How to Apply for Home Care Package - Everything You Need to Know 

If you're an older person in need of home care services or an individual with disabilities and special needs, 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. The goal is to find a Home Care Package that meets all your needs and is 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, how to choose the right one, and how to apply for it.

What Is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package (HCP) is a set of health and care services provided by Australian government funding. It applies to older Australian citizens and individuals with disabilities and special needs. Home care packages are designed to provide aged care services to older Australians in the comfort of their own home, so they won't have to move to a nursing home.

Home Care Packages usually comprise of 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 exact services you'll receive depends on the Home Care Package and service provider you choose, as well as your needs.  

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Keep in mind that applying for Home Care Package services isn't the same process as applying for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). HCP and CHSP are the two most common types of aged care services in Australia. Even though both these aged care services are funded by the Australian government, CHSP is better suited for those who need basic healthcare, while HCP services are for individuals with more complex needs.

Choosing 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 individuals who require minimal support and help with household tasks. The third level is for those who can't complete most of their daily activities independently, and it comes with access to nurses and other medical professionals. Those who require level 4 of HCP receive complex medical support and daily home care.

These four levels of HCP programs vary in terms of the amount and type of care provided. The government’s yearly contribution to aged care services depends on the package level.

• Level 1 - $8,000 a year - estimated 2 hours of care per week
• Level 2 - $15,700 a year - estimated 3-4 hours of care per week
• Level 3 - $34,000 a year - estimated 7-9 hours of care per week
• Level 4 - $51,600 a year - estimated 10-14.5 hours of care per week

Keep in mind that the weekly hours of care you will receive depend on the Home Care Package provider you select. If you have trouble choosing your Home Care Package, you can book a free in-home consultation with Haisey Home Care.

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. Get in touch with a My Aged Care service provider for an eligibility assessment.
3. Set up a formal income assessment.
4. Wait to find out if you're eligible, after which you'll be placed on the national waiting list.
5. Going through Home Care Package providers and choosing the right one.
6. Developing a care plan with your chosen provider.

Applying for Home Care Package services depends on the HCP level you are assigned to. After obtaining Australian government funding, you'll be able to select a Home Care Package that meets all your needs. Note that the funding is supposed to cover most of the cost of the HCP service, but there might be some additional fees you will have to consider.

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Once you receive Home Care Package funding, you are free to choose a service provider. There are many Home Care Package service and provider options in Australia, which vary in price and eligibility. No matter which provider you apply for, you will need to go through a waiting period.

Are You Eligible for a Home Care Package

Whether or not you can apply for a Home Care Package level 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 or use the eligibility checker on the My Aged Care website. 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 independently (e.g., 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 the four levels of HCP.

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

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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 by providing them with the best care services. Our team is made up of nursing and healthcare professionals who 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, you can follow our step-by-step guide. Once you find out if you're eligible for a Home Care Package, Haisey Home Care makes the entire process easier from that point. If you have questions about the application process, feel free to contact us.