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.

Finding care workers or support services

Joyful elderly lady laughing with a younger woman, abstract heart shapes in the foreground.

Finding care workers or support services when self-managing your Home Care Package can be easy if you know how!

One of the benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package is having the flexibility to choose your care or support service providers.

There are many ways to find support services in your area and, depending on where you live, there could be many people in your area looking for new clients.

How to source support services

  • Workers are already working with you
  • Recommended by a friend, family member or health worker
  • Local service providers
  • Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces

Local support services can be found through

  • Local directory boards
  • Community support groups
  • Local newspapers
  • Google search
  • Social media groups

Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces include websites such as:

Engaging in community forums, such as online community groups, can provide insights into preferred service providers in your area.

Another critical aspect to consider is the compatibility between the carer and the client. This goes beyond professional qualifications and includes factors such as personality, interests, and communication style. A good match can significantly enhance the quality of care and the overall experience for both parties. Some online platforms offer matching services based on these criteria, so it’s worth investigating these options.

Finally, always ensure that the service providers you are considering have a transparent pricing structure. Understanding the costs involved upfront can help you manage your Home Care Package funds more effectively and avoid any unexpected expenses. Regularly reviewing and assessing your care needs and the effectiveness of your chosen providers is also important to ensure you are getting the best value and care possible

If you need help understanding what to look for when finding care worker or support service, you can read our article on factors to consider when choosing a carer or service provider.

It’s important to note that service providers will need correct qualifications and complete Trilogy Care compliance checks to be paid under your Home Care Package funds. You can read more about service provider qualification requirements on our carer qualifications page.

By taking these additional factors into account, you can make a more informed decision when choosing care or service providers for your Home Care Package, ensuring a more satisfying and effective care experience.

Factors to consider when choosing a care worker or support service

care worker or support service

Having access to reliable and consistent care workers and support services can make self-managing your Home Care Package a more secure and reassuring process than navigating a Home Care Package with an unreliable traditional provider. This article will help you understand they key factors to consider for when choosing for new care workers or support services to help you identify a carer that will suit your ongoing needs.

Consider your needs:
Firstly, it’s best to identify the type of support you’re looking for, any health conditions you have that may impact the type of support you need and your availability. Whether you need domestic help or nursing support, understanding your needs before reaching out to new service providers will help you to explain your needs and determine whether a service provider aligns with your requirements.

Finding care workers and support services:
Once you’ve identified your needs, you can start looking for suitable care workers and support services. There are many places to look for a new support services including:

  • Recommendations from friends, family or neighbours,
  • Online directories such as Careseekers or HireUp
  • Local organisations like seniors’ groups, your local community centre or medical centre
  • Your local newspaper, or
  • Google search

Interview and visit:
Contact the service providers you're interested in and schedule interviews or visits. This will help you assess their suitability, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach and environment.

Compare costs:
Inquire about the costs associated with the care services. Compare prices and consider your budget.

Check references and online reviews:
Ask for references from the care providers and contact them to learn about their experiences. Online and Google reviews can also help you understand how other clients rate their services.

Trust your instincts:
Trust your gut feeling about a provider. Personal rapport and trust are crucial in care relationships.

Consider compatibility:
Evaluate if the provider's schedule, location, and approach align with your needs and preferences.

Carer credentials and qualifications:
Trilogy Care provides a compliance service for all new care providers and support workers. We background check any staff you would like to work with to ensure they have a current ABN, insurance and other requirements relevant to the work they will perform.

Review contracts and agreements:
Carefully review any contracts or service agreements before making a final decision. The Trilogy Care compliance team and your Trilogy Care care partner can also assist with reviewing any care agreements.

Remember that finding the right care provider may take some time and effort, but it's essential to ensure the well-being of yourself or your loved ones. Take your time to research and make an informed choice.

Would you like to know more about how to self-manage your Home Care Package? You can read more on our website or complete the below form and a member of our team will reach out to you.