Aged Care Resources

For Seniors & Families

Navigating aged care can feel overwhelming, but you donโ€™t have to do it alone. This page provides essential information on Home Care Packages (HCP), private-pay services, and care options, helping you make informed decisions.

Changes are coming to Aged Care Support

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Changes are coming to Aged Care Support ใ€ฐ๏ธ

From mid-2025, the Australian Government is planning to roll out the new Support at Home Program, which will gradually replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) system.

This new program aims to simplify aged care services and give older Australians more flexibility and control over their support.

Thereโ€™s no need to worry โ€” if youโ€™re currently receiving a Home Care Package, your support will continue. Weโ€™ll keep a close eye on the rollout and make sure youโ€™re informed every step of the way.

If you have questions or feel unsure about how these changes might affect you or a loved one, we're here to help.

Tip: Want to stay updated? Ask us during your next visit or sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates on aged care services.

What is My Aged Care?

My Aged Care is the Australian Governmentโ€™s gateway to aged care services, including Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) funding. If you need support to live independently at home, this is where you start.

Contact My Aged Care: 1800 200 422

Website: www.myagedcare.gov.au

Am I Eligible?

Try our self-assessment quiz to check if you are eligible for government-funded support.

Understanding Your Options: CHSP vs. Home Care Packages

Getting the right support to stay safe, well, and independent at home can feel overwhelmingโ€”especially with different government programs and funding models to navigate.

Hereโ€™s a simple breakdown of the two main types of support available through My Aged Care: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP).

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP is designed for seniors who need a little extra help to continue living independently. Itโ€™s considered entry-level support, and most people using CHSP only need one or two services, such as cleaning or transport to appointments.

  • Who is it for?
    Older Australians who need low-level support to stay at home.

  • Eligibility:

    • 65 years or older (50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)

    • Experiencing functional limitations or needing assistance

  • Assessment Required:
    Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

  • Funding Available:
    Up to $10,500 per year

  • Do I need to pay?
    CHSP is subsidised by the government, but if you can afford it, you may be asked to contribute (e.g. $10โ€“$20 per hour for domestic assistance).

  • Services can include:
    Cleaning, personal care, transport, meals, social support, basic home modifications, and more

Home Care Packages (HCP)

HCP supports people with higher or more complex care needs. It offers a flexible, tailored care plan and is funded at four levels depending on the amount of support you require.

  • Who is it for?
    Seniors with ongoing care needs who want control over the types of services they receive

  • Eligibility:

    • 65 years or older (50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people)

    • Functional limitations or assistance needs

  • Assessment Required:
    Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

  • Annual Government Funding:

    • Level 1 โ€“ $10,588.65

    • Level 2 โ€“ $18,622.30

    • Level 3 โ€“ $40,529.60

    • Level 4 โ€“ $61,440.45

  • Do I need to pay?
    Home Care Packages are means-tested. If you're on a full pension or your income is below $33,027.80, youโ€™re usually not required to contribute.

  • Services can include:
    Cleaning, gardening, personal care, meal preparation, transport, medication management, allied health, home modifications, respite care, and more

  • Can I choose my own providers?
    Yes! If you self-manage your package, you can choose providers that best suit your needsโ€”including Sistability for cleaning, gardening, and in-home support.

Quick Comparison

Feature CHSP Home Care Package (HCP)
Support Level Entry-level support Higher support with 4 levels of care
Assessment Type Regional Assessment Service (RAS) Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
Government Subsidy Up to $10,500 per year Up to $61,440.45 per year (Level 4)
Client Contribution Based on ability to pay (e.g. $10โ€“$20/hr) Means-tested (may not apply if on full pension)
Can Choose Providers? Yes (limited) Yes (especially when self-managed)
Affects Age Pension? No No
Care Plan Created with your RAS assessor Created with your chosen provider
Annual Review By service provider By provider or care coordinator

Navigating My Aged Care

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Support

Step 1: Register & Request an Assessment

  1. Call My Aged Care or apply online

  2. Provide basic details (age, health, daily challenges)

  3. Request an Aged Care Assessment (ACAT) for a Home Care Package

Tip: Have your Medicare card ready when calling!

Step 2: Complete the ACAT Assessment

  1. Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) visits your home

  2. They determine your level of care needs (HCP Level 1โ€“4)

  3. Receive a letter confirming your eligibility

Tip: Be honest about your challengesโ€”this ensures you get the right level of support.

Step 3: Wait for Your Funding & Next Steps

  1. Once approved, youโ€™ll be placed on the National Waitlist

  2. Wait times vary (6โ€“12+ months) before funding is allocated

  3. When your funding is available, youโ€™ll receive a Referral Code

Tip: You can access private-pay services while waiting for your HCP to start.

Step 4: Choose a Home Care Provider

  1. Use your Referral Code to find an approved provider.

  2. Compare fees, services, flexibility & reputation.

  3. Sign an agreement to begin your services.

Tip: Not all providers are the same! Compare options before committing.

Step 5: Start Your Services & Review Your Plan

  1. Work with your provider to create a Care Plan.

  2. Use your funding for services that best support you.

  3. Review your plan regularly to adjust as your needs change.

Tip: Be honest about your challengesโ€”this ensures you get the right level of support.

Current Wait Times for Funding Allocation:

  • Level 1: ~3-6 months

  • Level 2: ~6-12 months

  • Level 3 & 4: ~12+ months

Need Help? Get Expert Guidance!

Navigating My Aged Care can be confusing, but you donโ€™t have to do it alone. Sistabilityโ€™s Care Compass offers personalised guidance to help you get the support you need.

Aged Care Essentials Guide

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating the Home Care Package Process

Ageing should be about comfort, independence, and receiving the right support to continue living life on your terms.

If youโ€™re exploring Home Care Packages (HCP) for yourself or a loved one, youโ€™re in the right place. This guide simplifies the process and gives you the essential information you need to make informed decisions.

Home Care Packages Explained

A Home Care Package (HCP) is government funding that helps cover in-home support services. There are four levels based on individual care needs:

Level 1: Basic Care Needs

This level provides entry-level support for seniors who need a little help to continue living independently at home.

  • Occasional cleaning and gardening

  • Assistance with shopping and transport

  • Social support and companionship

Best for: Seniors who are mostly independent but need light assistance.

Level 2: Low-Level Needs

Provides more regular support to help seniors stay safe and comfortable at home.

  • Regular home cleaning and gardening

  • Meal preparation and grocery shopping

  • Transport to appointments and social outings

Best for: Seniors who need ongoing support with daily activities but can still manage some tasks independently.

Level 3: Intermediate Needs

Designed for seniors who need more frequent, hands-on support to remain at home safely.

  • Personal care (e.g., dressing, showering)

  • Mobility assistance and medication reminders

  • Home modifications for safety (e.g., handrails, ramps)

Best for: Seniors with moderate care needs who require daily assistance.

Level 4: High-Level Needs

This is the highest level of support, suitable for seniors with complex care needs or significant health challenges.

  • Comprehensive personal care and mobility assistance

  • Dementia support and behavioural management

  • Coordination of multiple care services (e.g., nursing, allied health)

Best for: Seniors with advanced care needs who require full-time support to remain at home.

Understanding My Aged Care Letters

When applying for a Home Care Package (HCP), you will receive important letters from My Aged Care outlining your approval status, funding level, and next steps. Below is a breakdown of the key letters you may receive.

1. Approval Letter

What It Means: Confirms that you have been approved for a Home Care Package and placed on the national waiting list.
Key Details:

  • Confirms your eligibility and assigned HCP level (1โ€“4).

  • States that you are now on the national waitlist for funding.

  • May provide referral codes for interim support while you wait for your package.

2. Assignment Letter

What It Means: Notifies you that your Home Care Package has been assigned and is ready to be used.
Key Details:

  • Confirms that your HCP funding is now available.

  • Provides a unique referral code needed to engage a provider.

  • Informs you that you have 56 days to enter into a Home Care Agreement, with an option for a 28-day extension.

Need Help While Waiting for HCP?

Many seniors face long wait times for funding to become available. While waiting, private-pay services can help bridge the gap.

  • Cleaning, gardening & in-home support

  • Help with ACAT assessments & HCP applications

  • Support choosing or switching providers

  • Onboarding assistance with a trusted HCP provider (Trilogy Care)

These services do not affect your HCP funding and ensure you receive care while waiting for approval.

Thinking About Switching Home Care Package Providers?

It might sound like a big taskโ€”but it doesnโ€™t have to be. With the right steps and support, switching providers can be a smooth, stress-free process.

Hereโ€™s a simple guide to help you make the move with confidence.

Step 1: Call Your Current Provider

  1. Let your current Home Care Package provider know youโ€™re planning to transfer.

  2. Nominate a termination date for your servicesโ€”ideally with 1โ€“2 weeksโ€™ notice.

  3. Your current provider will continue supporting you during this time while you begin onboarding with your new provider.

Step 2: Retrieve and Reactivate Your Referral Code

  1. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

  2. Ask them to reactivate your Home Care Package referral code.

  3. Write down or save your referral codeโ€”this is important for your new provider.

Tip: You can also do this via the My Aged Care online portal

Step 3: Share Your Code and Start Onboarding

  1. Provide your referral code to your new Sistability coordinator.

  2. Weโ€™ll take it from thereโ€”helping you get set up and making sure thereโ€™s no disruption to your services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We understand that navigating aged care can be confusing. Below are some common questions we receive from seniors and families.

  • A Home Care Package is government funding that helps seniors stay independent at home by covering support services like cleaning, gardening, and transport.

  • There are four levels of support, ranging from basic help to high-level care needs.
    ๐Ÿ”— See Home Care Package Levels Explained

  • You need to apply through My Aged Care and complete an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment.
    ๐Ÿ”— Learn how to apply

  • Waiting times depend on your approved package level, ranging from 3 months to over a year.
    ๐Ÿ”— See estimated wait times

  • Your Home Care Package covers most of your care costs, but a management fee applies.
    ๐Ÿ”— Compare funding & costs

    • Self-Managed (15%) โ€“ You arrange your own care.

    • Guided Support (26%) โ€“ Sistability handles everything for you (including care coordination).
      ๐Ÿ”— See Self-Managed vs. Guided Support

  • If you choose Guided Support (Self-Managed PLUS - 26%), a Sistability Care Coordinator will manage your care, book providers, and handle admin.
    ๐Ÿ”— Learn more about the Sistability & Trilogy Care partnership

  • Yes! If you decide you want Sistability to coordinate your care, you can upgrade at any time.

  • Yes! Sistability offers private-pay services so you can get support immediately.
    ๐Ÿ”— See private-pay support options

  • Yes! You can book Sistability services directly, even if you self-manage your Home Care Package.

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