Home Care Packages Program is one of the ways that older Australians can access affordable in-home support care and services.  The program is designed for those who have complex care needs beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Program can deliver.

To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you will need to be assessed by the regional Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment will then determine your eligibility and the level of care you need.

Once you have been assessed as eligible and the level of a Home Care Package, you will be placed in the National Waitlist for a priority queue. When a package is available, you will receive a letter informing you that an assessed level of a package is assigned to you.

If you require assistance in applying for a home Care Package, Support Services Connect Australia will guide and support you in the application process.

Support Services Connect Australia is a 100% Free service and will reduce your and your family’s time and stress to find a Provider to meet your needs, requirements, and preferences.

Give us a call on (03) 9123 4560 and we will help you to find a Home Care Package provider.

Alternatively, you can complete our online registration form and we will contact you within 24 hours.

If you are advised, you have been approved for a Home Care Package and have been placed on the national waiting list. Your assessed care needs will be classifiedinto two priority categories – Medium for level 1 & 2 and High for level 3 & 4.  Home Care Packages Program is regarded highly to support older Australians; this means it may take sometime before your package is assigned.  The waiting time for a package is three to six months.  

There are a number of options for you while your Package is assigned:

The CHSP services can be put in place while you wait for a Home Care Package and accessing CHSP will be a quick process.

The CHSP provides entry level home care service and often is delivered under an interim measure.  You will be expected to pay towards some of the services, however most of the services will be subsidised by the Government.

You will be advised that a lower level of Package, than you were assessed for, can be made available.  This means you can start receiving services and support rather than wait until your approved package is assigned. The assessor will discuss this option with you while you are being assessed.   If you decide to accept the interim package, you will not lose your approved level of Home Care Package.

One option would be to pay for the private home care service while you are waiting for a Home Care Package. In Australia, there are many private home care providers which are not regulated or receive Government funding.  You need to think about what services you need and whether you can afford private home care services.  The benefit of accessing the private home care service is there is not waiting time and you can get the services straight away.

When your package is assigned, you could continue with your private home care provider under the Consumer Directed Care principles and use it as a “top up” for services that are not funded by your Home Care Package.

You may want to speak to your doctor as he/she is the best person to discuss your health issues. With your doctor’s support, you may be eligible for assistance while you wait for your Home Care Package.

The CDMP is available to older Australians who have complex health or chronic conditions.

Your can receive five fully-subsided sessions with an allied health professional for a range of ailments.  This could include conditions like asthma, stroke, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions and more and your doctor will coordinate the service recommended on the CDMP.

To access the CDMP, you do need to have a chronic condition for over six months.  The program is designed to assist patients who need a structured care approach to recover or manage the condition.

If you have an urgent need because of sudden health changes, you can contact My Aged Care and request your position to be moved to the top of the list. The high priority is given to older Australians who are in more urgent need of a Home Care Package to live at home safely and receive their care they need.

Support Services Connect Australia is a 100% Free service and will reduce your and your family’s time and stress to find a Provider to meet your needs, requirements, and preferences.

Give us a call on (03) 9123 4560 and we will help you to find a Home Care Package provider.

Alternatively, you can complete our online registration form and we will contact you within 24 hours.