How to Apply for Home Care Package Services?

Are you an older person in need of home care support? Do you have disabilities or special needs? Do you want to continue living at home as you age?

If so, you should know how to apply for Home Care Package services. 

The application process may be long. But it's not as complicated as it seems. 

Your goal should be to access Home Care Package services that meet all your needs and are within your budget.

If you're wondering, "How do I apply for a Home Care Package?" this article is for you. 

We'll go into detail about Home Care Packages, including the entire application process from start to finish. 

What Is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package (HCP) is a set of health and care services for elderly Australians. This program is funded by the Australian Government. 

Home Care Packages provide aged care services to seniors in the comfort of their own homes. That way, they won't have to move to a nursing home.

Home Care Packages usually comprise the following services:

• Personal care
• Help with housework and daily activities
• Health services
• Nursing care
• Support with transport
• Social support
• Equipment and supplies
• Other specialist services

The services you'll receive depend on your Home Care Package level and provider. Of course, your needs are also an important factor.

HCP services aren't the same as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). 

HCP and the CHSP are the two most common types of aged care services in Australia. Both these aged care programs are funded by the Australian Government. They are also both intended for people over the age of 65.

The CHSP is better suited for those who need basic healthcare. HCP services are for those with more complex needs, who need long-term care.

What Is the Right Home Care Package for You?

The first step of a Home Care Package application is to see which HCP level you're eligible for. There are four levels of Home Care Packages in Australia:

• Level 1 - Basic care package
• Level 2 - Low-level care package
• Level 3 - Intermediate-level care package
• Level 4 - High-level care package

The first two levels are for those who need minimal support and help with household tasks. 

The third level is for those who can't complete most of their daily activities alone. It comes with access to nurses and other medical professionals. 

Those who need level 4 HCP services receive complex medical support and daily home care.

These four levels of HCP programs vary when it comes to the amount and type of care provided. 

The government's yearly contribution depends on the package level.

• Level 1 - $10,271.1 a year - estimated 3 to 5 hours of care per fortnight
• Level 2 - $18,063.85 a year - estimated 6 to 9 hours of care per fortnight
• Level 3 - $39,310.5 a year - estimated 13 to 19 hours of care per fortnight
• Level 4 - $59,593.55 a year - estimated 20 to 30 hours of care per fortnight 

Keep in mind that the weekly hours of care you will receive depend on the Home Care Package provider you select. 

How to Apply for a Home Care Package?

The Home Care Package application process depends on the level of care you need.

If you are 65 or older, this is how to apply for a Home Care Package:

1. Contact aged care services at My Aged Care.
2. Go through a formal assessment, including an income assessment.
3. Wait to find out if you're eligible, after which you'll be placed on the national waiting list.
4. Go through Home Care Package providers and choose the right one.
5. Develop a care plan with your chosen provider.

Applying for Home Care Package services depends on your HCP level. After obtaining the funding, you'll be able to select a Home Care Package provider. 

Note that the funding should cover most of the cost of your HCP services. But, there might be some external fees you will have to think about.

There are many Home Care Package providers in Australia. They vary in price, eligibility, and location. 

No matter which provider you apply for, you will need to go through a waiting period. This period usually lasts a couple of months, but some applicants may have to wait longer than that. 

If your package level is not available right now, you might be temporarily placed on a lower level. When your package becomes available again, you will upgrade to it as soon as possible. 

Are You Eligible for a Home Care Package

Whether you can apply for a Home Care Package depends on your eligibility.

Here are a few signs you might be eligible for Home Care Package funds:

1. You are 65 or older.
2. You have been diagnosed with a medical condition that prevents you from completing everyday tasks.
3. You have reduced mobility.
4. You have experienced a recent fall.
5. You have been admitted to the hospital for a medical condition or injury.
6. You have experienced a change in family care arrangements.

To find out if you are eligible, you can apply for a home assessment. You can also use the eligibility checker on My Aged Care. 

If you use the checker, you'll need to answer some basic questions. For example, you'll need to list the activities you can't do by yourself. This can inlcude walking, getting dressed, basic housework, shopping for groceries, etc.

If you're not eligible for Home Care Package funding, you'll have to pay for the HCP yourself.

If you are eligible, you'll be put on a waiting list. The length depends on the package's level and the urgency of need. 

The waiting period can last from three to 12 months. But if you're on the priority level, you'll likely be allocated a package sooner. 

The waiting period is similar for all four levels of Home Care Packages.

Why You Should Apply for Haisey Home Care

Haisey Home Care offers a range of services tailored to meet individual needs. Some of Haisey Home Care medical professionals can help with the following:

• Companionship
• Personal care services
• Light housekeeping
• Meal preparation
• Occupational therapy
• Allied Health Services
• Respite care
• Specialised nursing

Haisey Home Care has no hidden fees, daily charges, or exit fees. We offer completely transparent pricing and affordable prices. 

Our goal is to support senior citizens and help them regain their independence. We do this by providing them with the best care services. 

Our team consists of nursing and healthcare professionals. We are committed to helping our clients stand on their feet.

Live Comfortably with Haisey Home Care

If you're wondering how to apply for Home Care Package services, follow our step-by-step guide. 

Once you find out if you're eligible, Haisey Home Care makes the entire process easier from that point. 

If you have questions about the application process, feel free to contact us.