Getting older doesn’t mean you have to leave the home you love. If you or a loved one need a little extra support to stay independent, a Home Care Package can help. But many people feel overwhelmed by the process or worry about the cost. The good news is, help is available — and it’s more affordable than you might think.
In this guide, we explain how to get a Home Care Package and what it could cost, so you can feel confident about your next steps.
How do I get a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is a government-subsidised program designed to help older Australians live at home longer by providing access to care and support services.
So you may be asking, “How do I get a Home Care Package?”
Here’s how to apply:
- Check your eligibility – You must be aged 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and need support with daily tasks.
- Book an assessment – Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or online. They will arrange for the Single Assessment Service (SAS) to visit you and assess your care needs.
- Receive your outcome – If approved, you’ll be assigned a Home Care Package level (1–4) based on your care needs. Level 1 provides basic support; Level 4 is for high-level care.
- Choose your provider – Once your package is assigned, you can choose an approved provider — like Trilogy Care — to deliver your care and manage your funding.
If you need help at any stage, Trilogy Care can guide you through the application process, free of charge.
What are the costs?
One of the biggest concerns people have is about home care services cost. The government pays the bulk of your Home Care Package, but you may be asked to contribute, depending on your circumstances.
Possible contributions
You might pay:
- Basic daily fee – many providers (including Trilogy Care) choose not to charge this.
- Income-tested care fee – if your income is above a certain amount, you may pay an additional contribution, as determined by Services Australia.
Trilogy Care prides itself on transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We’ll explain any potential contributions up front, so there are no surprises.
How to get the best value from your Home Care Package
Once you’ve secured your package, you can use it to pay for a wide range of services, including:
- Personal care (e.g. showering, dressing)
- Domestic help (e.g. cleaning, meals)
- Allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, podiatry)
- Social support and transport
At Trilogy Care, we help you design a care plan that suits your needs and make sure you get the most from your budget.
Trilogy Care can guide you
If you’re ready to take the next step or just want some advice, contact Trilogy Care today. Our friendly team can help you apply for a Home Care Package, choose the right services, and understand the costs.
Give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 to further discuss your aged care options or learn more about self-management.