Home care packages are flexible solutions for maintaining independence at home while receiving the support you need. Focusing on freedom and flexibility, these packages empower individuals to tailor their care to their specific needs. However, understanding the costs associated with home care is crucial in making informed decisions about the level of support required.
Wise Choice in Home Care designs the care program to live within the budget with an added choice of care and support plus options. These packages typically cover services such as personal care, nursing, and domestic assistance.
This blog provides details of home care package pricing in Sydney, helping you navigate the different levels and associated fees to find the most cost-effective option for yourself or your loved one.
Levels of Home Care Packages in Sydney
The ACAT team shall assess and determine the level suitable for you based on that level mentioned:
- Level 1: Home care level 1 is the basic level. It can be availed by those who are searching for ways to live independently but need assistance. For example, if you have suffered from illness or injury, this level provides help. It includes washing, cleaning, gardening, and other domestic support.
- Level 2: Home care level 2 is suitable for low-level care. It is ideal for those who want support during travelling, health support, gardening, and installing rails and ramps.
- Level 3: Home care level 3 offers an intermediate level of support. This covers social support, treatment support, health support and travelling.
- Level 4: This includes a higher level of care, including private and personal. It includes visiting clients daily, supporting them in transportation, community activities, and more. The level 4 package is suitable for patients suffering from dementia.
The Actual Cost of Home Care Packages
The cost varies and depends on the types of services you need. Basically, the pickers are given 4 levels of care within the home care packages program. Before finalising the package, everyone applying for it is assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team to identify eligibility for the needed level of care.
Each package level has a different amount of funding. The Australian Government pays such funding to the home care service provider. Together, we shall coordinate with you and decide on the use of funds to make a wise investment.
The higher the level of care or support you need, the more funding you will need from the Australian Government. But before that, depending on the income, you might need to contribute a certain portion of the cost of the package.
The total amount of the Home Care Package
If you are eligible for the home care package, relax. The Government will provide the service in the form of subsidies, making the overall package affordable and reachable.
The total exact amount of the home care package is made up of;
- Your contribution (the fees you shall be asked to pay by the Government)
- The Australian Government Subsidy
The fund comprises care services and management costs. All the clients are responsible for the costs of the home care services. Fortnightly invoice details of the services taken are sent in electronic form.
Government-funded home care packages in Sydney
The government fund changes every year; in fact, it increases. The government’s contribution is directly paid to the home care service provider. Don’t worry. This fund won’t affect the pension as it won’t be counted as your pension.
Home Care Package Service | Service charges levied | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
Home Care Package funding | Annually | $10,588.65 | $18,622.30 | $40,529.60 | $61,440.45 |
Home Care Package funding | Per fortnight | $406.14 | $714.28 | $1,554.56 | $2,356.62 |
What fees must an individual pay for the home care service?
Your contribution is made up of basic daily fees, income-tested care fees and additional fees.
1. Basic Daily Fee: These rates are established by the government. The standard daily fee for the Homecare Package ranges from 15.68% to 17.50% of the single pension rate, depending on the level of the Homecare Package.
- Level 1 incurs a daily fee of $11.43, costing $160.02 over a fortnight.
- For Level 2, the daily fee is $12.08, amounting to $169.12 over two weeks.
- Level 3 carries a daily fee of $12.42, resulting in a fortnightly cost of $173.88.
- Lastly, Level 4 carries a daily fee of $12.75, accumulating to $178.50 over a fortnight.
2. Income-tested Care fee: The additional contribution is calculated based on a thorough assessment of one’s income. This fee varies for each individual, depending on their specific income and pension status. However, individuals who are full pensioners or have an income of up to $33,027.80 are exempt from paying the income-tested care fee.
Steps to get a proper Home Care Package
If you are interested in getting a proper home care package for your loved ones, then four steps are involved;
- Learn about the different kinds of aged care: Just starting the aged care journey, find out the home care service packages that are available to help you stay inside the home.
- Get assessed: Look at the services available and determine your eligibility. Read through the assessment process and procedures. Before receiving the home care package, you will be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACAT is a health and community care clinician who will visit you to assess your daily living and determine the funding program that is correct for you.
- Find the right service provider: After the assessment, you are ready to find a provider and generate new services. Take the time to research and compare different providers to ensure you select one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
- Manage your services: If you are receiving the services and want to check the received services or change the services, then you can move on. Monitor the services you receive, provide feedback to your provider, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your evolving needs are met effectively.
Remember, finding the most cost-effective package isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about finding the right balance of services and support that aligns with your needs and budget. For those suffering from financial hardship, assistance is available from the end of the Australian Government.
At Wise Choice in Home Care, we prioritise affordability and choice, empowering you to access the support you need while preserving your independence. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and explore personalised home care options.
