Publish date: 3 October 2024
In one of our previous blogs, we looked at the process of preparing for and receiving a Home Care assessment
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In this blog, we return to that topic by examining what happens if your assessment determines that you are eligible for a Home Care Package.
In particular, we look at how Home Care costs and fees are allocated and what this means for you when determining the services you want to receive.
How does a Home Care Package budget work?
Your budget lays out the total amount of Home Care funding you have at your disposal to cover your support needs. Before you make any decisions about providers or services, it’s best to have a clear understanding of what your budget is. From there, you can research which provider is best suited to meet your support needs from both a cost and service perspective.
All aged care providers operate within the same fee structure, charging two management fees:
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Care management fee - This fee will covers the cost of your dedicated Case Manager who will work with you to understand your goals and needs and ensure your package is working the best for you. They will be your first point of contact for whenever you need anything.
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Package management - This fee covers the administrative and compliance costs to provide the package.
The cost of care and services Bethanie deliver to you, as well as the package management and care management fees we charge are paid directly to us from your subsidy and the fees you pay.
If you choose Bethanie as your provider, we’ll work with you to put your budget towards the services identified in your care plan and develop a tailored service plan just for you.
Home Care fees
Generally speaking, your Home Care Package fees will be paid through government subsidies and potentially through your own contributions, depending on your support needs and financial situation.
Government subsidies
If you are found eligible for a Home Care Package, the Australian government will provide a daily subsidy directly to your provider to contribute to your care needs. The amount of this subsidy will depend on your Home Care Package level. Below are the daily government subsidies per package level, as of July 2024:
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Level 1: $29.01
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Level 2: $51.02
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Level 3: $111.04
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Level 4: $168.33
These funds are not treated as income so they will not affect your pension.
Your contribution
There are three different kinds of fees you may need to pay towards your care.
Basic Daily Fee
This fee is set by the government and can be charged to everyone receiving home care. The amount varies depending on your Home Care Package level. Providers may charge this fee to increase the funds available in your Home Care Package if your government subsidies are not enough to cover the services you would like to receive.
Income Tested Care Fee
This fee is based on your income and applies only to those earning above certain thresholds. As of September 2024, full pensioners and people with an income up to $33,735 do not pay it. The fee is calculated by Services Australia and is subject to annual and lifetime caps. If you are required to pay the fee, it will reduce the government's subsidy for your Home Care Package.
Additional Service Fees
Additional fees may be necessary if you wish to receive a service that is not covered by your Home Care Package budget. Any such fees can be agreed directly with your provider.
If you’d like more detailed information on how your fees can change depending on your Home Care Package level or financial circumstances, visit My Aged Care or get in contact with Bethanie today.
Home Care funding FAQs
Who pays for Home Care in Australia?
If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, the government will subsidise your care but you may still need to contribute to it. The size of these contributions will depend on the level of care you require and your financial situation.
What are the different levels of Home Care Packages?
There are four levels of Home Care Packages. Each one caters to a different level of care need, ranging from basic to complex. This Home Care Package guide breaks down each of these levels:
Level 1 caters to people who require some basic assistance to continue living at home, e.g. some help with everyday tasks like cleaning or gardening.
Level 2 caters to people who require regular low-moderate assistance to continue living at home, e.g. regular help with tasks like cooking, as well as personal care and social support.
Level 3 caters to people who require regular intermediate assistance to continue living at home, e.g. a higher level of support that may include nursing support as well as domestic, social and personal support.
Level 4 caters to people who require frequent high-level assistance to continue living at home, e.g. comprehensive support provided on a daily basis.
What’s the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages?
The CHSP provides entry-level care if you’re someone who is quite independent at home but needs help completing a few specific tasks. Normally, the CHSP only covers one or two services, so it’s only recommended for people who require a low level of support.
In contrast, Home Care Packages cater to a more diverse range of care needs. If you require multiple support services on an ongoing basis to remain living at home, then you may be eligible for a Home Care Package.
Home Care at Bethanie
At Bethanie, we offer a wide range of Home Care Services , from access to Social Centres, transport and shopping assistance, to domestic, social, clinical and personal support.
If you or someone you support has been found eligible for a Home Care Package, Bethanie can work with you to put together a comprehensive service plan that addresses your specific needs.
Get in contact today.
