Home Care Package Level 2 is part of My Aged Care's program for elderly individuals.
This government-funded program is for older Australians with low-level care needs. It enables them to remain living in their own homes while maintaining a certain level of independence.
This package level offers a range of support services tailored to your specific needs. It helps improve your quality of life, independence, and well-being.
If you're wondering what this HCP level offers and how it can help you, you have come to the right place. This article aims to give you all the answers regarding this Home Care Package level.
What Is Covered by a Level 2 Home Care Package?
A Level 2 Home Care Package includes everything Level 1 offers, along with several more support services.
To recap, Level 1 is for basic care needs. It comes with the following services:
- Personal care
- Cleaning and meal preparation
- Home modifications
- Transportation
- Social services
- Allied Health Services
- Grocery shopping
Level 2 also covers these basic services. Aside from services already included in Level 1, Level 2 covers:
- Nursing care
- Wound care
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Specialised equipment and aids
- Complex care coordination
- More comprehensive help with personal care
The specific services offered under this package may vary. It will depend on your assessed care needs and preferences.
Who Is the Level 2 Home Care Package for?
Those who need more care than what Level 1 HCP can provide are assigned to Level 2. It's for people with low to moderate care needs.
You may be assigned to a Level 2 Home Care Package if you are:
- An older adult with mobility limitations
For example, someone who has difficulty moving around their home without help. It can be for someone who needs help with transfers (e.g., getting in and out of bed or a chair). People who need regular physiotherapy to maintain or improve their mobility can also benefit from a Level 2 Home Care Package.
- A person with chronic health conditions
This could include someone with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This also includes people who need help with medication management and wound care.
- An individual recovering from a recent illness or injury
For example, someone who has recently been discharged from the hospital after surgery or a medical procedure. It can help those who need temporary help with activities of daily living. This can include rehabilitation exercises and monitoring their recovery progress.
- Someone with cognitive impairment
This could include individuals living with conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. It's for people who need help with personal care and medication management. They may need to be supervised to ensure their safety and well-being at home.
- An individual with complex care needs
Level 2 can help someone who requires ongoing management of different health conditions. It can also be for those who need care coordination between different healthcare providers. It's also for people who need access to specialised services such as palliative care or mental health support.
Applying for the Level 2 Home Care Package
Before you apply for the Level 2 Home Care Package, you need to make sure you are eligible.
The eligibility criteria for Home Care Packages are the same for all levels. You need to be at least 65 years old. You also need to have certain care needs to continue living at home.
You won't find out which package you've been assigned to until after your assessment.
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will conduct your assessment. They will look at various factors, including your:
- Physical health
- Mental and cognitive function
- Functional independence
- Social support and relationships
- Care needs
- Living environment
- Goals and preferences
If you are eligible, you will be notified and then placed on a waiting list for a few months. How long you will have to wait until someone contacts you depends on your care needs and the availability of your package.
It might happen that Level 2 Home Care Packages might not be available where you live at the moment. In that case, you will be assigned to a Level 1 HCP until your level becomes available again.
Once that happens, you are free to choose your home care provider. We advise you to do your research and choose carefully.
When you start working with your provider, you will be able to receive the care you need in the comfort of your home.
How Much Does the Home Care Package Level 2 Cost?
Home Care Packages are funded by the Australian Government.
The government allocates a maximum of $692.87 per fortnight and $18,063.85 per year for Level 2.
Your Home Care Package budget is supposed to cover the price of your care services. This includes the following fees:
- Care management fee ($130 per fortnight and $3,389.29 per year)
- Package management fee ($84.77 per fortnight and $2,210.04 per year)
When you deduct these two fees from your budget, you are left with $4,78.1 per fortnight and $12464.52 per year. You can spend this amount on the care services you want to receive.
You may also have to pay a basic daily fee, which is a set amount determined by the government. That being said, not all service providers charge the basic daily fee. Inclusive Home Care doesn't charge this fee either.
You may also have to pay an income-tested care fee when you first apply. This can depend on your income. Since it's means-tested, it's different for everyone.
Home Care Package Level 2 vs. Level 1
Level 1 and Level 2 Home Care Packages are similar.
Level 1 is for basic care needs, and Level 2 is for low-level needs. But what is the difference between basic and low-level care needs?
Basic care needs mean you can do most things by yourself, but you need some help to stay independent. For example, you may need help with cleaning, cooking, or doing household chores.
Those with low-level needs usually need more support. For instance, you may need more help with daily tasks, medication management, mobility support, and access to allied health services.
So, Level 1 is for those who:
- Are relatively independent but need occasional help with tasks
- Have mild mobility limitations
- Are socially isolated and need companionship
On the other hand, Level 2 is for those who:
- Have chronic health conditions
- Need more help due to mobility limitations
- Are recovering from illness or injury
- Have early-stage cognitive impairment
Remember that you can't choose whether you'll get Level 1 or 2. Your ACAT will determine which level is more suitable for you.
You Have Been Assigned to a Level 2 HCP. What's Next?
If My Aged Care contacted you to inform you that you will get a Level 2 Home Care Package, you need to find a provider.
When browsing for a home care provider, make sure they meet all your needs. This includes offering services you need and meeting your Home Care Package budget.
Inclusive Home Care can help you take your life back into your hands. We offer flexible aged care services to those who want to stay in the comfort of their home. We bring the care to you, so all you have to focus on is living comfortably.
Give us a call if you want to hear more about our services.
