Providing quality care to our older loved ones is a priority for many Australian families. While historically residential aged care has been a popular choice, the desire to live at home is becoming increasingly appealing for many people. However, understanding the costs associated with home care services can often be a daunting. In this blog, we’ll shed light on how to get started with in-home care by focusing on the levels of support that you can receive.
How to Access Home Care Services
Before delving into the costs, it's crucial to know how to access home care services. In Australia, the first step is to contact My Aged Care. They will assess your needs and eligibility for government-funded aged care services. This assessment is free and helps determine the level of support you require.
What are Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages (HCP) are the primary means of funding home care services in Australia. They are available at four levels, ranging from basic care to high-level support. Each package covers various services, including personal care, nursing, allied health, and more. The level of funding is determined by your assessment with My Aged Care.
Fees required for home care
Once you've been assessed and assigned a home care package, you'll need to choose a provider. It's important to compare providers and their fees, as they can vary. Providers can charge fees for their services, but these fees are regulated. They include a:
- Government subsidy: This is the amount provided by the government home care package. The fees covered can vary depending on the level of HCP you have and are subject to change every year. For the most updated pricing, visit My Aged Care.
- Basic daily fee: This is a standard fee and is capped at 17.5% of the basic age pension.
- Income-tested care fee: This fee is means-tested and based on your income.
Self-funded home care services options
Paying privately offers flexibility and control to choose support tailored to your needs. This allows you to enhance care beyond what government subsidised programs provide.
Whether you need short-term assistance or ongoing help, you can customise your care plan and manage costs directly. This approach ensures you receive the level of care you deserve while maintaining your independence.
Self-funded services benefits
- No need for My Aged Care assessment
- Immediate access to services without waiting for government funding
- Flexibility to top-up existing Home Care Packages for additional services
- Care and package management options available
Getting started
Understanding these fees is crucial for making informed choices about your home care provider. It's also important to note that you can change providers if you're not satisfied with your current one.
At Catholic Healthcare, we’re with you every step of the way. We’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your needs and provide guidance when navigating the My Aged Care assessment process.
Interested in understanding more about home care services fees and costs? Read our frequently asked questions here.