Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Level 2 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support.
What is a Level 2 Home Care Package?
A Level 2 Home Care Package is part of the Australian Government’s initiative to support older Australians in staying at home rather than moving into residential care. This package is designed for people who have been assessed as having low-level care needs. It aims to improve the quality of life, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and continue living comfortably in their homes.
What services are included in a Level 2 Home Care Package?
A Level 2 Home Care Package offers various services tailored to meet the individual’s needs. These services can include:
- Personal care: Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Domestic assistance: Help with household chores like cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.
- Transport: Support with transportation for shopping, medical appointments, or social outings.
- Social support: Companionship and assistance in engaging in community activities.
- Home modifications: Minor modifications to improve safety and accessibility within the home.
- Nursing support: Basic medical care and health monitoring from a qualified nurse.
These services are designed to ensure the well being and comfort of the individual and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Are there costs associated with a level 2 Home Care Package?
A Level 2 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:
Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. For a Level 2 package, the subsidy is currently set at around $692.86 a fortnight.
Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include:
- Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay, currently capped at $49.49 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.
- Income-tested fees: Home Care Packages are means tested by Services Australia. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $32,332 per year do not pay an income tested fee.
You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here.
Who is eligible for a Level 2 Home Care Package?
Eligibility for a Level 2 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met:
- Age: Typically available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Care needs: Individuals with low-level care needs who may need to be visited three to four times a week.
- Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.
You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check, or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.
How do I apply for a Home Care Package?
Applying for a Level 2 Home Care Package involves these steps: Contact My Aged Care, online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, an ACAT or ACAS assessor will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.
For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.
Select a Home Care Package provider
Once you’ve been approved for a Home Care Package, finding an approved provider is crucial to ensure you receive high-quality care. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to locate providers in your area that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
When selecting a provider, consider these key factors:
- Do they provide services in my area?
- Do they provide the type of services I want?
- Do they have availability?
- Are they in alignment with anything particularly important to me, e.g., culture or faith?
Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations are helpful, it’s essential to find the right fit for your needs. Consider how ‘hands-on’ you want to be with your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services. The level of provider involvement can affect your budget, flexibility, and control over your care. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so determine your desired level of involvement before making your selection.
For more details, see our How to choose a Home Care Package provider.
At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self Managed PLUS tier.
This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.
