FAQs
Helpful answers to frequently asked questions.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is an allocation of funds from the government that enables you to purchase products and services to support you living at home for as long as you can. You are able to choose services that suit you depending on your assessed needs.
What are the levels of Home Care Packages?
There are four levels of packages and funding available as follows:
Level 4: High level care needs
Level 3: Intermediate level care needs
Level 2: Low level care needs
Level 1: Basic care needs
The types of services provided under your package will depend on your individual needs and the level of package you are eligible for.
What services can I receive?
Our trained coordinators offers an extensive range of options for you to choose from that suit your lifestyle and budget.
Services can include nursing care, personal care, domestic assistance, social support, transport, allied health services, the purchase of items of equipment and aids, home maintenance and gardening, and medication assistance. There is guidelines on what can be purchased under your package, please always check with your coordinator for any query, as items able to be purchased are subject to change and updates in guidelines.
What isn’t covered by a Home Care Package?
The funding you receive cannot be used for items you normally purchase from your general income - for example (l:
- Food, except as part of enteral feeding requirements
- Accommodation, including assistance with home purchase, mortgage payments or rent
- Payment of home care fees or fees and charges for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government
- Home modifications that are not related to your care needs
- Travel and accommodation for holidays
- Entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events
- Gambling activities
- Services covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- An older person who needs help to stay in your home
- A younger person with a disability, dementia or other special care needs not met through other specialist services
Who can receive a Home Care Package?
Whilst there are no minimum age requirements or residency restrictions home care packages are not intended for visitors to Australia or people needing temporary or short-term care.
If you need home care assistance but do not meet the eligibility requirements Aurora Community can still assist you through other government or self-funded programs. Call our friendly team to learn more about how we can help.
How does it work?
First you will need to find out if you are eligible by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. The My Aged Care contact centre will ask you a number of questions to determine if you need an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team/Service.
If so the assessment will determine if you are eligible for a Home Care Package and which package level best meets your care needs.
You will receive a letter confirming you have been approved for a Home Care Package and assigning you a level of care.
You will need to wait until you receive a second letter confirming you have been assigned a package to take the next step. It may take between 2 – 18 months for this letter to arrive. This is the perfect time to contact the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) to complete the financial assessment so you understand what co-payment you may have to contribute to your care when the time comes. You will have 52 days from when you receive this second letter to take up a package with an approved provider.
Can I get help navigating the My Aged Care process?
We know navigating the My Aged Care system can be a daunting experience. The expert team at Aurora Community are here to advise and help you during each step of the process.
It is our aim to help you achieve the best outcome for your ongoing care support.
How much funding will I get?
The amount of funding you will receive will vary depending on the level of support you need and your personal financial situation.
The Aged Care Assessment Team/Service determines what level you fall into, while the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) determines what co-payment you contribute to your care.
The caring team at Aurora Community are here to help you understand anything you are confused about so you know exactly where you stand.
How long will it take for me to get a Home Care Package?
The length of time you will wait for a package can vary from 2 – 18 months. We encourage people to reach out for help as soon as they think they need additional support.
Aurora Community can still assist you during this interim period through other government or self-funded programs. Call our friendly team to learn more about how we can help.
What if it’s an emergency?
Aurora Community is able to respond immediately to emergency situations with flexible and innovative care solutions that can be delivered seven days a week and around the clock.
For emergency assistance with your package you can call the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres on 1800 059 059.
We are also able to connect you with our network of Private Hospitals across Australia if need be. Call our friendly team to learn more about how we can help.
What if my needs change over time?
Rest assured that we are here to help should your needs change over time. We will work with you to adjust the services you receive. If your care needs exceed your allocated package we can refer you back to the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service for review.
We will also work with you and your family to help with transition to a residential aged care service should that become necessary.
Can I still go on holiday?
Yes. You are entitled to 56 days per year leave.
Please let us know when you will be away and for how long so we can schedule recommencement of service for your return home.
We can also make arrangements so you continue to receive service at your holiday destination.
What about my four legged friend?
At Aurora Community we understand that ‘family’ comes in all shapes and sizes and often includes four legged friends. We can help you with feeding and supporting you to walk your pet.
For the safety of our staff we do ask however that your pet is kept in a secure area whilst we are attending to domestic duties in your home.
I receive a Veteran’s Nursing service, can I still have a Home Care Package?
There is no barrier to veterans receiving a Home Care Package in addition to their veteran’s services as long as the services provided are not duplicated. In particular a Aurora Community Home Care Package may be able to help with things like socialisation, meal preparation and support to access the community.
Veterans will need to apply through the My Aged Care portal and be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service to determine eligibility.