What Is a Level 1 Home Care Package?

We all know ageing is a natural part of life. But it can sometimes be difficult to come to terms with the fact that our daily need for assistance will often increase as we get older. To help provide support but also protect independence and personal autonomy, home care has emerged as a popular option for many older Australians who wish to continue to live at home as they age. 

The Home Care Packages Program is a government-subsidised program which allows seniors to access required care services to continue living independently at home. If you are 65 years of age and eligible for this funding, you can connect with a range of personal services to keep you connected with the community, while remaining independent. 

In this blog, let’s focus on level 1 home care packages and provide you with all the information you need to know about what this primary level of support entails.

What is a Level 1 Home Care Package?

A level 1 home care package is the most basic type of home care package offered by the government. It is designed for older Australians who require basic assistance with their daily activities, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing. 

Fundamentally, this package is ideal for those who need help with basic care needs but do not require complex care services.

Who is eligible for a Level 1 Home Care Package? 

To see if you or a loved one is eligible for a level 1 home care package (or any level of government-funded home care support), you will first need to get assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Assessments carried out by this government body are free and will effectively determine the level of care and support you or your loved one requires. 

Once assessed, and if it is deemed you are eligible to access a home care package, you can then apply for the government subsidy. It is during this time that a home care provider can offer a great helping hand, taking you through the process and overseeing the application process. For more information, take a look at this step-by-step guide on how to access home care packages and the available support. 

How does home care funding work? 

If you are approved for a level 1 home care package, you will receive funding from the government. This funding is paid directly to your chosen home care provider and is used to cover the cost of the care services you choose to access. 

The amount of funding you will receive for your level 1 home care package will depend on your income assessment. This is a means-tested assessment that determines your ability to contribute to the cost of your care services. 

If you are required to pay an income-tested care fee, this will be deducted from your home care package budget.  

What does a Level 1 package include? 

There are a number of basic services that are offered through a level one home care package, which are designed to help care recipients with daily activities. This includes: 

• help with personal grooming, such as bathing and dressing 

• assistance with meal preparation and household tasks 

• basic nursing care 

• transport to medical appointments 

• social support and companionship. 

What Does it Cost? 

Your home care services will be scheduled based on your preferences and care needs. Service price is set by your home care provider and will vary depending on the type of service or care you require. In addition, your initial service budget will be determined by the amount of government funding associated with your allocated home care package and, on top of this, the government may also require you to pay an income tested fee towards your care needs.  

For more information on costs and how they may be applied to your home care package, see our complete home care guide. 

How Do I Choose a Provider? 

Following ACAT assessment, if you or your loved has been approved for a home care package, you will then need to choose a home care provider to provide you with the care services you require. With home care growing in popularity, especially in the last decade, there are numerous providers across all cities and states in Australia. You can find a list of approved providers on the Aged Care website. 

For more to help you in your decision-making, read our blog post on choosing a home care provider that’s right for you. 

If you’re currently receiving home care via a specific provider, you can always switch to another at any time. Any unspent home care package funds will be held by Services Australia and available to use when you have changed providers. 

What if I find I need more help and assistance? 

An important facet of home care support is that it’s flexible and can be adjusted over time to suit each individual care recipient. So if you or your loved one is finding that the services provided through a level 1 home care package is inadequate to support your daily needs, you can always request a reassessment from ACAT. This will evaluate your eligibility for a higher home care package – it’s also a great opportunity to talk through any specific needs or gaps is current care, how they may have changed over time, and potential solutions. 

Remember – it’s extremely common for individuals to progress to higher levels of home care packages as they age, and their needs and requirements change. 

What if I need to move into an aged care home? 

If you find you need a higher level of care than what can be provided through home care support (including at it’s highest level), you and your family may start to consider the benefits of a move to a residential aged care home. Depending on your ACAT assessment, this option will be discussed with you, where applicable. 

Residential aged care homes are designed to accommodate older Australians who require ongoing care and support that cannot be adequately provided while they are living at home. These facilities offer a structured and secure environment, with nurses and caregivers on-hand to provide assistance with daily tasks and access to medical and nursing care. 

If you are already receiving a home care package (HCP), you won’t be able to keep it and continue to receive support services while you are living in the residential aged care home. You can receive either HCP or residential care funding at a time. 

In summary 

For a growing number of Australians, home care is an integral part of life, enabling them to continue to enjoy living at home while also receiving the care services they need. And for many, a level 1 package is their first entry point into home care and the associated government support. 

To see if you’re eligible for home care, you must first get assessed ACAT and, once approved and assigned a level of package support, you can then choose a provider to deliver the care services you need. 

If, over time, you find you may need more complex care services, you can request a reassessment from ACAT in order to potentially move to a higher level of support and government funding.  

Our service to you 

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 provide home care services across Sydney and Tasmanian home care for seniors in our local communities. 

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This post is part of a series. Read about Level 2 Home Care Package here.