Australia's Four Home Care Package Levels Explained
Australia's Home Care Packages (HCP) program provides subsidised funding to help eligible older people live independently in their homes. The amount of funding and the range of services provided is determined by one of four package levels, which are allocated based on an assessment of your care needs.
Level 1: Basic Care Needs
A Level 1 HCP is designed for individuals who require a minimal amount of support to remain living safely at home. The funding is typically sufficient to cover one to two hours of services per week.
Common services covered:
- Help with household tasks, such as light cleaning and laundry.
- Meal preparation assistance.
- Transport to appointments or social outings.
- Basic social support and companionship.
Level 2: Low-Level Care Needs
Individuals approved for a Level 2 HCP have slightly higher care needs than those on Level 1. The increased funding reflects the need for more frequent or intensive support, often amounting to several visits per week.
Common services covered:
- Assistance with personal care, including showering, dressing, and grooming.
- Continued support with household chores and meal preparation.
- Transport and social support services.
- Basic clinical care, such as medication management reminders.
Level 3: Intermediate Care Needs
This package level is for people with intermediate care needs who require more frequent assistance and access to a wider range of health professionals. The funding allows for a more coordinated approach to in-home care.
Common services covered:
- More frequent visits for personal care and domestic help.
- Allied health services, such as podiatry, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
- Clinical care from registered nurses for more complex health conditions.
- Minor home modifications, such as grab rails or ramps, to improve safety.
Level 4: High-Level Care Needs
A Level 4 HCP provides the highest level of funding for individuals with complex and high-level care needs. This package is for those who require extensive and often daily assistance to live independently.
Common services covered:
- Comprehensive personal care and clinical nursing services.
- Specialised health support for complex conditions like dementia.
- More significant home modifications to enhance accessibility.
- Extensive domestic, transport, and social support.
How are the levels determined?
The process for being assigned a Home Care Package level involves an assessment through My Aged Care, the central access point for aged care services.
- Contact My Aged Care: The first step is to register with My Aged Care. This can be done online or by phone.
- Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment: A qualified assessor from an ACAT will visit you at home to evaluate your health, mobility, and day-to-day needs.
- Approval and level assignment: Based on the assessment, you will be approved for a specific HCP level (or referred to the Commonwealth Home Support Program for basic needs) and placed on a national waiting list.
Comparison of Home Care Package Levels
| Feature | Level 1: Basic Care | Level 2: Low-Level Care | Level 3: Intermediate Care | Level 4: High-Level Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Care Needs | Basic, occasional assistance | Low-level, more frequent support | Intermediate, some complex or clinical needs | High-level, complex and intensive care needs |
| Typical Services | Cleaning, meal prep, transport | Personal care, domestic help, transport | Nursing, allied health, minor modifications | Daily personal care, complex nursing, allied health |
| **Funding (Approx.)*** | $10,931 per year | $19,224 per year | $41,847 per year | $63,440 per year |
| Service Frequency | 1-2 hours per week | 2-4 hours per week | 4-6 hours per week | 8+ hours per week |
*Note: Funding amounts are subject to change. The figures listed are for illustrative purposes and are based on data from June 2025. A government subsidy is paid to your provider, which is combined with your potential contributions to create a total budget for your care.
Waiting for a package
Due to high demand, there may be a waitlist for packages, particularly at certain levels. While you wait, you may be able to access alternative government support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides entry-level assistance for basic needs. It is important to remember that the National Priority System ensures packages are allocated fairly based on individual needs and circumstances.
How to make the most of your package
Once you receive your package, you will work with an approved home care provider to manage your services. The Home Care Packages program operates on a consumer-directed care model, meaning you have control over how your budget is spent. You and your provider will create a care plan that aligns with your specific goals and preferences, ensuring you get the most value from your funding.
Commonly requested services include:
- Assistance with meal preparation and nutrition.
- Cleaning, laundry, and light gardening.
- Personal care, such as showering and dressing.
- Nursing and allied health support.
- Transport to appointments and social activities.
- Minor home modifications for safety and accessibility.
- Social outings and companionship.
Conclusion
In summary, Australia has four distinct levels of Home Care Packages, each corresponding to a different tier of care needs and funding. The journey begins with an assessment through My Aged Care to determine which package level is appropriate for you. Understanding these levels—from Level 1 for basic support to Level 4 for high-level, complex care—empowers you to better navigate the aged care system. By working with an approved provider, you can create a personalised plan that uses your allocated funding to support your independence and well-being at home.
For more detailed information, including up-to-date funding figures and application procedures, you should visit the official My Aged Care website at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/.
