Am I eligible for a home care package?

Who is eligible for a home care package in Australia?

To qualify for a home care package in Australia, you must meet specific criteria:

• Age requirements — Generally, you need to be 65 years or older. If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, eligibility begins at 50 years old. You may also be a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through specialist services.

• Support needs — You must require help with daily living activities due to disability- or ageing-related conditions, such as mobility issues, managing medications or household tasks.

An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment is mandatory to determine your eligibility and care needs. Keep in mind that your financial situation does not affect your eligibility for home care packages, but you may need an income assessment by Services Australia to determine your contribution. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme might be a better option for low-level support.

How does the ACAT assessment work?

The ACAT assessment is a critical step in determining your eligibility for a home care package. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Referral from My Aged Care — Start by contacting My Aged Care online or by phone to request an assessment. You can also reach out to Homecare My Way, and we can make the call together.
2. In-home assessment — An assessor will visit your home to evaluate your care needs, using the information you provided during your application. The assessment covers your daily routines, health concerns and existing support.
3. Outcome notification — After the assessment, you’ll receive a letter confirming your eligibility and the care level allocated (from level 1 to level 4).

Preparing for your assessment

Here’s how to ensure a smooth assessment process:

• Have your Medicare card and another ID (e.g., driver’s license, healthcare card).
• Bring any referrals from your doctor.
• Prepare information about your health, lifestyle and support needs.
• Consider having a family member or carer present.
• Arrange for a translator if needed.

The assessor will discuss your care needs, current support and safety concerns. They’ll develop a support plan tailored to your goals and provide you with a copy. You can also request your support plan to be added to your My Health Record for easy access.

What care needs are considered for eligibility?

ACAT evaluates various factors to determine your eligibility for a home care package:

• Your health and medical history
• Your lifestyle and health concerns
• Personal safety issues at home
• Your physical needs and how you manage daily tasks
• Any memory changes or psychological needs
• Your social connections with family and community
• Any special needs or concerns
• The support you currently have

If you need immediate help while waiting for the outcome of your assessment, you can explore interim options such as:

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) — Offers short-term, low-level support.

• Non-government services — Private care services can provide assistance while you wait for your package.

You can discuss these options with your assessor if you require care sooner.

How to apply for a home care package

Before accessing a home care package, you must undergo the ACAT assessment to confirm your eligibility. The assessment also determines the level of care you require, ranging from level 1 (basic care needs) to level 4 (high care needs).

After the ACAT assessment, you’ll receive a letter detailing whether you’re eligible for a home care package and the level of support approved for you. Keep this letter safe, as you’ll need it when choosing a care provider. If you have questions about the assessment outcome, including the assessment team’s decision, you can request a free review.

Once approved, you can select a care provider that best suits your needs. Providers like Homecare My Way can guide you through the process, offering personalised advice and support to manage your package effectively.

If you want to change your current home care provider, it’s easy. Start by reviewing your current agreement, then use My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to find a new provider that suits your needs and budget. Agree on an end date with your current provider and request a referral code reactivation from My Aged Care. Share this code with your new provider to finalise your agreement. Any unspent funds will be transferred to your new provider within 70 days.

How long does it take to receive a home care package?

Once you’ve been assessed and approved for a home care package, the time it takes to receive your package depends on the level of care you are eligible for and how urgently you need assistance. Individuals with higher or more urgent needs are prioritised and may receive their packages sooner.

For those with medium-priority needs, the approximate wait times are as follows:

• Level 1: Around 3 to 6 months
• Level 2: Around 6 to 9 months
• Level 3: Around 9 to 12 months
• Level 4: Around 12 to 15 months

These timeframes were last updated on 30 November 2024.

What happens if you’re not eligible for a home care package?

If you find that you’re not eligible for a home care package, the assessor’s letter will explain the reasons why. But don’t worry — there are still plenty of options to support your care and well-being. Here’s what you can do:

• Reapply later — Your circumstances may change over time. If your care needs increase, you can request a reassessment to see if you qualify in the future.

• Explore other services — There are many alternatives to home care packages. You might be eligible for other government-funded programs or can consider private care services that suit your needs.

• Try healthy ageing strategies — Consider lifestyle adjustments such as staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and fostering social connections to support healthy ageing.

If you have any concerns about your eligibility for a home care package, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your assessor. You also have the option to request a free review of the decision if needed.

Key resources and next steps

Navigating the home care package system can sometimes feel overwhelming, but plenty of resources can help guide you. Here are some key tools and steps to get started:

• My Aged Care — Access official government information on home care packages, including eligibility, available services and how to apply. It’s a great starting point for understanding the process.

• Australian Government Health Department — Explore comprehensive guidance on aged care services, policies and additional support options directly from the Australian Government.

Our team at Homecare My Way is also here to help you navigate the process, answer your questions and give you the support you need.

Take the next step with Homecare My Way

Understanding home care package eligibility is the first step towards accessing the support you or your loved one needs. Start by contacting My Aged Care to arrange an ACAT assessment and explore the available support options. At Homecare My Way, we can guide you through the application process, help you understand your options and ensure you get the care you need to live comfortably at home.