Five steps to accessing Home Care Package program

ive steps process icons: document, chat, paper, phone, smile. ( Home Care Package program )

In Australia, the Home Care Package program provides essential support for older Australians who wish to continue living independently at home without the need to move into a full-time care facility. If you or a loved one find daily tasks increasingly challenging, understanding how to access and benefit from a Home Care Package program is important. 
 
This article will walk you through the 5 steps you need to take to access your Home Care Package program.

Steps to access your Home Care Package program

Step 1: Check your eligibility

Verifying your Home Care Package program eligibility is the first step in your journey. To begin, make an assessment request via My Aged Care. The first step is to check eligibility using the My Aged Care’s eligibility checker.  You may do this by visiting their website or giving them a call at 1800 200 422. 

Step 2: Undergo Your ACAT assessment

An ACAT assessor will evaluate your situation either at your home or over the phone, depending on your location and preference. During this thorough assessment, they’ll determine the level of care you require and assign a priority level based on urgency. 

How should I prepare for my assessment?

To help you prepare for your assessment, go over the following information: 

  • Have your Medicare card and another form of identification (passport, DVA card, driver’s license, healthcare card, etc.).  
  • Have a copy of any doctor referrals.  
  • Think about whether you would like a support person to attend.  
  • Have any previous knowledge about aged care services that you would like to discuss.  
  • Have your GP’s or other medical professionals’ contact information on hand. 
  • Consider whether you require special communication support, such as a translator or Auslan interpreter. 
  • Have information on any support you receive. 

Step 3: Find out your assessment outcome

Following the assessment, you will receive correspondence from My Aged Care regarding the results. We encourage you to access your My Aged Care online account to review the support plan and referral codes provided. These referral codes will be necessary to activate your Home Care Package program once it has been allocated to you. Please be aware that you will be placed on the National Priority System, a centralised waitlist where packages are assigned based on urgency and individual circumstances, regardless of location. It is important to remain patient during this process as the assignment timing can vary due to demand. 

Step 4: Being assigned a package and your referral code

Following the evaluation, My Aged Care will send you a letter outlining the results. Visit your My Aged Care account online to review the available referral codes and assistance plan. Once assigned, these referral codes are necessary to activate your package. You will be added to the National Priority System, a centralised waitlist where Home Care Package program is distributed regardless of location following urgency and individual circumstances. This phase calls for patience because the Home Care Package program may be assigned at different times based on demand. 

Step 5: Begin self-managing with Trilogy Care

Once the Home Care Package funding is activated, you can receive care and services through Trilogy Care. Our comprehensive support network will assist you in creating a personalised plan that prioritises your health, well-being, and independence. By self-managing your care, you can tailor your services to suit your lifestyle, allowing for flexibility and control over the care you are provided. 

Understanding these five steps will empower you to confidently access the Home Care Package program and secure the most suitable care services. Taking charge of your care plan allows you to lead a comfortable, independent lifestyle while enjoying the support of a dedicated provider like Trilogy Care. 

Would you like more information? 

Contact Trilogy Care today!

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Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages

A banner depicting a cheerful elderly couple with the man in a blue shirt and the woman in a pink shirt, embracing and smiling.

Understanding the supports available to help you age well can be tricky. Find out more about these two government-funded programs, their different levels of care, eligibility criteria and payment models.

CHSP or Home Care Package

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package Program (HCP) are both designed to provide help at home.

While both programs can include services such as personal care, allied health, home and garden maintenance, carer respite, and meal preparation, CHSP is designed for people with lower support needs. In fact, it’s described as ‘entry-level support’, with most people who access CHSP only needing one or two services to help them stay independent.

HCP, on the other hand, can provide more intensive support, with care needs being assessed over four levels and the Australian Government’s contribution reaching a maximum of approximately $59,000 each year.

CHSP costs

There is no formal means of testing for CHSP. However, service providers are encouraged to seek payment from clients who can afford to contribute to the cost of their care. Payment guidelines indicate, for example, a’reasonable contribution’ in the region of $6-$12 per hour for domestic assistance.

Home Care Package costs

Home Care Packages are means-tested however, individuals on a full pension or an income up to $32,331.00 are exempt from having to contribute to their care. If you are uncertain about whether you might need to pay, My Aged Care has
provided a fee estimator on their website to assist you in making this calculation.

BenefitCommonweath Home Support ProgrammeHome Care Package
WHO IS IT FOR?
  • People who need a small amount of support to remain independent at home.
  • People who have varying support needs by need choice and flexibility over their care options to remain independent at home. 
ELIGIBILITY
  • Aged 65 years or over
  • 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Functional limitations or assistance needs
  • Aged 65 years or over
  • 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Functional limitations or assistance needs
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
  • The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024)
  • The assessment was previously conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

  • Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
  • The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024)
  • The assessment was previously conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
ANNUAL FUNDING LEVELS
  • Up to $10,000 per year
  • Level 1: $10,588 per year
  • Level 2: $18,622 per year
  • Level 3: $40,529 per year
  • Level 4: $61,440 per year
DO I HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE MONTY TO MY SERVICES?
  • Services subsided by the Federal Government grant funding
  • Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.
  • Services subsidised by Federal Government grant funding
  • Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.
WILL BY APPROVED BUDGET AFFECT MY AGE PENSION?
  • No
  • No
WHAT CAN MY BUDGET COVER?
  • Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc)
  • Transport to appointments and activities
  • Food preparation
  • Personal care (showering or dressing)
  • Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology)
  • Social support
  • Nursing and allied health
  • Planned respite care
  • Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc)
  • Transport to appointments and activities
  • Food preparation
  • Personal care (showering or dressing)
  • Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology)
  • Social support
  • Nursing and allied health
  • Planned respite care
CARE PLAN
  • In conjunction with your RAS assessor
  • In conjunction with your approved Home Care Package provider
CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN SUPPORT PROVIDERS?
  • Yes, via your RAS assessor
  • Self-managed service providers allow you to choose you own support workers.
REVIEWS
  • Annually by your primary service provider
  • Annually via your approved service provider

Trilogy Care provides self-management options for those with an approved Home Care Package. If you would like more information, please call the number 1300 459 190

Can I manage my own Home Care Package?

A content elderly couple smiles warmly, overlaid with symbolic graphics representing home and family.

Can I manage my own Home Care Package? You now have the option to take greater control by self-managing your Home Care Package. 

As the demand for choice and control in-home care services continues to grow, you now have the option to take greater control of your care by self-managing your Home Care Package (HCP). This approach to managing your Home Care Package allows you to choose your support services and free up your Home Care Package budget. What’s more, self-management usually means lower provider costs, saving you more of your HCP budget for care and services.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages are government-subsidised programs designed to provide tailored support services to older Australians who wish to continue living independently at home. These packages offer a range of services, including personal care, nursing, allied health, and domestic assistance, based on individual needs and preferences.

The option to self-manage

Traditionally, Home Care Packages were managed by approved care providers, limiting individuals’ control over the types of services and their scheduling. However, the introduction of Consumer-Directed Care (CDC) now gives recipients the option to self-manage their Home Care Package funds.

Benefits of self-management:

Choice and control

Opting to self-manage your Home Care Package provides the autonomy to choose specific services that align with your unique needs. Whether it’s personal care, gardening assistance, or allied health services, you have the flexibility to allocate funds where they matter most.

Flexibility in service delivery

Self-management affords the flexibility to schedule services at times convenient for you. This adaptability ensures that your care plan is not only comprehensive but also aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Direct engagement with care workers and support services

Taking charge of your Home Care Package enables direct communication with your care workers and support services. This fosters a more personal and collaborative approach to care, allowing for better coordination and ensuring services align with your specific goals and expectations.

Learn how to find care workers and service providers.

Financial transparency

Self-management ensures a clear understanding of your budget and how funds are allocated. This financial transparency empowers you to make informed decisions about your care plan and budget, ensuring you maximise the value of your Home Care Package.

In addition, Trilogy Care provider fees are charges at the low rate of 15% of your Home Care Package budget, with no daily management fees or exit fees. Spending less on your provider fees means more money in your budget for care and services.

Learn more about Trilogy Care’s transparent pricing here on our pricing page.

Empowerment and independence

Active participation in your care decisions promotes a sense of empowerment and independence. This newfound control positively impacts your well-being, fostering a greater sense of self-worth and confidence as you age in place.

Self-managing your Home Care Package is an option for those seeking a personalised and flexible approach to in-home care. The ability to choose services, control their scheduling, and directly engage with service providers allows you to enjoy a higher level of independence and an enhanced quality of life within the familiar confines of your home.

If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, consider exploring the option of self-management to tailor your care plan to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring a more fulfilling and empowered care experience.

Go to our Resources page to understand more about self-managing your Home Care Package.

Support to live well at home

If you, or someone you care about, needs extra support to live safely at home, a Home Care Package could help get life back on track. 

What is a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages (HCP) are the federal government’s way of funding services for older people who have complex care needs, but who still want to live independently. They’re designed to be flexible and to provide support across a range of areas, including:

  • personal care
  • meal preparation
  • cleaning and
    gardening
  • wound management
  • continence care
  • transport
  • taking part in social activities

Home Care Packages can also include nursing, podiatry and allied health services.

Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?

To qualify, you must be 65 or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples) and need help with everyday tasks. Eligibility is assessed by My Aged Care, and is based on your health and wellbeing, mobility, independence and personal support networks.

What's the process?

ACAT

The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will confirm your eligibility with an in-person assessment. This will also determine the level of care required – from level 1 for basic care needs to level 4 for high care needs.

You can register for an ACAT assessment through My Aged Care.

Means testing

As part of the process, you’ll be subject to a means assessment to establish how much (if anything) you’ll need to contribute to your own care.

National queue

Once approved for your package, you’ll be placed in the national queue, which operates based on assessed priority and date of approval. This process can take up to 12 months.

Connect with our friendly team

Time to design your care plan and choose your providers. Complete the below form or call Trilogy Care on 1800 263 396 to discover how we can help.

Would you like to know more about how to self-manage your home care package? You can read more on our website.

Inclusions and exclusions - Use of Home Care Packages funds

Clients often ask us what services and items they can and can not use or purchase from their Home Care Package.

At Trilogy Care, we partner with you to determine if the service, support, or purchase is directly linked to your identified care needs and goals (as per your ACAT assessment). Appropriate purchases may support daily living and are essential to keeping you safe at home, for longer. All purchases must be considered an acceptable use of government funds while fitting within your budget. All of things which Trilogy Care assists you with.

General Expenses

These are items that would usually be paid for with general household income, such as household bills and other basic living expenses.

Examples of items that are not covered:

  • White goods
  • Appliances
  • Car expenses
  • Waste removal
  • Gift vouchers
  • Medical expenses, funeral costs
  • Heaters
  • Air conditioner
  • Social clubs memberships
  • Ongoing internet or phone costs
  • Haircuts and manicures
  • Storage
  • Supplements and vitamins.

Home Modifications and Capital items

Any home modification made, must be clinically justified and reasonable. It must only be provided to a level of functional safety (to avoid a dangerous situation) and only to a level that is adequate to provide security.

Home modification for aesthetic or embellishments are not an appropriate use of a home care package.

Examples of items that would be covered:

  • Pathways into an around the home
  • Grab rails in bathrooms and toilets
  • Chairlifts and wheelchair platform lifts
  • Internal and External handrails
  • Widening doorways and passages
  • Lever taps and door handles
  • Installation of emergency alarms
  • Bathroom/Kitchen re-design
  • Ramps (permanent and temporary)
  • Handheld showers

Home Maintenance

Any work that is reasonably required to maintain the home and garden in a condition of functional safety (not decorations) and provide an adequate level of security. There would be minor home maintenance activities that you or partner would have previously done for you but can no longer do due to safety concerns.

Examples of items that are covered:

  • Cleaning gutters
  • Changing batteries in smoke alarms
  • Essential pruning, yard clearing or lawn mowing
  • Repair of internal flooring and external access pathways to address trip and slip hazards
  • Changing light bulbs or fixing a broken door
  • Minor plumbing, electrical and carpentry repairs where safety is a concern
  • Spring clean – windows/ceiling fans and other cleaning tasks at height around the home

Food and Food Preparation

The home care package cannot pay for groceries purchased at the supermarket or the raw ingredients of pre-prepared and packed meals

Your home care package can be used to pay for someone to help you prepare meals OR prepare meals for you at home.

A portion of the cost for pre-prepared meals like Meals on Wheels, Lite N Easy and Tender Loving Cuisine can be covered from your Home Care Package (please discuss with your Care Partner).

Transport Costs

If there is a state or local government funded initiative for the use of taxi vouchers, this will be used in the first instance (please discuss with your Care Partner).

Transport and personal assistance to help you get around the community to do your shopping, attend medical appointments or social activities.

Use of taxis or taxi vouchers must be well documented in your Care Plan with the intended purpose of their use linked to your assessed needs.

Glasses

Some people are eligible for glasses to be subsidised by the state government, we must first check your eligibility for those programs.

If you are ineligible or unable to obtain glasses through a state government funded program, the “like for like” cost for subsidized glasses can be covered.

Understanding the permissible uses of Home Care Package funds is crucial for maximising their benefits while ensuring compliance with regulations. By partnering with Trilogy Care, you gain access to expert guidance and support to navigate the complexities of funding allocations. Our commitment is to empower you to make informed decisions that align with your care needs and goals, ultimately enhancing your safety, comfort, and well-being at home.

Learn more about care plans here. 

What is a care plan?

A woman helps an elderly lady review a document at home, highlighting home care planning.

Understanding Care Plans

Upon committing to a self-managed Home Care Package (HCP) provider, such as Trilogy Care. You will be required to attend a Care Plan Meeting, which will assess your lifestyle, care needs, goals, and the services you would like to receive from the Home Care Package Program.  

Care Plans are a necessary and important part of receiving a Home Care Package. The Care Plan meeting is to assess your needs and goals so that you are able to receive services under the Home Care Package program. It also ensures what is included/wanted is acceptable under the Home Care Package guidelines and aligns with the program.  

For example, you may say your goal is to stay healthy and therefore need your medication paid for – this does not align with the scope of the program and therefore cannot be included in your services. Learn more about Home Care Packages Inclusions & Exclusions. 

Care Plans

Care Plans begin with a range of comprehensive assessments that assist in building a clear picture of each consumer as an individual. By completing the assessments, your care needs will be matched with suitable services. Your assessments, goals, care plan and budget are all inter-connected, and they guide the way your package funds are allocated every month.

1.Home Care Package providers are to provide care recipients a written Care Plan before home care services begin, or within 14 days of their Trilogy commencement date. 

2. As your provider, we work in partnership with you to develop and agree on the care plan goals and actions, so that you are satisfied with the care you are receiving. 

3. Your ACAT assessment and Provider care assessments are the joint foundations for your care plan development. It does not matter how long ago your ACAT assessment occurred – this assessment is how you were approved for the HCP program. 

4. Your goals, needs and preferences should be reflected in your care plan – and because everyone is different, it is individually tailored to your specific needs. 

5. Trilogy Care evaluates Care Plans for new consumers as required and when changes need to be made. Additionally, a formal annual review happens every year to assess changes in care needs. Check-in calls are completed quarterly to ensure oversight of care and services. 

6. Your package level and budget is matched to your care needs and is meant to be fully utilised to meet those assessed needs. Unless you need to accumulate funds for something specific, there is usually no need to save funds. 

7. Your plan should include your goals, and the actions and services in place to help you meet those goals. 

8. It should include all the informal care and supports you receive to help you meet your goals, even if the package does not directly pay for them. Including the help your family, friends, and others provide you. 

9. Relevant parts of your plan should be shared with people who will be helping you to meet your goals, such as support workers, nurses, or other relevant parties. 

10. When new supports or services are recommended for you, so you are remaining healthy, Trilogy Care is flexible in changing and updating the document. All package spending is aligned with the care plan. 

What you can do

You can keep your care plan up-to-date by ensuring your support workers, care managers, family and friends are aware of any changes, and by participating in the necessary updates when new services and supports are recommended or required.  

Keeping in contact with Trilogy Care by speaking with your care manager to discuss your care plan, goals, and to make sure your package budget is being fully utilised to meet your assessed care needs.