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Everything You Need to Know About HCP - Home Care Packages Level 3

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Understanding Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages (HCP) are designed to assist older Australians in remaining living independently in their homes. These packages provide a range of support services tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring seniors receive the necessary care in a familiar and comfortable environment. To learn more about what Home Care Packages are, you can read our blog on Home Care Packages.


An illustration featuring two pairs of elderly individuals, each accompanied by a caregiver. The text reads "Everything You Need to Know About HCP Level 3" with the My Companionship logo in the top left corner. The background has soft pastel colours, creating a warm and inviting feel.

What is a Level 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package provides support for older adults with intermediate care needs. It bridges the gap between the basic services of Level 1 and Level 2 packages and the more intensive assistance offered by Level 4 packages. This makes Level 3 ideal for those needing more help with daily tasks and health management while remaining independent.


Learn About Other Home Care Package Levels

To understand the full range of Home Care Packages available and their respective benefits, you can explore our detailed guides:

What does a level 3 home care package include?

Home Care Packages Level 3 includes a wide array of services to support daily living and enhance quality of life. These services are customised to individual needs and can include:

Service

Description

Funding

Up to $40,529.60 per year

Intended For

Individuals with intermediate care needs

Hours of Service

Approximately 7-9 hours per week

Domestic Assistance

Light housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and basic home maintenance

Social Support

Assistance with social activities, ensuring the individual stays connected with their community

Meal Preparation

Help with planning and preparing meals

Shopping

Assistance with grocery shopping and other errands

Transport

Transport to medical appointments and social engagements

Personal Care

Help with daily personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming

Medication Management

Ensuring proper medication administration and monitoring

Allied Health Support

Access to professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians

Aids and Appliances

Assistance with purchasing and using aids like walkers, shower chairs, and other mobility aids

More Comprehensive Personal Care

Extensive support with daily living activities


What Can I Spend My Level 3 Home Care Package On?

A home care package level 3 provides annual funding of up to $40,529.60, delivering approximately 7-9 hours of care each week. Services can include:


What services are not included?

These following services and care are now allowed to be used using Home Care Package Funds:

  • Everyday Expenses: General household items typically bought from personal income.

  • Food Costs: Regular groceries, except for specific enteral feeding needs.

  • Accommodation Payments: Rent, mortgage, or home purchases are not covered.

  • Care Fees: Costs for home care or other government-funded care.

  • Unrelated Modifications: Home upgrades or assets not linked to your care requirements.

  • Holiday Costs: Travel or accommodation for personal trips.

  • Entertainment: Club memberships, event tickets, and recreational activities.

  • Gambling: Expenses related to gambling.

  • Medical Services: Items or services under Medicare Benefits Schedule or Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.


What Fees are Associated with a Level 3 Home Care Package?

There are three main types of fees associated with a Level 3 Home Care Package:

  1. Basic Daily Fee: Up to $13.08 per day from 20 September 2024.

  2. Income-Tested Care Fee: Depending on your income, you might need to contribute an additional amount, which is assessed by Services Australia (up to $37.55 from 20 September 2024).

  3. Additional Fees: Any extra services or items not covered by your package might incur additional costs.


These fees contribute to covering the care and services provided through your package.


HCP Level 3 Info sheet: Detail contains Funding, House of Services, Eligibility Criteria, fees and services.

How long will it take to get a Home Care Package?

After your ACAT Assessment, the waiting time for level 3 home care package is approx. 9-12 months for people with a medium priority, according to the official website of My Aged Care. More details for other levels below:

Package Level

Approximate wait time (as of 30 Nov, 2024)

Level 1

3-6 Months

Level 2

6-9 Months

Level 3

9-12 Months

Level 4

12-15 Months


Am I Eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package?

To qualify for a Home Care Package Level 3, you need to meet these criteria:

  • Be aged 65 or older (or 50 years or older if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and require assistance to live safely at home.

  • Complete an Aged Care Assessment through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), which evaluates your needs and determines your eligibility for a Level 3 Home Care Package.

Level 3 Home Care Packages are designed for those with moderate care needs—more than Levels 1 and 2 but less than the intensive support required for Level 4. Eligibility is based on your care needs rather than financial circumstances. However, depending on your income, you may need to pay an income-tested care fee as part of your home care funding Level 3.


Once approved for Home Care Package Level 3 funding, you’ll receive an approval letter, including an estimated waiting period. While you wait, you can select a care provider who will use your Level 3 Home Care Package funding to create a care plan tailored to your needs.


Curious about the assessment process? Read our guide to preparing for an ACAT assessment for helpful insights blog on Home Care Package eligibility.



How to Access a Level 3 Home Care Package

Accessing a Home Care Package involves several steps, starting with an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment will determine the level of care required and the appropriate Home Care Package level. Once approved, individuals are placed on a national waiting list. When a package becomes available, they can choose a provider to deliver their services. For a detailed guide on ACAT assessments, you can read our blog onACAT Assessment Guide.

Benefits of a Level 3 Home Care Package

A Level 3 Home Care Package offers numerous benefits for older adults, including:

  • Personalised care tailored to your specific needs.

  • Assistance with daily tasks to maintain independence.

  • Improved quality of life through a range of support services.

  • Flexibility to adjust services as your care needs change.

The Role of My Companionship in Providing HCP Level 3

At My Companionship, we understand the importance of personalised and compassionate care. Our approach to Home Care Packages Level 3 is centred around meeting the unique needs of each individual, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care and support. At $69 per hour, we are the second cheapest Home Care Provider in the country. Additionally, we offer a 20% combined package and care management fees, ensuring that our clients receive high-quality care without the hefty price tag.

  • Tailored Care Plans: We develop customised care plans that reflect the specific needs and preferences of our clients.

  • Qualified Caregivers: Our team of dedicated and professional caregivers is trained to provide compassionate and reliable support.

  • Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of services, from personal care to social support, ensuring that all aspects of well-being are addressed.

  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous monitoring and adjustments to care plans to ensure that our clients' needs are consistently met.

For more information on how My Companionship can assist you or your loved ones with a Level 3 Home Care Package.

A vibrant promotional banner for My Companionship's home care services. The banner features a smiling female nurse in blue scrubs holding a clipboard, with two circular images on the right: one showing a caregiver hugging an elderly woman in a wheelchair. The text highlights the dedicated and compassionate care provided, ensuring safety, comfort, and support for family members. Contact details, including a phone number and a "Contact Us!" button, are prominently displayed.

FAQs: Level 3 Home Care Package


1. Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Home Care Package is assessed through ACAT, typically for Australians aged 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) needing support with daily activities to live independently. Applicants must have specific care needs and Australian residency.


2. What does a Level 3 Home Care Package include?

A Level 3 Home Care Package provides intermediate-level support for older Australians, including personal care, meal preparation, medication management, transport, home maintenance, social support, and allied health services, tailored to help them live independently at home.


3. How much is level 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package provides up to $40,529.60 per year in government funding (2023–24 rates). This funding covers intermediate care services, with actual costs varying based on provider fees and any client contributions.


4. How many hours in a Level 3 Home Care Package?

With a Level 3 Home Care Package, individuals can receive 7 to 9 hours of care per week, depending on provider rates and chosen services, offering tailored support to help manage intermediate care needs at home.



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