Buying Home Care Packages: A Guide For Seniors and Their Families

Having a home care package or in-home help can provide comfort, safety and peace of mind. It is also known as a "home care plan" or in-home help. A home care package for seniors is customised support tailored to individual needs with increased autonomy and independence at home. Home care packages are funded by the government but administered by the provider. There is no cost to you. 

The costs of individual services, such as meals and transport, may be subsidised by the Australian government. Your package will include the funding for these subsidies. Detailed information can be found in the "Consumer Guide". 

Home care packages provide different types of support and can be delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also known as "Pillars of support", there are three packages:

Level 1: Supports daily life

Level 2: Support daily life with basic household tasks

Level 3: Support daily life with complex household tasks

Approved providers are regulated by the government to deliver home care packages to eligible people.

How home care packages work:

A home care package gives you more choice and control over the care and support services you need. It allows you to choose how you want the services to be delivered and to who you would like to provide them. While you have a package, your provider is responsible for managing your services. A provider will work with you to develop an individual support plan, based on your needs and goals. 

The provider will then deliver your services based on the plan. You may choose the provider you would like to employ to deliver the services. Your provider must be approved by the government. They are responsible for delivering your package of care. If you are not happy with your provider, you can change them without any penalty.