Before starting a Home Care Package, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible if you are:
- 65 years of age or older (50 and over for First Nations people)
- Living with a disability, dementia, or another care need that cannot be addressed through other methods
Additionally, eligibility may depend on factors such as:
- Being diagnosed with a medical condition
- Noticing changes in your memory
- Experiencing a change in family care arrangements
- Reduced mobility
- Having a recent accident (like a fall)
- A recent hospital admission
Once eligibility is confirmed, you can plan your assessment. My Aged Care conducts these assessments to determine the level of assistance you need with daily tasks. The application is available here.
Applying for the assessment
To apply for a Home Care Package, an assessment by My Aged Care is required. You can start the application by clicking the ‘Start now’ button on this page. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete and requires your Medicare card.
The application is designed for online submission, making the process more efficient. If you’re unable to complete it yourself, a trusted person can fill it out on your behalf.
Home Care Packages vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme
When choosing between a Home Care Package and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), it’s important to understand their differences. The CHSP typically caters to older Australians with low-care needs, whereas Home Care Packages provide more support for individuals with complex care requirements. Knowing which option is better for your situation is essential, as each program has different eligibility criteria.
When should I apply for a Home Care Package?
Many older Australians apply for a Home Care Package following significant life changes, such as a medical diagnosis, an accident, or memory issues. It’s important to apply as soon as possible due to the national waiting list for Home Care Packages, which can take between two and six weeks for approval. In some cases, CHSP funding may be available while you wait.
What if I’m not eligible?
If you’re not eligible for a Home Care Package but still want support, there are other options. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation. They may review your eligibility or suggest alternate services. Additionally, non-government providers can offer support at any time. For more guidance, you can also explore Trilogy Care’s helpful articles here.
Starting on a Home Care Package
After being approved for a Home Care Package, you might have questions about what comes next. Trilogy Care provides a helpful ‘Getting started’ section on our website to answer common questions. We also offer articles to help you manage your Home Care Package.
To learn more about what Trilogy Care can offer, visit the ‘Our Services’ or ‘Pricing’ sections on our website, or call us at 1300 459 190.
