Home Care Package Level 1: Basic Care Needs
When you sign up for a Home Care Package, you will be assigned to one of the four Home Care Package levels.
The level you get depends on your long-term care needs and your eligibility.
If you are someone with complex care needs and you need constant medical supervision, you will get a Level 4 Home Care Package.
But if your needs are less demanding, you will be assigned to a lower level.
Level 1 is for basic care needs. It's for those who can do most things on their own, but they need some help to stay independent.
If you want to know more about the Home Care Package Level 1, keep reading.
Level 1 Home Care Package Explained
Home Care Packages are part of a government-funded aged care program. They are for older Australians and people with disabilities.
This program is designed to help elderly people who live at home. Instead of moving to an assisted living facility, this aged care program allows them to remain living at home.
The Level 1 package is for people with basic care needs.
It provides the lowest level of support compared to the higher levels (Levels 2, 3, and 4).
The program covers a range of services, including:
- Personal care and help with personal hygiene
- Help with everyday tasks, such as housekeeping and meal preparation
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Home modifications and light gardening
- Allied Health Services
- Transportation to and from appointments
- Social activities
- Grocery shopping
Since this level involves the lowest amount of care, recipients may receive care once or twice a week.
A professional care worker will come to your home as many times as you need them to. You can discuss how much care you need with your Home Care Package provider.
Who is the Home Care Package Level 1 for?
Home Care Package Level 1 is available to people with basic care needs.
It's generally intended for older people who need some help to continue living in their own homes.
It's for people who may need help with everyday tasks. For example, cleaning, meal preparation, and personal care. But they also don't need a high level of support or complex medical care.
Common reasons someone might qualify for a Level 1 package include:
- Needing occasional help with tasks like housekeeping, laundry, or shopping.
- Requiring some help with personal care activities like bathing, dressing, or grooming.
- Having mobility limitations that make it difficult to perform certain tasks without help.
- Needing support to manage medication or attend medical appointments.
- Requiring some social support or companionship to reduce loneliness and isolation.
How Much Does the Home Care Package Level 1 Cost?
The government allocates a maximum of $10,271.1 annually and $393.96 per fortnight for Level 1.
The cost of a Home Care Package Level 1 can vary depending on several factors. This includes the individual's financial situation and the specific services they need.
Here's a general overview of how the costs are structured:
- Basic Daily Fee
Everyone who receives a Home Care Package must contribute to the cost of their care. This is done through a basic daily fee.
This fee is set by the government and is indexed twice a year. It varies depending on your level.
The basic daily fee for Level 1 was set at a maximum of 17.5% of the single-person rate of the basic age pension.
Note that not all home care providers will ask you to pay a basic daily fee. Inclusive Home Care does not charge a basic daily fee.
- Income-Tested Care Fee
Besides the basic daily fee, those with higher incomes may also need to pay an income-tested care fee.
This fee is based on an assessment of the person's income and assets. It's determined by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.
- Additional Fees
Some service providers may charge extra fees for specific services or items not covered by the Home Care Package. These can include extra hours of care, equipment, or certain therapies.
- Subsidies and Government Funding
The Australian government provides subsidies to approved Home Care Package providers. This is done to help offset the cost of care.
This means that the actual cost may be lower than the total cost of the services provided.
- Financial Hardship Support
Those unable to afford Home Care Package fees may be eligible for financial hardship support or fee waivers.
This is determined through a separate assessment process.
How to Apply for the Home Care Package Level 1?
To access a Home Care Package, you first need to contact My Aged Care and request an assessment.
You need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACAT determines your eligibility and the level of support you need.
You will then be put on the national waiting list. You can be on this list for three to six months, depending on your urgency and health situation.
Note that your Home Care Package level might not be available at the moment. If that happens, you will be assigned to a different level until yours becomes available again.
But this usually happens with higher levels, so if you are eligible for Level 1, you won't have to worry.
Once approved, you can choose a service provider to manage your package. Your provider works with you to develop a personalised care plan.
Your chosen service provider will start delivering the agreed-upon services and support. They will help you remain living independently in your own home.
Home Care Package Level 1 Eligibility
You need to be eligible for the Home Care Package Level 1.
The good news is that Level 1 comes with eligibility criteria that are easily met. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 65 years of age
- Need help with everyday tasks
If you're younger than 65 and have a disability, you may be eligible for the NDIS or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Home Care Packages are also for elderly individuals who have experienced a fall or surgery and need to recover at home.
If you're not sure if you would qualify for the Home Care Package Level 1, you can use the eligibility checker on My Aged Care's website.
Home Care Package Level 1. Vs. Level 2
Level 1 and 2 Home Care Packages are similar. You may not be sure which level would better suit your needs.
Level 1 is for those with basic care needs, and Level 2 is for low-level care needs.
Although similar, they differ in the following ways:
- The level of care provided
- Services and supports
- Funding and costs
Level 1 is for those who need some help with daily tasks. These tasks mostly include cleaning, meal preparation, and personal care.
Level 2 is for those who may need more support with daily living. For instance, help with mobility, medication management, and Allied Health Services.
Level 2 offers a broader range of services compared to Level 1. In addition to the services available under Level 1, Level 2 may include more complex care services.
This includes nursing care, occupational therapy, and greater support for mobility aids and equipment.
Level 2 Home Care Packages receive a higher level of funding from the government compared to Level 1.
This reflects the higher level of care needs. But this may also mean higher costs if you need to pay an income-tested care fee.
What's Next?
If My Aged Care informed you that you are going to get a Level 1 Home Care Package, the next step is to find a provider.
Inclusive Home Care is a registered Home Care Package provider. We provide daily assistance through all four Home Care Packages, including Level 1.
We offer personalised senior support and expert caregivers who put your needs first. Our services include personal care, help with cleaning and household tasks, home maintenance, in-home respite, and nursing.
If you want to know more about our home care services, feel free to give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
