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A guide to Level 3 Home Care Packages

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 3 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 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package is assigned to senior Australians living with intermediate care needs. Typically, they require visits on most days of the week, as those on this package need frequent assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard Level 3 Home Care Package provides around 24 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges.

What services are included in a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Those on a Level 3 Home Care Package tend to receive assistance with social, physical, and medical tasks and may also have psychological care needs. Those on a Level 3 package often receive care in the form of:

Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Household assistance: Keeping your home clean and tidy
Meal preparation and nutrition support: Ensuring you have healthy meals
Help with shopping: Assistance with groceries and other shopping needs
Transport to appointments and activities: Getting you to medical appointments and social events
Social activities and companionship: Promoting social engagement and preventing isolation
Garden maintenance: Taking care of your garden
Nursing services: Including wound care and medication management
Independent living aids and assistive technology: Enhancing mobility and safety
Home modifications: Such as installing safety rails in your home
Allied health services: Including podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy
Specialised support: Such as hearing and vision services, dementia care, and cognitive support
Support with managing memory and behavioural changes

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.

Who is eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Level 3 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process known as the Single Assessment System. As of July 2024, the Single Assessment Systems replaced the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in an effort to provide care recipients with a more streamlined, consistent, and flexible assessment process. Details regarding the new Single Assessment System can be found at this site.

The Single Assessment System 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 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.

Are there costs associated with a Level 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. The subsidy for a Level 3 package is currently set at around $1,554.56 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 $111.04 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.

How to apply for a Level 3 Home Care Package

Applying for a Level 3 Home Care Package involves contacting My Aged Care online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, a member of the Single Assessment System workforce 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.

Choosing the right provider

After receiving approval for a Home Care Package, it’s essential to find an approved provider to ensure you get the best care possible. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to identify local providers that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a provider:

Service Area: Does the provider offer services in your location?
Service Types: Do they provide the specific services you need?
Availability: Do they have availability to take you on as a client?
Personal Alignment: Do they respect and cater to any cultural or faith-based needs that are important to you?

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations can be valuable, it’s crucial to find the right match for your needs. Consider how involved you want to be in managing your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services, each affecting your budget, flexibility, and control differently. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so decide on your preferred level of involvement before making your choice.

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.

Protect yourself from scam calls

Australians continue to be targeted by online messages, phone calls, and text scams designed to separate you from your money. In 2023 alone, scam calls led to the loss of $116 million dollars throughout the country.

At Trilogy Care, we understand the importance of protecting your valuables and personal information. It is crucial to remain vigilant against scam calls that ask for your details or access to your accounts.

When will Trilogy Care call?

Trilogy Care’s team may be required to verify your banking details to process invoices or payments. Currently, this is done by calling our care recipients and confirming the details we need.

When this occurs, we understand that you may be worried about whether the call is legitimate. We have provided instructions below on what to do if you are concerned that a call may be a scam.

What to do if you are worried

In the event you are unsure whether a call is from Trilogy Care, you should hang up the phone and contact your care partner as soon as possible to verify the details. You can also access details of your care plan and other important information through the Trilogy Care Portal.

Remember, the Trilogy Care Portal can be used to ensure your contact details and communication preferences are up to date. This will ensure the Trilogy Care team is aware of when and how to contact you to avoid worrying you about potential scams.

Our team is actively working to improve the portal further, with the next update including options to add or update bank account details without the need to make a phone call. This will be very useful for care recipients who have income-tested fees or must make contributions. Additionally, it will act as another safeguard against any scam call attempts.

How else can you protect yourself from scams?

While Trilogy Care will always confirm if our calls are legitimate or not, scammers will continue to attempt to contact you. With more than 143,000 reported scams in 2024 alone, we must all remain vigilant to scams.

Trilogy Care has provided a list of helpful techniques you can use if you think you are being scammed.

Check contact details – confirm the name and phone number of anyone who contacts you. If you don’t recognise the number, hang up.
Call organisations directly – if you are contacted by an organisation asking you for personal details, hang up and give them a call back to confirm you are speaking with a member of that organisation.
Avoid links – be careful clicking on strange or unknown links
Confirm with someone else – if you are still unsure whether a call or text is legitimate, ask a friend or family member to check for you.
Report scams immediately – if you have been the target of a scam, visit Scam Watch and report the scam.
If you are the victim of a scam, visit this site and follow the instructions.

Scams are a severe problem in Australia, and older people are at a significant risk of being targeted. If you have doubts about whether a call is legitimate, hang up the call and return to this guide.

Trilogy Care will always tell you if our calls are authentic, so feel free to call us if you need confirmation.

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

In welcome news to care recipients, the Federal Government have announced an increase to the Home Care Package subsidies and supplements, effective 1 July 2024. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the quality and sustainability of care services for older Australians, ensuring they receive the best possible support in their homes.

Trilogy Care is pleased to confirm that it is not making any changes to its fee structure and will continue to charge a low fixed percentage from your package each month.

What's changed?

The funding adjustment involves an increase in the overall subsidy for all Home Care Package levels, in addition to an increase to supplement amounts. This increase is necessary to account for rising operational costs and to ensure that care providers can continue to deliver high-quality services.

The government subsidy and Trilogy Care pricing for each package level is as follows:

Self Managed (15%)

Self Managed PLUS (26%)

The 1 July 2024 changes to the Home Care Package funding structure underscore the commitment to sustaining and enhancing the quality of home-based care, ensuring that older Australians continue to receive the support they need most efficiently and effectively.

The above pricing is to be used as guide. For more information on the subsidy increase and how it will change your personal Home Care Package, please log onto the Trilogy Care Portal or speak to your care partner.

Income Tested Fees

If your income is above a certain threshold, your home care package provider must collect a fee on behalf of Services Australia. Here are the details.

Home Care Package levels explained

Home care package levels Home care package levels Home care package levels Home care package level 1

There are four home care package levels with different government funding amounts and expected care hours. This guide covers all the details!

A guide to level 2 Home Care Package

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 $714.28 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. As of 20 March 2024, the basic daily fee for Home Care Package level ranges from $11.43 to $12.75 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.

Income-tested fees: Services Australia means-tests Home Care Packages. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $33,070.80 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.

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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