Improvement:
Assess whether the care or service contributes to the improvement of your health and overall wellbeing, enhancing your quality of life.

Safety and Independence:
Verify if the care or service is essential for you to continue living safely and independently in the comfort of your home, promoting a sense of security.

Budget Alignment
Confirm that the proposed care or service can be effectively delivered within the constraints of your Home Care Package budget, ensuring financial feasibility.

Government Fund Appropriateness
Evaluate if the care or service would be considered an acceptable use of government funds, aligning with regulatory guidelines.

It’s crucial to note that while Home Care Packages are comprehensive, they should not replace care and services accessible through other health programs for which you might be eligible. Continuing to access these services, as required, through your GP and hospitals is essential to complement the holistic approach to your health and well-being.

Personal Aged Care Services

Bathing, Hygiene, and Grooming: Maintain personal hygiene and grooming standards with our assistance, tailored to your needs.

Health and Therapeutic Support

Nursing: Receive at-home care for the treatment and monitoring of medical conditions.

Therapies (Podiatry, Physiotherapy, etc.): Maintain movement and mobility with specialised therapeutic support.

Nutritional Support

Meals and Food Preparation: Ensure a balanced diet with our assistance, promoting overall well-being.

Home Maintenance and Chores: Cleaning, Laundry, and Household Chores: Keep your home clean and liveable with our reliable support.

Home or Garden Maintenance: Ensure a safe and comfortable living environment.

Adaptations for Independence

Changes to Your Home: Make adjustments to increase or maintain your ability to move around safely and independently.

Assistive Devices and Transport

Aids to Stay Independent: Receive support with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations.

Transport: Access transportation services for appointments and community activities.

Social Connection

Social Outings, Groups, and Visitors: Stay socially engaged with our services, fostering a sense of community and interaction.

These Aged Care services are designed to cater to your unique needs, providing comprehensive support to enhance your well-being and maintain an independent lifestyle at home.

Home Care Packages play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. These packages provide tailored support, from practical daily assistance to specialised care, allowing individuals to age gracefully in the comfort of their homes. 

If you’re concerned about affording aged care costs, you can explore financial hardship assistance. My Aged Care offers a  financial hardship assistance program  to help individuals who may struggle to cover the costs of home care, residential respite care, or permanent residential care. If you are eligible for this assistance, the Australian Government may subsidise some or all your aged care costs, making it more affordable. For those already receiving care through another aged care program, it’s advisable to reach out to your provider to discuss financial hardship options.

To access My Aged Care support services, follow these steps:

Visit the  My Aged Care Website  to find detailed information on how to access aged care services.

You can initiate the process by applying for an assessment online. This assessment will determine your eligibility for aged care services. After your assessment, you can search for local aged care providers that match your needs and preferences. If you prefer a more personal approach, you can also call 1800 200 422. The helpline operates on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Trained professionals will guide you through the process and help you find the right support for your specific requirements.

The cost of aged care services varies from person to person. It depends on the care you are eligible for, the aged care provider you choose, and your financial situation. While the Australian Government may contribute to the cost of your care, you will also be asked to contribute if you can afford to. The cost of aged care services varies and is influenced by these factors:

The type of help you require: The cost is determined by the specific services required, which can range from basic assistance to more comprehensive care.

The provider you select: Different aged care providers may offer services at varying price points, so your choice of provider will impact the cost.

Your financial situation: Your personal financial circumstances will play a crucial role in determining your contribution to the cost of aged care services.

The services you receive: The range and frequency of services you receive will affect the overall cost.

Yes, depending on your package or program. My Aged Care offers access to various social support groups that cater to the social and emotional well-being of seniors. The availability of these groups depends on the specific aged care package or program you are enrolled in. These groups often provide a supportive and engaging community for seniors, allowing them to connect with others in similar situations and share experiences.

Services for getting out and staying social: My Aged Care provides assistance for seniors to maintain an active social life. This can include social support groups, activities, and outings to help seniors connect with their community and peers.

Services for getting some temporary help: Temporary help services are available for seniors who require short-term assistance. This may include respite care or home care for a limited duration to provide support to caregivers or individuals recovering from an injury or illness.

Services for keeping me well: My Aged Care offers services aimed at promoting the well-being of older adults. This encompasses health assessments, wellness programs, and access to healthcare professionals to ensure seniors remain healthy and fit.

Services for keeping my home liveable: Maintaining a liveable home environment is crucial for seniors. My Aged Care provides services that help seniors with home modifications, cleaning, and other support to ensure their living spaces are comfortable and safe.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can initiate the process by  applying for a My Aged Care Assessment online . Once your application is submitted, a trained assessor will contact you to schedule a convenient time for a home visit. During this assessment, the assessor will engage with you to discuss your individual circumstances, preferences, and care needs comprehensively.

The purpose of the assessment is to collaboratively identify the most suitable aged care service and support options tailored to your specific requirements. By actively participating in this assessment process, you can gain access to the necessary assistance and resources to enhance your quality of life and well-being.

To qualify for a My Aged Care assessment, individuals must meet specific needs and age requirements. These criteria typically include:

The level of assistance required for various everyday tasks.

Age eligibility, which generally requires individuals to be 65 years or older. However, for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants, the age requirement may be 50 years or older.

It’s important to note that individuals facing financial hardship or homelessness may also qualify for assessment. If you are aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and fall into these categories, please contact the My Aged Care contact centre at 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation further.