EnableU Home Care Packages (HCP)
The Home Care Packages Program is a government-funded program designed to help older Australians access home care services and stay independent at home.
How to Apply for a Home Care Package
Need help? EnableU’s team of experienced case managers are familiar with the Home Care Package Guidelines and has helped hundreds of older Australians with the application process. We’re here to help and ready to answer any Home Care questions you may have.
Are you eligible for the Home Care Packages Program? We can speak with My Aged care on your behalf.
The first step in the application process is to determine your Aged Care Home Care Package eligibility. You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or complete their self-service form online.
If you need assistance, we are happy call you and then call My Aged Care together with you on the line.
Getting an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) Assessment
If you or your family member is deemed eligible, My Aged Care will organise a time with you for a free comprehensive assessment with an assessor from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Assessments are done at your home.
During the assessor’s visit, they will talk to you about your needs, evaluate your circumstances and work with you to plan out the support and care you need at home.
Learn more about the how to prepare for your assessment and details about the visit.
Waiting for the ACAT Approval
If you are deemed eligible after the assessment, you will receive your support plan detailing what you are eligible for. You could receive an outcome immediately or it could take up to 6 months.
My Aged Care will send you a letter when your Home Care Packaged is assigned to you.
While you wait for approval, you can start researching Home Care Package Providers around your local area to initiate the preparation for services. You may also consider privately funding your care services if you need services earlier.
To speak to the EnableU team about the Home Care services we provide call 1300 240 076 or get started here.
Contact Us for a No-obligation, Free Meet and Greet
Once you’ve received the letter from My Aged Care advising that your Home Care Package is assigned to you, it is time to choose a Home Care Package Provider.
While some providers will ask you to sign a service agreement immediately, at EnableU, we believe it’s important for us to get to know each other better before we enter into any agreement.
If you are interested in our services, we offer families a free, commitment free and no obligation meet and greet. Call 1300 240 076 to speak to a friendly member of the EnableU team.
Home Care Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Depending on the level of Home Care Package you receive, you can access a range of different services. This may include:
- Personal Care (showering, dressing, medication, mogibility assistance, continence)
- Domestic Assistance (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, shopping)
- Equipment and Home Modification
- Community Connection
- 24 Hour Support and Overnights
- Nursing Services (wound care, palliative care)
- Post Hospital Support
- Allied Health Services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry)
- Companionship and Friendship
- Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Parkinsons Care
- Respite Care
- Transport
- Gardening and Home Maintenance
Home Care Packages Levels 1 to 4
The Australian government provides these packages across four distinct levels. According to the My Aged Care Home Care Package Guidelines, each level is catered to individuals based on their specific care needs, from basic to high-level care requirements. Below is a table that outlines the key differences among Home Care Packages level 1 to 4 and some examples of services you can access. Remember: the funding from the package is flexible to your needs. This means the services you require may change over time and the hours may shift between services.
Home Care Package Level | Funding Per Fortnight | Examples of Home Care Services Provided |
Level 1 – Basic Care Needs | $393.96 |
|
Level 2 – Low-Level Care Needs | $692.86 |
|
Level 3 – Intermediate Care Needs | $1,507.80 |
|
Level 4 – High-Level Care Needs | $2,285.78 |
|
Updated as of July 2023. The Australian Government is reforming in-home aged care. There is a new “Support at Home” program which will replace the Home Care Packages Program from 1 July 2025.
What is a Home Care Package Approved Provider?
A Home Care Package Approved Provider is an organisation, vetted by the Australian Government, that specialises in providing personalised care and support to older Australians in their homes.
Choosing the right provider is a crucial step in making the most of your Home Care Package. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and compare options to find the provider that best suits your unique needs and preferences. Here are some qualities to look for when choosing a Home Care Package Provider:
- They clearly explain all fees and charges upfront, with no hidden surprises. (Important: EnableU DO NOT charge hidden fees.)
- They offer a diverse range of services tailored to individual needs, including personal care, home help, and specialised support.
- They develop customised care plans and regularly review them to ensure the services are always meeting your changing needs.
- They respect cultural backgrounds and can offer services in various languages if needed.
- They have a proven track record of providing high-quality care and have satisfied clients.
- They provide a dedicated care manager who communicates openly and regularly.
- They adhere to the Australian Aged Care Quality Standards.
Why Choose EnableU as Your Home Care Package Provider
Multicultural and Empathetic
We speak multiple languages and support CALD communities in Australia. Some of our team members' families also share lived experiences as recipients of home care services.
Experienced & Certified Staff
Our team is experienced in managing a range of living needs, behaviours, and conditions. Each of our staff member has undergone police checks and is trained in first aid and CPR.
We Are Compliant
We are a home care provider led by a clinically experienced team delivering approved home care services that are compliant to the Aged Care Quality Standards.
We Focus On Your Goals
We conduct thorough assessments to fully understand how to plan services that meet your needs as stated in your assessment summaries.
We Are Flexible & Responsive
Unsatisfied with your support worker, caregiver, or therapist? All it takes is a phone call. We guarantee a response within 24 hours
No-Obligation, Free Meet and Greet
If you have a question or if you want to know how EnableU can assist you, we’re here to help!
Begin Your Journey with EnableU Today
Call us on 1300 240 076, email info@enableu.com.au or fill in our intake and referral form to get started.
Request A Call Back
Receive a call back from our team within 1 hour (during business hours Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is My Aged Care Home Care Package eligibility?
To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be aged 65 or older (or 50 or older for Indigenous Australians).
- You must be assessed by My Aged Care as needing coordinated services to safely live at home. This assessment considers your health, mobility, and personal circumstances.
- You must be an Australian resident living in Australia.
In some cases, younger people with disabilities, dementia, or other care needs not met by specialist services may also be eligible.
The amount of funding you receive depends on the level of care you need, ranging from basic to high-level support. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact My Aged Care to arrange an assessment and discuss your options.
What is the difference between “Approved and Assigned”?
Being “Approved” for a Home Care Package means you’re eligible for government-funded care, but you’ll be placed on a waiting list until a package becomes available and assigned to you.
Once a package is “Assigned” to you, you’ll receive a referral code and can start accessing services.
The assessment process can take some time. If you’re needing services right away or prefer not to wait, you may want to consider privately funding your care as a temporary solution. Contact our team to learn more.
Can I upgrade my Home Care Package level?
Yes, if your care needs change, your Home Care Package level can be reassessed. This means you might be eligible to upgrade to a package that better meets your current needs.
How long does it take to get a Home Care Package after assessment?
Home Care Packages are assigned based on your approval date and the urgency of your care needs, as determined by your Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. You’ll be placed in the national queue from the date on your approval letter.
Your approval letter also indicates your priority level, which affects your wait time.
For those with medium priority, estimated wait times are:
- Level 1: Less than 1 month
- Level 2: 3-6 months
- Level 3: 9-12 months
- Level 4: 6-9 months
You can check your place in the national priority system and estimated wait time by logging into your My Aged Care account or calling 1800 200 422.
What are the fees and service costs that I have to pay?
The fees you need to pay are drawn from your Home Care Package budget. These may include:
- an income-tested care fee (mandated by Services Australia depending on your financial situation)
- service and management fees (as agreed with the provider)
- basic daily fee (as agreed with the provider)
- any additional fees (as agreed with the provider)
Note: EnableU does not charge any additional or hidden fees such as basic daily fees, establishment fees, or exit fees. EnableU only charges for the cost of providing services to you and fees for managing your package and care needs. We ensure transparency and will provide a detailed breakdown of any fees before services commence. Learn more about our home care costs and fees.
If you have any concerns or questions, our team is here to help you understand all costs involved.
Are Aged Care Home Care Packages Means-Tested?
While the program isn’t means-tested, meaning your assets don’t affect your eligibility, your income might be assessed to determine if you need to pay an income-tested fee.
Your income tested care fee is calculated by Services Australia and this fee will reduce the subsidy the government contributes towards your Home Care Package.
Older Australians on full pension do not pay an income tested care fee.
