Home Care Packages
What is a home care package?
The Home Care Packages program is a government-subsidised initiative designed to provide ongoing support for aging individuals who wish to maintain their residence in the comfort of their own homes.
This program encompasses four distinct levels of care and support, each corresponding to varying needs. The funding allocated to each level varies, allowing individuals to utilise these funds to secure hours of care or additional assistance tailored to their specific requirements.
It's important to note that the financial support provided through Home Care Packages is not directly disbursed to the recipients.
In cases where their care needs evolve and intensify, there is an opportunity for re-assessment to potentially secure a higher-level package.
What are the Home Care Package levels?
The Home Care Package program offers four distinct levels of care and support, each tailored to address varying needs:
· Level 1: Geared towards individuals with basic care requirements.
· Level 2: Targeted at those with low-level care needs.
· Level 3: Designed to provide assistance for intermediate care needs.
· Level 4: Tailored for individuals with high-level care requirements.
Government funding for each level differs, with higher-level packages enjoying more substantial financial support from the government. This financial aid enables recipients to access a broader range of services and support. Notably, a Level 4 package affords the greatest flexibility in terms of purchasing services. Following an Aged Care Assessment, individuals will be informed of the specific level that best suits their unique needs.
What will it cost me?
If you are on a full pension, you will not be asked to make any personal contribution for our home support services.
Income Tested Fee (ITF): The income tested fee is a contribution that some people pay, as determined through an income assessment. This fee is based on individual income, including a part-pension. However, full pensioners and people with an income up to $33,027.80 do not pay an income tested fee.
Care Management Fee: This fee helps us cover necessities including a dedicated clinical nurse, general manager, ongoing assessment and care planning, management of incidents, scheduling of services, financial oversight and funding, sourcing and ordering equipment and products, clinical governance and additional visits and correspondence as required.
Package Management Fee: Helps us cover necessities such as preparing monthly statements, managing your package funds, compliance and quality assurance activities, and administration of package.
Where does the money come from?
Funding for your Home Care Package is sourced from the Commonwealth Government and is kept in an account in your name via Services Australia
This financial support is referred to as a 'subsidy,' calculated on a daily basis and disbursed on a monthly basis into your account with Services Australia. Your provider (InCasa) essentially serves as the custodian of your package, managing the financial aspects on your behalf. They bear the responsibility of ensuring that the package funds are allocated and utilised appropriately, being answerable both to the government and to you for the transparent and judicious expenditure of these funds.