Home Care Package Wait Times: How Long Does it Really Take?

For a growing number of older Australians, accessing home care is an important step in ensuring they can continue to live comfortably and safely in their own homes. However, after going through the application and assessment process, some may be surprised to find they are met with a wait time before their package begins. 

What exactly are these wait times and why can they vary? To answer these questions and provide more information, this blog attempts to shed light on what to expect and how to navigate your home care journey more effectively.

Understanding home care

Home care encompasses a range of support options designed to assist you to live independently at home for longer, all while accessing the care services you need. 

A growing number of older Australians access these services through home care packages, a government-subsidised program. If you are 65 years of age or older and eligible for this funding, you can connect with a range of personal services to keep you connected with the community, while remaining independent. 

These services can range from personal care and allied health services to domestic assistance, meal preparation and even social support. 

To get access to a home care package, you need to first get assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. These assessments appraise the level of care and support you need and match it up with an appropriate level of home care package. For everything you need to know about the assessment process, read our blog article exploring the basics of home care. 

Home care package wait times

If you are approved for a home care package, you then need to wait for your allocated package to become available – and this is often what people find most frustrating. 

Wait times can vary quite considerably based on several factors, including your geographic location, the package level you’re hoping to access, and the overall demand for home care services in your local area or region. In some cases, individuals may even experience wait times of several months before securing a package.  

To give you a rough idea of the current wait times for someone applying for a home care package (and classified as ‘medium’ priority), here are wait times *as currently listed by MyAgedCare: 

• Level 1: Less than 1 month
• Level 2: 3-6 months
• Level 3: 9-12 months
• Level 4: 12-15 months

*As of September 2024. 

However, during this period, you may also be eligible for interim support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or other government-funded services. These programs offer basic care and support while you wait for your home care package. For example, services provided under the CHSP may include assistance with personal care, meals, transport, and home maintenance. For more on these care options, check out this resource on MyAgedCare.

Why do wait times exist?

There are various factors which lead to wait times for home care packages. A key one is the growing demand for aged care services amid our ageing population. Naturally, as more Australians choose to age in place and access support services at home, the demand for home care packages has surged, placing strain on the existing system. Additionally, funding constraints and administrative processes can further exacerbate wait times, leading to delays in service provision. 

Navigating the wait

While waiting for a home care package can be frustrating, there are proactive steps you or a loved one can take to make the process a bit more manageable.  

One option is to reach out to home care providers in your local area to see if there are any interim support options available. Some providers may have some services on a fee-for-service basis, allowing you to access the care you need while waiting for your allocated package.  

If you or your loved one is in urgent need of support (maybe due to significantly deteriorating health or safety concerns), there are also avenues for expedited access. This may include seeking assistance from local health services, community organisations, or contacting MyAgedCare for guidance on accessing emergency support or prioritised assessment. 

Let’s take a look at some ways you can proactively manage wait times.

• Stay informed: Keep across any updates and changes in the aged care sector, including policy reforms and funding allocations, to better understand the reasons behind your wait. 
• Connect with providers: Reach out to various home care providers in your area to explore interim support options.
• Advocate for prioritisation: If your health or safety is at risk, don’t hesitate to advocate for expedited access to home care services through local health services or community organisations.
• Maintain regular communication: Stay in touch with your assigned case manager or care coordinator to stay updated on your application status and any changes in your care needs. 
• Consider private services: Explore the option of accessing home care services on a fee-for-service basis through private providers to supplement your care while waiting for a government-funded package.
• Prioritise self-care: Take proactive steps to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing during the waiting period, including practicing relaxation techniques, staying socially connected, and engaging in enjoyable activities. 
• Stay organised: Keep all relevant documents, correspondence, and contact information in one place to streamline communication and ensure you’re prepared for any updates or requests from service providers. 
• Be patient and persistent:While waiting for a home care package can be frustrating, it’s important to remain patient and persistent in advocating for your needs and seeking the support necessary to maintain your independence and quality of life.

We’re here to support

Ready to receive hassle-free in-home care support? Grab our free report for a step-by-step guide to accessing a Home Care Package (HCP), understanding costs, and a must-have handy home care checklist. Take the first step toward care at home — download now for free.    

Got questions or like to receive more support? Please reach our care at home advisors or call us on 1300 144 144 and choose “home care” as a service option. We proudly provide home care in Tasmania, South-West Victoria, and across Sydney.