Act now: How to secure a Home Care Package before the next 20,000 are released

The government’s release of 20,000 additional Home Care Packages is great news, but demand remains high. If you want to secure a Home Care Package quickly, preparation matters. A clear plan, complete documents and fast decision-making can be the difference between getting services early and staying on the home care waitlist longer than you need to.

If you have not applied yet, start now. Use My Aged Care to request an assessment, and ask your GP and hospital team for any recent reports that evidence your needs. If you already have approval, shift your focus to package readiness so you can say “yes” as soon as a place is offered.

What 20,000 new Home Care Packages mean

More places will be assigned over the coming weeks and months. Clients who are already approved, and ready to choose, often move faster because allocation teams can finalise the match quickly. That is why the best strategy is simple: complete your paperwork, know your preferences and be available to take the allocation call when it comes.

Applying for a Home Care Package: the essentials

Before you apply for a home care package, set yourself up to move fast. Use this focused readiness checklist:

• Confirm that My Aged Care has your correct contact details

• Compile basics: Medicare card, photo ID, GP summary and medication list

• Write your top goals at home so your care partner can build a practical plan

• Shortlist providers and compare inclusions, hourly rates and care management

• Nominate a trusted representative who can speak on your behalf if needed

Move off the home care waitlist faster

While you wait, remove delays you can control. Keep your phone close and answer calls from “No Caller ID”, as allocation teams often use it. If you are offered an interim, lower-level package, consider accepting so essential supports can begin, then request an upgrade when available. Be flexible with start days and times in the first fortnight to secure earlier appointments. If risks change, for example, a fall or recent hospital stay, ask your GP for updated notes and share them with My Aged Care.

How Trilogy Care helps you secure your care

Trilogy Care partners with you from day one. Your dedicated care partner helps you apply for a Home Care Package, prepares your documents, and builds a clear, budget-smart plan so services can start quickly once your package is assigned. We keep you informed at every step and make it easy to compare options, choose providers and get the right help at home, sooner.

Start your package readiness checklist with Trilogy Care today before Support at Home begins on 1 November by calling 1300 459 190.