What Are the Four Levels of Home Care Packages?

In-home care allows older Australians to safely and comfortably continue living independently at home, instead of having to move into a residential aged care facility.

Some Australians are eligible for government funding to help pay for in home care services. There is a process for assessment for these home care packages. Once approved for a government-subsidised Home Care Package suited to their care needs, an older person can receive the appropriate level of funding for care and support.

There are four levels of home care packages. Each of the four levels provide access to a different amount of funding to cover the cost of care services you need.

So, what are the four levels of Home Care Packages? Let’s take a closer look.

Level 1 Home Care Package

Naturally, we have to start with Level 1. A Level 1 Home Care Package is intended to provide support for basic care needs. this would suit an older person who is very independent and can take care of most of their everyday tasks, but needs a little bit of support with some tasks.

Home care services at package level 1 usually include shopping assistance, transportation and meal preparation.

The level of government funding at this level is around $10,588.65 per year, according to My Aged Care. You may receive around 2 hours of home care assistance per week, depending on what is set out in your care plan.

With all of the Home Care Package levels, keep in mind that the government does not specifically define “basic care” or any of the other care descriptors. Rather, the determination of how much care you need will be established during an evaluation. We’ll get into the details a bit later on.

Level 2 Home Care Package

Next level of Home Care Packages is Level 2. A Level 2 Home Care Package is best suited for people with low-level care needs. This package is for those who are still very independent and able to take care of many daily activities, but require some extra assistance for more strenuous tasks.

For example, someone who needs additional personal care, social support or basic assistive technology could be eligible for a Level 2 Home Care Package. The need for additional support maintaining your home and garden, as well as more hands-on help around the house, could also make you eligible for a Level 2 home care package.

At Level 2, you may end up receiving anywhere from 3-4 hours of home care per week. Funding is around $15,887 a year, as guided by My Aged Care Home Care Packages.

Level 3 Home Care Package

A Level 3 home care package supports people with intermediate care needs. Someone eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package will need support to be able to confidently, comfortably and safely remain at home.

In most cases, this will mean the care recipient has more advanced care needs due to one or several health conditions.

At this level, someone may require basic assistance with tasks around the home in addition to routine nursing support, help with medication management or more complex nutritional support. An older person experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes may also require Level 3 assistance.

Specialised allied health services like physiotherapy are also often subsidised through Level 3 Home Care Packages.

According to My Aged Care, funding at this level can amount to approximately $40,529.60 per year. Older Australians receiving Level 3 support might have 7-9 hours of assistance during the week.

Level 4 Home Care Package

Level 4 home care packages are designed for older people with high-level care needs. Elderly Australians with complex health conditions, mobility limitations and other issues can be assigned a Level 4 package to cover more intensive care services.

In addition to the possible circumstances described for Level 3, examples of Level 4 care could include assistance with bathing, dressing and getting in and out of bed.

Someone who requires support for continence management, dementia, vision or hearing impairment or another condition may also be eligible for Level 4 home care.

At Level 4, more advanced care needs will be supported by around 10-13 of support each week. Funding is roughly $61,440.45 per year, according to My Aged Care.

Be mindful that, whatever government subsidy you are assigned, your Home Care Package funding will not cover other home care fees.

Which Home Care Package Level Is Right for You?

Being able to answer the question, “What are the four levels of Home Care Packages?” doesn’t necessarily mean you will be able to choose the level you feel best describes your care needs. You will need an Aged Care Assessment to determine your situation and care requirements.

The results of this assessment will determine which level you are approved for, how much funding you can receive, and your care plan. Once you are approved for a home care package you will need to wait for a package at your level to become available. Waiting times vary from 1 to 12 months depending on your package level and list priority. You will receive a formal decision that outlines the details of your Home Care Package will look like.

When it comes time to start looking for a reliable care provider in the Melbourne area, contact Mayflower to learn more about our home care services in Bayside and Northern Melbourne.