Level 3 Home CarePackages Explained
Maintaining independence while receiving the support you need at home is essential to living life your way. Designed to help older Australians live comfortably and confidently in their homes, home care packages provide personalised support.
The level 3 home care package is for those with intermediate care needs, offering more assistance than level 1 and level 2 but less than level 4. With flexible and personalised services, level 3 provides the perfect balance of support for those requiring moderate care. Let’s explore what a level 3 package includes, how it’s funded and how it can work for you.
What is a level 3 home care package?
Level 3 offers mid-level care designed for people who need more support to manage their day-to-day activities while living at home. Level 3 packages commonly cover services such as personal care, assistance with daily tasks like cooking, clinical services, social support, home modifications and more.
For those with Intermediate Care Needs, this level bridges the gap between basic support and intensive care, offering services that adapt as your needs evolve.
Who is eligible for a level 3 home care package?
Eligibility for a level 3 package depends on your care needs. This package is ideal for those requiring intermediate support but who are still keen to remain at home. To get started, you must be 65 or older (or 50+ if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander).
You’ll undergo an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment determines the type and level of care you’re eligible for. Here’s how the process works:
Request an ACAT assessment
Speak to My Aged Care to begin the process.
Complete the assessment
An ACAT assessor will visit your home to understand your needs.
Receive approval
Based on the assessment, you’ll receive a recommendation for a level 3 package if appropriate.
While waiting for your ACAT approval, which may take several weeks to months, consider interim options like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme for basic support or private home care services. You can discuss your needs with your ACAT assessor to explore your best options.
How much is a level 3 home care package?
Level 3 home care package funding includes a government subsidy of approximately $3,362 per month or $40,906 per year. This funding ensures you can access high-quality care that supports your needs and goals.
Your total homecare funding will comprise of:
Government contribution
Covers most of the care costs.
Income-tested care fee
Depending on your financial situation, you may contribute a small amount to your care.
Your level 3 home care package funding can be used flexibly, helping you personalise your services to suit your unique situation. The benefit of Homecare My Way is that we offer two flexible self-management options:
Self-Management
You find, hire and manage your own providers, giving you full control.
Self-Management Plus
Homecare My Way helps you set up providers and services, ensuring everything meets compliance standards.
How many hours are in a level 3 home care package?
The industry standard hours for Level 3 are approximately 6 hours per week under full management. Homecare My Way, however, can provide around 9 hours per week for Level 3, offering significantly greater value for your funding. Note that the number of hours depends on factors such as hourly rates and management fees.
Factors that impact your service hours include:
Hourly service costs
Rates vary based on provider and care type.
Management fees
Self-managing reduces administrative fees, leaving more funds for care.
If you’re uncertain about fees or the costs involved, the team at Homecare My Way is here to help. We’ll guide you through your care options, explain your package and ensure you make the most of your funding to receive the care you need.
What services can you access with a level 3 home care package?
A level 3 home care package offers a wide range of services to support your health, well-being and independence. These include:
Personal care
Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and mobility to help you maintain hygiene and comfort.
Domestic assistance
Cleaning, laundry and meal preparation to keep your home clean and ensure you eat well.
Clinical services
Nursing care, medication management and allied health support such as physiotherapy, podiatry and other therapies to monitor and improve your health.
Social support
Help attending social events, companionship and transportation to appointments and community activities to keep you connected and engaged.
Home safety and modifications
Installation of aids like ramps, rails and other mobility equipment to make your home safer and easier to move around in.
Respite care
Day and overnight respite to give you and your carer a well-deserved break.
Aids to stay independent
Support with mobility, communication tools and personal care equipment to help you maintain independence.
Home and garden maintenance
Assistance to keep your home and garden safe and manageable.
However, your homecare package may not cover some services. These include:
- Extensive gardening, such as landscaping, tree removal or water features.
- Accommodation costs like rent or mortgage payments.
- Household furniture that isn’t essential for mobility or care.
- Phone and internet expenses, except when needed for specific care-related purposes.
- Items or services already funded through Medicare, government programs or private health insurance, such as dentures, spectacles or certain medications.
With your provider, you’ll determine if a service is directly linked to your care goals, improves your well-being, helps you live safely at home and fits within your package budget as an appropriate use of government funds. However, home care packages don’t replace care or services available through other health programs, such as those accessed via your GP or hospital, which you should continue to use when needed.
Making the most of your level 3 home care package
Your home care package is designed to support your independence, health and well-being, so it’s important to make the most of it. Here are some practical ways to maximise your funding and ensure you’re getting the care that’s right for you:
Stay flexible with your care plan
Your health needs may change over time, so it’s essential to regularly review your care plan with your provider. This ensures that the services you receive are aligned with your current priorities, whether it’s more personal care, social support or clinical services.
Prioritise what matters most
Focus on essential services that have the most significant impact on your day-to-day life, such as assistance with mobility or health management. By prioritising these areas, you’ll improve your quality of life and make your funding work where it’s needed most.
Take control through self-management
Self-managing your package with Homecare My Way gives you the freedom to choose and organise the services you need, all while keeping a close eye on your budget. With this approach, you can make informed decisions and stretch your funding further.
Enjoy flexible support with Self-Management Plus
If full self-management feels overwhelming, Self-Management Plus offers the perfect balance. We take care of setting up providers and handle the administrative tasks while you stay in control of your care choices and funding.
Get started with your level 3 home care package at Homecare My Way
The level 3 package offers the perfect balance of support for those with intermediate care needs. At Homecare My Way, we’re here to guide you and help you access the services that matter most to you. We know everyone’s situation is unique, which is why we offer flexible care options, transparent pricing and personalised service plans to suit your needs.
Take the first step today. Call our friendly Care Advisors at 1300 422 123 and begin your journey with Homecare My Way. Independence is possible with the right support — let us help you make the most of your level 3 home care package.
managing their
homecare packages
Pamela lives alone, her daughter lives close by and self manages.
Assistance with Shopping, Cleaning, Gardening and some Home maintenance.
Sanjay lives with his wife Anjali, and they need support in setting up services.
Personal care, Domestic assistance, Gardening, Physio, Social support and Respite services.
Xiuying lives with her daughters family. Together they self manage.
Nursing, Equipment, Personal care, Shopping assistance, Physio and Meal assistance.
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