Who Is the Home Care Package Level 2 for?
According to My Aged Care, Level 2 Home Care Packages are designed for individuals with low-level care needs. These can include older adults, individuals with disabilities or special needs, or those who require long-term support.
Level 2 care provides those individuals with affordable care services in the comfort of their own home. It also gives them access to various services such as nurses, personal assistants, and social workers available either on-site or by phone for advice regarding health concerns.
Low-level care needs can comprise the following:
- Personal care
- Nursing care
- Residential aged care
- Respite care
- Occupational care
- Special needs care
If you need help running errands, going to doctor's appointments, or even completing daily tasks, you can qualify for a Level 2 Home Care Package, as these are all considered low-level care needs.
What Is the Difference Between Home Care Package Level 1 and 2
The most significant difference between Home Care Package Level 1 and 2 is the level of care provided. Level 1 is for those who need basic assistance, while Level 2 is for individuals requiring low-level care.
They also differ in terms of how many hours in a Level 2 Home Care Package are included. Haisey Home Care’s Level 2 Home Care Package comes with up to 312.86 hours of care per year, which amounts to 12 hours of care per fortnight. A Level 1 Home Care Package requires more basic care services, which is why it only comes with 156.43 hours of care per year, which is around six hours of care per fortnight.
On the other hand, Level 3 and 4 Home Care Packages are for those with more complex care requirements, with Level 3 being for intermediate care needs and Level 4 for high-level needs.
How to Apply for a Level 2 Home Care Package
It's important to note that you can't choose a Level 2 Home Care Package on your own. What happens instead is that you'll be assigned to a specific level based on your eligibility, financial situation, and personal circumstances.
To apply for Home Care Package Level 2 services, this is what you need to do:
- Contact My Aged Care.
- Get assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
- Apply for an income assessment and pay an income-tested care fee.
- Go through a waiting period after being placed on the national waiting list.
- Get assigned to a Level 2 Home Care Package.
Once you've gone through these steps, you're free to do some research on Home Care Packages to see what services different home care providers have to offer. Once you have selected a Home Care Package provider, you can discuss your needs, preferences, and goals with your chosen provider. You and your service provider can then develop a care plan together that should be tailored to your current health situation.
Are You Eligible for Home Care Package Level 2 Funding
In order for you to receive in-home care through a level 2 Home Care Package, you must be deemed eligible. Most people who qualify for a Level 2 Home Care Package need some help completing everyday tasks.
You could be deemed eligible for Home Care Package Level 2 services if you are:
- At least 65 years old (50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- An individual with a disability or mobility issues
- Recovering from surgery or an injury
You will know whether you're eligible for this level of care services once you get assed by the Aged Care Assessment Team and go through the income assessment. If you're not eligible for Level 2, you might be able to qualify for Level 1, which provides basic care support.
You can also use the eligibility checker on the My Aged Care website to find out which level of care you're most suited for.
How Much Is a Level 2 Home Care Package Worth
Home Care Packages are a government subsidy funded by the Australian Government. Each Home Care Package level is allocated a different amount, which also depends on your home care provider. Note that the Australian Government pays the subsidy directly to the home care provider, rather than the individual.
The maximum Home Care Package Level 2 funding amount is $16,147.6 a year, which includes the basic daily fee. This amounts to $619.36 every fortnight, though this contribution is increased every year.
Note that the Home Care Package Level 2 amount should cover all of your care needs. However, expenses that would normally be covered by your income, like groceries and rent, aren't included in your Home Care Package funds.
Choosing a Home Care Package Level 2 Provider
Once you have been assigned to a Level 2 Home Care Package, you are free to choose a home care provider. It's important to look for a provider that can meet all of your health needs. Make sure to choose a home care provider that:
- Offers the type of care you need
- Allows you to access affordable care services
- Has a reputation for providing high-quality care
- Meets your Home Care Package budget
- Doesn't charge a basic daily fee or an exit fee
- Will tailor their care services to your needs
