The Complete Guide to Home Care Packages: Level 3

What Is a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Home Care Package Level 3 is designed to support individuals with intermediate care needs, requiring a higher level of assistance and support compared to Level 1 and Level 2 packages. Level 3 packages are typically suitable for older adults with more complex health conditions or greater functional limitations that require a significant amount of care and support to remain living independently at home.

According to My Aged Care, Level 3 Home Care Package services are best suited for individuals who:

• Have chronic health conditions
• Experience mobility changes
• Require more intensive personal care
• Have cognitive impairments
• Need nursing care
• Have complex care needs

Home Care Package Level 3 and 4 Differences

Home Care Packages Level 3 and Level 4 mainly differ in terms of the type and complexity of the care provided. While both levels cater to individuals with high care needs, Level 4 offers a higher level of support compared to Level 3.

If you're wondering how many hours in a level 3 Home Care Package are included, Haisey Home Care offers up to 573.57 hours of care per year, which amounts to 22 hours of care per fortnight. Since Level 4 requires more complex aged care services, it also comes with more hours of care, 1,095 per year, to be more precise.

As opposed to Levels 3 and 4, Home Care Package Levels 1 and 2 are intended to support people with basic and low-level care needs.

How to Apply for a Level Three Home Care Package

Applying for a Home Care Package is a straightforward process, but it might take some time. What you need to know is that you can't choose your own level. You will rather be assigned to one based on your eligibility.

Here's how you can apply for a level 3 Home Care Package:

1. Contact My Aged Care.
2. Set up an assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team.
3. Pay an income-tested fee.
4. Go through the waiting period.
5. Get assigned to a Home Care Package level.

If you're assigned to a Level 3 Home Care Package, you can choose from a variety of home care providers. You and your service provider can develop a care program tailored to your intermediate care needs.

If you want to check your eligibility, you can use the eligibility checker on the My Aged Care website.

Are You Eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package

Eligibility for a Home Care Package Level 3 is determined through an assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS). The Aged Care Assessment Team considers the following circumstances to determine the appropriate level of support required:

1. Personal care needs
2. Functional abilities
3. Cognitive abilities
4. Overall health status and medical history
5. Carer support needs
6. Care preferences and goals
7. The current living situation and support network

The older person applying for Home Care Package funds must also go through an income assessment, which is the amount used to determine their income-tested care fee. The income-tested care fee is the portion of the Home Care Package costs that the individual may be required to contribute based on their current financial situation. Your income assessment can also determine which Home Care Package level you're assigned to.

How Much Is a Level 3 Home Care Package Worth

Home Care Packages are funded by the Australian Government. The current maximum Level 3 Home Care Package subsidy amount is $5,3268.1 a year, which equals $2,043.16 per fortnight. Home Care Package Level 3 funding includes the government's contribution and any additional contributions made by the individual or their family.

It's important to note that the actual Level 3 Home Care Package value may vary depending on the individual's assessed care needs and the cost of the care services and support provided. The funding allocated for a Home Care Package is intended to cover the costs of approved care and services, including personal care, nursing care, allied health services, equipment, modifications, etc.

Choosing a Home Care Provider

Now that you know what is included in a level 3 Home Care Package and how much it's worth, it's time to choose a home care provider. In order to receive the best care in the comfort of your own home, look for home care providers who:

• Allow you to access affordable care services.
• Make sure you'll receive assistance tailored to your needs and preferences.
• Have a reputation for providing high-quality in-home care.
• Know how to handle your specific care needs.
• Offer a range of services, including residential aged care, meal preparation, help with everyday tasks, and domestic assistance.
• Don't charge a basic daily fee or exit fee.

Your chosen provider should make your life easier, giving you and your family peace of mind knowing you are in safe hands.