At Cura Aged Care Services, we understand how important it is for older Australians to live independently in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the care they need. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the Australian Government’s Home Care Package (HCP) program, a fantastic initiative designed to deliver tailored in-home care for seniors.

This comprehensive blog will help you understand Home Care Packages, explain how to get started, highlight the services available, and provide insight into how Cura Aged Care Services can support you or your loved ones at every step of the journey.

What Is a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages are designed to provide long-term support for older Australians who need help with daily activities but want to remain in their own homes. These packages offer a coordinated approach to care, ensuring that individuals receive the support that best suits their needs. There are four package levels, each providing different funding amounts and levels of assistance.

IMPORTANT: As of the 01 July 2025 the Home Care Package program will transition to the Support at Home program.

What is the difference between a Home Care Package (HCP) and the Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program, is replacing the Home Care Packages (HCPs) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs on the 01 July 2025. This program provides more comprehensive and flexible in-home aged care services, while the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) offers entry-level support for those with basic needs. 

If you apply and are approved for a Home Care Package prior to the 01 July 2025, you will automatically transition to the Support at Home program.

Home Care Package Levels:

Level 1: Basic support services, such as help with household tasks, meal preparation, and transport.

Level 2: Low-level care, which may include personal care, social support, and basic home maintenance.

Level 3: Intermediate care for individuals with more complex needs, including medication assistance, mobility support, and specialist health services.

Level 4: High-level care for individuals requiring ongoing nursing care and specialist support services.

Each package is flexible and can be adjusted as your needs change over time. Our team works closely with you to ensure your care plan evolves with your circumstances.

How to Access a Home Care Package

Navigating the Home Care Package process can be overwhelming, but Cura Aged Care Services makes it simple. Follow these five steps to access government-subsidised home care:

Check Your Eligibility

  • Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 to complete an eligibility check.
  • Our team can also assist you in determining whether you qualify.

Organise an Aged Care Assessment

Complete an Income Assessment

  • Centrelink or Services Australia will assess your financial situation.
  • This helps determine if you need to contribute towards the cost of care.

Package Approval and Allocation

  • After assessment, you’ll be approved for a package level and placed on a national priority waitlist.
  • Wait times can vary depending on demand and urgency.

Choose Cura Aged Care Services as Your Provider

  • Once your package is allocated, you can select your preferred provider.
  • Cura Aged Care Services offers a FREE consultation to help tailor your care plan to your specific needs.

Services Covered by Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages are designed to provide flexible and personalised support. Some of the services available through Cura Aged Care Services include:

  • Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting to ensure dignity and comfort.
  • Domestic Support: Help with household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation to maintain a safe and hygienic living environment.
  • Nursing Support: In-home medical care, wound management, and medication administration provided by registered nurses.
  • Allied Health Services: Physiotherapy, podiatry, speech therapy, and occupational therapy to maintain mobility and overall health.
  • Social Support: Companionship, transport to appointments, and participation in community activities to enhance social engagement.
  • Home Modifications: Installation of grab rails, ramps, and other safety features to improve mobility and prevent falls.
  • Specialist Dementia Support: Tailored assistance for individuals living with dementia, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

At Cura Aged Care Services, we ensure your services are customised to meet your evolving needs.

What Services Are Excluded?

The following are not covered under Home Care Packages:

  • General living expenses like food, utilities, and internet.
  • Personal luxury services such as beauty treatments and pet care.
  • Medical and dental services already covered by other government programs.

Our team at Cura Aged Care Services will guide you through the inclusions and exclusions, ensuring transparency at every step.

What Costs Might You Need to Contribute?

The Australian Government provides the bulk of Home Care Package funding, helping to make this essential support accessible to more people. However, depending on your financial situation, you may also need to contribute to the cost of your care.

Your financial contribution depends on your income and package level. Potential costs include:

  • Basic Daily Fee: Some providers charge this to cover additional care needs, but at Cura Aged Care Services, we keep this fee minimal.
  • Income-Tested Fee: An additional contribution required for higher-income individuals, determined by Centrelink.
  • Service Fees: Administrative and care management costs to ensure high-quality service delivery.
  • Additional Service Fees: If you choose extra services beyond your allocated package funding.

At Cura Aged Care Services, we believe in transparent pricing, ensuring you understand all potential costs upfront with no hidden fees.

The Home Care Package budget

One of the key advantages of a Home Care Package is that it allows you to take control of how your care funding is spent. Every Home Care Package comes with an allocated budget, which is managed by your Home Care Package provider. This Home Care Package budget is designed to cover the services you need to remain independent and comfortable at home.

Your Home Care Package provider will work with you to design a budget plan that suits your needs and priorities. This may include basic care services like personal care and domestic help or more advanced health-related services. The flexibility of the Home Care Package budget allows you to choose the services that are most important to you, whether that’s having help with day-to-day tasks or accessing more complex aged care services and options.

The ability to manage your own Home and Care Package budget means you can make the most of your allocated funding, ensuring you receive the care you need in the areas that matter most. By working closely with your provider, you can adjust your services over time as your needs change.

Home Care Package Assessment Process

Before you can apply for a Home Care Package, you must first undergo an aged care assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and be eligible in Australia. This team consists of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, who assess your care needs to determine which Home Care Package level is appropriate for you.

The aged care assessment team will evaluate your current living situation, your ability to perform daily tasks, and your health needs. They’ll also discuss your goals for remaining at home and how a Home Care Package can best support you in achieving them. The outcome of this assessment will determine the package level you qualify for, whether you need basic care or more complex assistance.

Once your assessment is complete, you’ll receive approval for a Home Care Package, and you can begin working with the provider of your choice to design your care plan.

Your care plan will be tailored by your approved provider to suit your needs and adjusted over time as those needs change.

Why choose a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package offers the best of both worlds, enabling older Australians to continue living at home while receiving the care and support they need. For many, staying at home provides a greater sense of independence, comfort, and familiarity. A Home Care Package ensures that you can maintain this independence while receiving help with everyday tasks, personal care, extra support, and even more complex care services as needed.

Additionally, Home Care Packages offer flexibility. Whether you need basic care or more intensive health services, the package is tailored to your unique situation. As your needs change, your package can be adjusted, ensuring you always have the support you need.

Ultimately, Home Care Packages are about empowering individuals to live life on their own terms safely and independently while receiving the assistance they require. From basic care to more complex services, a Home Care Package is designed to help you stay at home for longer.

Managing Your Home Care Package

One of the biggest benefits of Home Care Packages is flexibility. At Cura Aged Care Services, we ensure your package is tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Our team will help you:

  • Develop and manage a personalised care plan.
  • Allocate funding efficiently to maximise the services you receive.
  • Adjust your care plan as your needs change over time.

We handle all aspects of package management, including financial planning, service coordination, and regular care plan reviews, so you can focus on enjoying life with peace of mind.

What are the Home Care Package wait times

To make sure you get the support you need when you need it, it’s strongly recommended to apply for a Home Care Package as early as possible. There is a national waitlist, so starting the process sooner will help ensure timely access to care services.

According to My Aged Care, the expected wait time for an approved Home Care Package (starting from the date on the letter of approval) for medium priority applicants is:

  • Level 1: 1 – 3 months
  • Level 2: 3 – 6 months
  • Level 3: 9 – 12 months
  • Level 4: 12 – 15 months

*Last revised by My Aged Care on 30 September 2024

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to unspent Home Care Package funds? Unspent funds are carried forward and held on your behalf by Cura Aged Care Services, ensuring they are available when you need them.

Can I take a break from my Home Care Package? Yes, you can temporarily pause your package if needed, such as during a hospital stay or holiday.

What if my care needs change? If your needs evolve, you can request a re-assessment for a higher package level to access additional services.

Why Choose Cura Aged Care Services?

At Cura Aged Care Services, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care that enhances the lives of our clients. Here’s why families trust us:

  • Personalised Care Plans designed around your unique needs and lifestyle.
  • Transparent Costs with no hidden fees or unexpected charges.
  • Flexible Service Options that adapt as your needs evolve.
  • Expert Care Team with experienced carers, nurses, and allied health professionals.

FREE Consultations to help you navigate the Home Care Package process with confidence.

If you or a loved one is considering a Home Care Package, contact our team today. At Cura Aged Care Services, we’re here to make accessing in-home care as seamless as possible. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the highest level of care and support.

Call us at 1800 94 12 12 or email us info@cura.org.au to learn more about how we can support you or your loved ones on this journey.