Summary:
Level 3 requires a higher level of support compared to Levels 1 and 2. This Home Care Package level is for intermediate care needs.
In other words, Level 3 encompasses all the care services included in the first two levels, along with more intermediate care services.
This can include mobility support, monitoring health conditions, and more intensive personal care.
Level 3 is for people who need a moderate level of support. It's also intended for those who need help to maintain their independence and well-being while living at home.
What Does a Level 3 Home Care Package Include?
A Level 3 Home Care Package covers intermediate care needs. It's designed for individuals who need a greater level of aged care.
Level 3 can include the following services:
- Intensive help with personal care
- Nursing care
- Monitoring health conditions
- Medication management
- Occupational therapy
- Mobility support
- Social support and companionship
- Care coordination
- Case management
What your Home Care Package will include depends on your unique needs.
You and your care provider will work together to create a care plan tailored to your care needs.
Who Is Home Care Package Level 3 for?
Home Care Packages are designed for elderly individuals who want to remain living at home.
If you don't want to live in a nursing home but need help with daily tasks, this program may be the right choice.
Once you find out if you're eligible, you can apply for a Home Care Package. But which package level is best for you?
The Home Care Package Level 3 is for people with intermediate health conditions, disabilities, or functional limitations.
You may be eligible for Level 3 if you have:
- Intermediate care needs and need help to stay independent
- Mobility limitations or if you use mobility aids
- Have more than one chronic health condition and complex medical needs
- Nursing care needs that you need help with on a regular basis
- Complex social and emotional needs
- Cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia
Note that you can't choose your Home Care Package. It will be assigned to you based on your eligibility and assessment.
Applying for a Level 3 Home Care Package
The process of applying for a level 3 Home Care Package is the same as for other levels.
You must contact My Aged Care and request an assessment. An Aged Care Assessment Team will see if you're eligible.
Various factors come into play when it comes to eligibility, including:
- Your age. You have to be at least 65 years of age.
- Your care needs. You must have intermediate care needs for an HCP level 3.
- Your functional independence. ACAT looks at how you manage daily tasks at home.
- Your current health condition. This doesn't only include physical health, but mental health and cognitive function as well.
- Your family situation. ACAT also looks at your current care arrangements, including your closest support network.
- Your goals and preferences. This includes your preferences for the type of care and support you receive, as well as your cultural, religious, and personal beliefs.
Once determined eligible, you will be assigned to a Home Care Package.
It might happen that a level 3 Home Care Package isn't available at your location when you sign up. In that case, you will receive Level 2 care services until your package becomes available again.
Home Care Package Level 3 Funding
The Australian Government provides funding for the Home Care Package program. But the funding amount is different for all four Home Care Package levels.
Naturally, the higher the level, the more funding is allocated by the government.
When it comes to Level 3, the government's subsidy amounts to $39,310.5 a year, which is the current maximum. This amounts to $1,507.82 per fortnight.
How much you will spend on your Home Care Package depends on your provider.
This price includes two types of recurring fees:
- The care management fee ($280 per fortnight and $7,300 per year)
- The package management fee ($104.71 per fortnight and $2,730 per year)
When you take these two types of fees from your Home Care Package budget, you will be left with $29,280.5, which is $1,123.11 per fortnight.
Inclusive Home Care does not charge a basic daily fee, unlike many other providers.
You are free to use your Home Care Package budget for your care services. You and your provider will be able to determine what those services include.
When you apply, you might be required to pay an income-tested care fee. This fee is means-based, which means that it's different for everyone.
Level 3 vs. Level 4 Home Care Packages
Home Care Package Level 3 and Level 4 are both designed to support individuals with high care needs.
These individuals need a lot of help to maintain their independence and live comfortably at home.
As with all four levels, Level 3 and Level 4 differ when it comes to:
- The level of care needed
- The range of services covered
- The intensity of support
- Cost and funding
Level 3 is for intermediate care needs, and Level 4 is for complex care needs.
A level 4 Home Care Package provides the highest level of support under the Home Care Packages program.
It's for individuals with very high care needs who need extensive assistance with daily activities. It's for those who need complex medical and nursing care.
Level 4 packages provide an even broader range of services compared to Level 3. This includes more hours of care as well.
Level 3 packages provide intensive support to help individuals manage their health conditions, independence, and quality of life. But this level of support is generally less intensive compared to Level 4.
The costs associated with Level 3 packages may be lower compared to Level 4. It reflects the lower intensity and complexity of care needs.
What's Next?
So, you've been assigned to a Level 3 Home Care Package. You have the time to explore possible Home Care Package providers.
Inclusive Home Care offers reliable senior support tailored to individual needs. Some of our HCP services include in-home respite, home maintenance, help with household tasks, personal care, and nursing.
We offer comprehensive care services for all four Home Care Package Levels.
Get in touch to experience compassionate care and support with Inclusive Home Care.
