Navigating Home Care: What You Need to Know

Understanding how to access government-funded home care in Australia can be overwhelming, especially if you're just starting your aged care journey. The Home Care Package program (soon to be renamed Support at Home) is designed to help older Australians live safely and independently at home for longer, with tailored support based on individual needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the program works, who’s eligible, how to apply, and what to expect in terms of services and wait times.

What Is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is a government-subsidised program that provides coordinated services to help older Australians remain at home rather than moving into residential care. The services you receive are tailored to your level of care needs, which are determined through an official assessment.

What Can a Home Care Package Include?

Depending on your care needs and preferences, your package may include:

Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Meal preparation and assistance with eating
Transport to appointments and social activities
Nursing care and allied health services
Medication management
Home cleaning, laundry, and garden maintenance
Mobility and safety equipment
Social and emotional support

You have choice and control over which services you receive, when, and from which provider.

Who Is Eligible for a Home Care Package?

You may be eligible for a Home Care Package if you:

Are aged 65 or over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Are an Australian resident or permanent visa holder
Need coordinated support to continue living at home safely and independently

Eligibility is assessed through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), who will visit you at home to determine your care needs.

The 4 Levels of Home Care Packages

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each offering a different amount of funding based on your assessed care needs:

Level	Support Needed	Annual Government Subsidy (approx.)
Level 1	Basic care needs	~$10,271
Level 2	Low care needs	~$18,063
Level 3	Intermediate care needs	~$39,310
Level 4	High care needs	~$59,593

Figures current as of 2025. You may be asked to contribute an income-tested fee.

How Long Are Home Care Package Wait Times?

Wait times vary depending on your assessed level of need and your location. On average:

Level 1 or 2: 3–6 months
Level 3 or 4: 6–12 months (sometimes longer)

Tip: You can access temporary services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) while waiting for your package.

How to Apply for a Home Care Package

Register with My Aged Care
Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to get started.
Get Assessed by ACAT
A team member will visit you at home to assess your care needs and eligibility.
Receive Your Approval Letter
If approved, you’ll be placed on the national waitlist and notified when your package is available.
Choose a Home Care Provider
Compare local providers and select one that fits your needs, budget, and values.
Develop a Personalised Care Plan
Work with your chosen provider to design a flexible, person-centred care plan.

Need Help Navigating the Process?

The Home Care Package program is a powerful way to support older Australians to age in place with dignity, comfort, and control. While the process may seem complex at first, the benefits of receiving tailored, flexible care at home are well worth it.

Confident choices start with our Home Care Shortlist. Take the stress out of finding support - our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy to connect with trusted providers near you. Just tell us what you need and we’ll match you with qualified local providers - saving you hours of calls and confusion.