What Is a Level 1 Home Care Package?

As we age, its only natural that our needs for support and assistance will increase, and this can make it more challenging to carry out our daily tasks independently. As a result, home care is a popular option for many seniors who wish to stay in their own homes but require support services to do so.

The Home Care Packages Program is a government-subsidised program which allows senior Australians 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.

This blog post will focus on level 1 home care packages and provide you with all the information you need to know about what this 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 Australian government. It is designed for seniors who require basic assistance with their daily activities, such as grooming, bathing, and dressing.

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

How is eligibility determined?

To determine your eligibility for a level 1 home care package, you will need to undergo an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment is free and will determine the level of care and support you require.

Once you have been assessed as eligible, you can then apply for a home care package and the associated government subsidy. Fore more information, see this step-by-step guide on how to access a home care package and the assistance potentially available to you.

How is funding provided?

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 in-home care services you choose to access.

How is your Home Care Package funding determined?

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. For more on this fee and how it is determined, read this blog article.

What can you expect from a Level 1 Home Care Package?

A level 1 home care package provides basic care services to seniors who require assistance with their daily activities. These services may include:

• 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 you choose a provider?

Once you have been approved for a home care package, you will need to choose a provider to deliver your care services. You can choose from a range of approved providers, and it is important to choose one that is right for you. You can find a list of approved providers on the Aged Care website.

Read our blog post on choosing a home care provider that’s right for you.

Can you change providers?

If you are not happy with your chosen provider, you can change providers 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 you need more assistance?

If you find that you require more assistance than what is provided in a level 1 home care package, you may be eligible for a higher level of support. You can always request a reassessment by the ACAT to determine your eligibility for a higher level package.

What if you need to move to a residential aged care home?

If you find that you require more complex care than what can be provided in your own home, there are reassessment options to move through to higher levels of home care support. In some cases, depending on your reassessment, you may need to move to a residential aged care home.

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

A level 1 home care package is an excellent option for seniors who require basic assistance with their daily activities but wish to remain in their own homes. With the support of the Australian government funding, seniors can receive a range of in home care services to cater to their basic care needs.

To determine your eligibility for a level 1 home care package, you will need to undergo an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), and once approved, you can select a provider of your choice to deliver your care services.

If you find that you require more complex care, you can request a reassessment to determine your eligibility for a higher level home care package or consider moving to a residential aged care home.

Our service to you

Here at Respect, we’re passionate about providing care to older Australians and ensuring the next phase of their lives are filled with purpose and possibilities.

We understand the Home Care Package application process can be complicated and time-consuming, so if you or a family member is finding it hard to get started, please know our care coordinators are here to give you a helping hand.

We’re here to help! For more information about how to access a Home Care Package and get started with home care, including the available opportunities and Respect’s range of services, download our digital brochure. If you would like to connect with a member of our team, please call 1300 144 144 or email gethomecare@respect.com.au.

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