Home Care Package
The Australian Government recently implemented new aged care reforms that require everyone to contribute financially to their care, depending on their ability. If an individual is a self-funded retiree or receives a part-pension, they may need to pay an Income-Tested Care Fee after receiving an assessment from Centrelink. However, individuals who receive a full pension and have all their required services covered by the Home Care Package subsidy may not have to pay anything. The purpose of these reforms is to ensure that everyone is contributing to the cost of their care and to make funding for aged care more sustainable.
Comfort
Home Care
Costs
Aged Care Subsidies and Supplements
(Rates of daily payments effective at 20 March 2024)
Home Care Subsidies and Supplements
These rates are applicable from 1 July 2023
Home Care Subsidy Rates
Home care package level
Daily Subsidy rate
Level 1
$28.14
Level 2
$49.49
Level 3
$107.70
Level 4
$163.27
Home Care Subsidy Rates
1. Dementia and cognition and Veterans’ supplement
Home Care Package level
Daily amount of supplement
Level 1
$3.24
Level 2
$5.69
Level 3
$12.39
Level 4
$18.78
2. EACHD Top Up supplement
Eligibility
Daily amount of supplement
For consumers who were in receipt of an EACHD
package on 31 July 2013
$3.23
3. Oxygen and Enteral feeding supplements
Home Care Package level
Daily amount of supplement
Oxygen supplement
$13.62
Enteral feeding supplement – Bolus
$21.58
Enteral feeding supplement – Non-bolus
$24.24
Comfort Home Care Package
What Is Your Home Care Package Budget?
Your Home Care Package includes financial support from the Australian Government, including additional supplements if you meet the eligibility criteria and any fees and charges that may apply. The amount of government subsidy you receive will vary depending on the level of care you have been approved for, which is determined by an assessment process.
The government subsidy rates change annually and the current daily subsidy rates (as of July 2023) for each package level are:
Level 1: $28.14,
Level 2: $49.49,
Level 3: $107.70, and
Level 4: $163.27.
Additionally, you may be entitled to supplements for specific care needs such as enteral feeding, dementia, or other conditions.
What Home Care Package Costs And Fees Will You Need To Pay?
Frequently Asked Questions on Home Care Costs
How Can I Get Home Care Package?
You can choose between receiving financial support from the government or paying for your own care. If you are partially or fully responsible for your retirement funds, you may be required to contribute to the expenses of your support. If you prefer to access government-funded services, you can contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 for a free assessment. If you prefer to pay privately for home care, you can contact Comfort Home Care today at 03 7068 2620.
What Financial Support Available To Me For A Home Care Package?
The funding and care program has four levels, each with varying amounts of support. The first level qualifies individuals for services worth $9,179 annually, the second level qualifies for services worth $16,147 per year, the third level qualifies for services worth $35,138 annually, and the fourth level qualifies for $53,268 worth of care per year. It’s important to note that the exact amount of funding is subject to possible changes from the government.
How Do I Book For A Home Care Funding Assessment?
To get a home care assessment, you can either go to myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422. It is not necessary for you to decide the amount of funding you require, as My Aged Care will determine whether you need minimal support (which will be evaluated by the Regional Assessment Service – RAS), or high-level support (which will require a comprehensive assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team – ACAT).
What Kind Of Help And Care Does Comfort Home Care Provide?
This job involves performing various tasks around the house to assist individuals with their daily needs. These tasks include things like cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and preparing meals. It also involves providing considerate and caring assistance with personal needs such as administering medication, dressing and showering. Additionally, this job requires maintaining the yard and garden to keep the property tidy. There is also an element of administration involved which includes tasks like scheduling appointments, keeping track of various activities, and sometimes using technology. Another important part of this job is providing companionship, whether it be through engaging in shared activities or simply keeping someone company. Finally, there may be some light repairs or odd jobs that need to be done around the house, which would also fall under this role.
What Do I Require For A Home Care Funding Assessment?
To evaluate if you qualify for government funding, My Aged Care assessors will conduct an assessment either over the phone or at your home. Before the assessment, you can prepare by assessing your care needs such as your mobility in and out of your residence, participation in the community and difficulties in carrying out household chores, as well as your medical conditions. The assessors will rely on the information you provide during the assessment to decide if you meet the requirements for the government funding.
Can I Customise My Home Care Package To Fit My Specific Needs?
Yes, we understand that every individual has unique care requirements. Our home care packages are flexible, allowing you to customize and tailor the services included based on your specific needs. This ensures that you only pay for the services that matter most to you.
How Often Are Home Care Package Prices Reviewed Or Updated?
We regularly review and update our home care package prices to ensure they remain fair and competitive. Any adjustments are communicated well in advance, and we strive to provide you with the best value for the quality of care and services we offer. Our goal is to maintain affordability without compromising on the excellence of our care.
Are There Additional Costs Not Covered In The Home Care Package Price?
While our home care packages are comprehensive, there might be additional costs for specialised services or specific medical supplies. These costs will be clearly communicated to you, and we ensure transparency in pricing so that there are no surprises.