Growing older brings with it a few unexpected challenges and it does become more difficult to do all the things you used to do. But it doesn’t have to mean that you can no longer live independently in your own home rather than go into residential care if that is what you would prefer to do. And this is where My Aged Care can help.
My Aged Care (MAC) is the government programme set up to assist older people to make lifestyle choices and one of the options is a Home Care Package for those who are eligible.
However, finding your way through the fog surrounding the packages can be difficult. We hope this helps a little but for more detailed information on this process and how best to approach it just call us on 1300 665 082 or email info@cpegroup.biz and ask for our “Guide Through My Aged Care To a Home Care Package”
Levels of Funding Available
Level 1 Basic Care Needs $10,271 a year
Level 2 Low Care Needs $18,063 a year
Level 3 Intermediate Care Needs $39,310 a year
Level 4 High Care Needs $59,593 a year
Income Testing
My Aged Care Home Care Funding is subject to an income test which may mean a co-contribution from the recipient and it is the responsibility of the Care Provider to charge this fee. However, if you are a full pensioner, or have an income up to $31,504.20 with no other income, you won’t need to pay an income-tested care fee.
Who is eligible
To be eligible for assessment for a MAC Home Care Package you need to:
- Be 65 years of age or older or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- live at home ie a private residence – you do not need to be the owner of the home and you do not need to be the sole occupant of that home and
- have a need for assistance with some everyday tasks and this includes personal care, gardening, housework, laundry, shopping, some home maintenance and if you are unable to drive, transport too.
This may be because you have: - been diagnosed with a medical condition or experienced reduced mobility;
- experienced a change in family care arrangements;
- experienced a recent fall or hospital admission or
- just started to find everyday living has become difficult.
You may still be entitled to a Home Care Package even if you are receiving support from The Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to apply
You will first need to contact My Aged Care to “Apply For an Assessment” for funding.
If this application is successful it doesn’t mean you will receive funding but that they will then arrange for an Age Care Assessment Team (ACAT) member to come to your home to decide if you are eligible for funding.
For more detailed information on this process and how best to approach it please call us on 1300 665 082 or email info@cpegroup.biz and ask for our Guide Through My Aged Care To a Home Care Package
What happens next
Following the assessment at home, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care telling you if you have been approved for a Home Care Package and if so what level of funding you will receive. You will also be told whether you are considered a low, medium or high priority to receive the funding depending on how urgent your circumstances may be. The approximate wait time for the funding to become available to you, last revised 30 June 2023 is
Level 1 1-3 months Level 2 1-3 months
Level 3 1-3 months Level 4 1-3 months
Choosing Your Provider
After approval for funding, choosing the Care Provider who is right for you is possibly the most important step in the whole process and there are many to choose from.
Care Providers can charge up to 35% of your Home Care Package in management fees and there are a number of other costs that they can deduct from your funding too. The more the provider charges you, the less there is available to provide hours of care for you. Home Care Providers are required to disclose all fees and charges in their information on the My Aged Care Website
An ideal time to select your provider is following approval and while you are waiting to receive your funding. You can ask friends if they can recommend someone, look in the Seniors and Have A Go newspapers or go to the My Aged Care website at www.myagedcare.gov.au select “Find A Provider” and follow the prompts. You will also find Care Providers at The Care and Ageing Well Exhibition at Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre and Have a Go Day at Burswood. This is an ideal opportunity to talk with their team, form a first impression and collect the brochures for your “Providers of Interest” list.