Home Care Packages are one of the ways in which you can receive affordable care services to help you in your own home.

The packages are designed to support those who require more complex in-home aged care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can provide.

Home Care Packages offer a coordinated approach to the delivery of your in home care and can be tailored to suit your individual needs. Providers coordinate a package of care, services and case management. The type of support and your level of care is dependent on your needs.

There are four levels of HCP support and your level will be independently assessed using a nationally consistent and accredited framework as follows:

Home Care Package Level 1

Level 1 Home Care Package is designed to support people who have basic care needs and are still independent and able to perform most day to day tasks on their own. Approximately 2 – 3 hours of support per week, and the common services our caring hands help Level 1 Home Care Package customers with are:

  • Domestic Assistance
  • Social Support
  • Meal Preparation
  • Shopping
  • Transport
  • Basic gardening
Home Care Package Level 2

Level 2 Home Care Package is designed to support people who have low-level care needs who require a little bit of care and help around the home, but are still able to perform most tasks themselves.

Approximately 4-6 hours of support available per week and the common services our caring hands help Level 2 Home Care Package customers with are:

  • Personal Care
  • Domestic Assistance
  • Social Support
  • Meal Preparation
  • Shopping
  • Transport
  • Basic Home and Gardening Maintenance
  • Basic Care Equipment
Home Care Package Level 3

Level 3 Home Care Package is designed to support people who have intermediate care needs and need more support than level 1 and 2 to remain safe at home.

Approximately 9 – 10 hours of support available per week, and the common services our caring hands help Level 3 Home Care Package customers with are:

  • Personal Care
  • Domestic Assistance
  • Medication Management
  • Nursing Support
  • Allied Health Support
  • Assistance with aids and equipment
  • Support with changes to memory
  • Social Support
  • Meal Preparation
  • Shopping
  • Transport
Home Care Package Level 4

Level 3 Home Care Package is designed to support people who have high or complex care needs, such as dementia or Parkinson’s, and need high level of support to stay safe in own home.

Approximately 14-15 hours of support available per week, and the common services our caring hands help Level 4 Home Care Package customers with are:

  • Personal Care
  • Domestic Assistance
  • Medication Management
  • Nursing Support
  • Allied Health Support
  • Assistance with aids and equipment
  • Support with changes to memory
  • Social Support
  • Shopping
  • Transport
What is the difference between Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is a government program providing support for older Australians requiring assistance to keep living independently at home and in their own community. The CHSP is designed to provide entry level support to those who may find themselves seeking a little bit of help with some everyday tasks.

Home Care Packages on the other hand are designed to support those who require more complex aged care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide. Home Care Packages offer a coordinated approach to the delivery of your in home care and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

There are four levels of HCP support, and your level will be assessed by a professional assessor using a nationally consistent assessment framework.

The amount of funding you receive to put towards your home care differs between the CHSP and HCP. As the CHSP is designed for those who have lower care needs, the funding is less. As HCP are designed for those who have an increased level of care needs, the funding is higher.

What are the similarities between Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Packages?

Both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages are funded by the government. This means that if you are assessed by My Aged Care and your care needs meet the criteria, you will receive money from the government to put towards your aged home care services.

The services you can receive on the CHSP and HCP are also similar. Depending on your care needs, you may require assistance in the form of gardening, showering, meal service or transport, for example.

What Services does Commonwealth Home Support Programme Provide?

The CHSP offers a range of home/community services including:

  • Social Support & Activities
  • Transport
  • Domestic Assistance
  • Personal care
  • Home Maintenance
  • Nursing Care
  • Respite Care
  • Food Services
Who is eligible for Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

Eligibility for the CHSP is based on your support needs and age. To be eligible for the CHSP program you must be aged:

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
  • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Check your eligiblity online and find out what services you could receive based on your needs.

How does it work?

To access a home care package you will need to be assessed and approved for home care services by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and then select a home care provider, like Southcare, to deliver the services and products you need.

Everyone’s needs are different and at Southcare we get to know you to gain a better understanding of your needs and work with you to develop the best home care package and care plan to suit you. As always, you are in control of your care so have choice and flexibility in the way your support services are delivered.

It’s your care, your way.

How much does it cost?

A basic daily fee and an income tested care fee are applied to Home Care Packages. Southcare’s fee structure is simple and transparent with no exit fees, putting you in total control. The amount spent depends on how much and how often you use our caring hands and the products you need.

We offer flexible service times and costs include wages, travel time, mileage, training and development and other administration costs.

Download the HCP fee schedule

What in-home care or support do you need the most?

Reach out for a free consultation on options or a tailored package and let our caring hands help you stay healthy and independent in your own home.

If you currently receive services from another provider, we’re happy to provide a free comparison to ensure you are getting the best care and value for money.

Simply complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.