17 October 2024
Your Guide To Home Care Packages
Life has its challenges, but getting help at home shouldn’t be one of them. Here’s a step-by-step guide, to help make your home care journey a good one.
How do I get a Home Care Package?
Home Care Packages are designed to provide support and assistance to older Australians who wish to remain living independently in their own homes. We know the application process can sometimes be confusing, which is why we’re here to walk beside you on the journey and make sure all your questions are answered.
TOP TIP:
Before you get started, it’s best to do a quick eligibility check by clicking here. It’s a fast, 5-question tool that will help you understand if you meet the requirements for a Home Care Package.
Step 1. Getting an ACAT (2-6 weeks)
The first step in the process is to arrange an ACAT assessment.
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is a free assessment provided by the Australian Government
that determines the level of care that you require and what you are eligible for.
While your financial situation won’t affect your eligibility, it may determine how much the Government
will ask you to contribute (read more in Step 3).
The online form only takes about 20 minutes to fill out. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for assistance.
APPLY FOR AN ACAT
Click here to apply for an ACAT assessment through the My Aged Care website.
As part of the application, you’ll be asked questions about your health, how you’re managing at home, what support you’re seeking, and any help you’re currently receiving. If your application is successful, an ACAT assessor will be in touch to arrange a face-to-face assessment. In this assessment, you’ll be asked what you want to be able to do, what you can do well and what you may need help doing.
What you’ll need for your assessment:
- Contact details for your GP or health care professional
- Your Medicare card
- Any GP or medical referrals
- A support person (if desired)
- One other form of I.D. (DVA card, drivers license, passport or health care card)
- Any information about home care you’d like to discuss, as well as information on what support you’re already receiving (if applicable).
What happens if I’m unsuccessful?
An ACAT assessment is based on needs and eligibility. Not everyone is eligible according to the Australian Government guidelines. If you do not agree with your eligibility assessment, it is recommended you contact your assessor or My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Step 2. Receive package approval (1-12 months)
If successful, you will first receive a Home Care Package approval letter from the Australian Government and be placed on a My Aged Care waiting list to be allocated a package. Once you’ve been allocated a package, you’ll then receive an assignment letter. The following wait times are indicative according to My Aged Care:
- Level 1: Less than 1 month
- Level 2: 3-6 months
- Level 3: 6-9 months
- Level 4: 9-12 months
An assignment letter advises what level of support you’ve been approved for—it does not allocate you a provider. If you need support while you wait for your assignment letter, talk to Lutheran Services about our fee-for-service options.
Step 3. Select your home care provider
After receiving your assignment letter and package level, you’ll have 56 days to enter a formal agreement
with a home care provider (this could be Lutheran Services). If you’d like to secure a formal agreement with Lutheran Services, here are the next steps:
- Get in touch to let us know you’ve received your assignment letter so we can set up an appointment with our home care team
- One of our friendly home care team members will be in touch to set up an appointment to talk about a program unique to your needs and preferences
- Review and sign your care agreement so your home care services can begin
- If you need more time to secure an agreement, don’t worry. You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for a 28-day extension.
with a home care provider.
Step 4. Complete an income test (2-4 weeks)
Finally, you’ll need to make sure you’ve completed an income test to determine if you will be required to pay for an individual income tested care fee. An income tested care fee is a contribution towards your care that you may be asked to pay, based on an income assessment that is carried out by the Australian Government. The fee is worked out based on your individual income—including your pension and total assets. Full pensioners with an income anywhere up to $32,331* don’t have to pay an income tested care fee.
How do I complete the income test?
To get an idea of your potential fee, click here to visit My Aged Care.
When you’re ready, go to the Services Australia website to complete the Home Care Package Calculation of Your Cost of Care form, or phone 1800 227 475.
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