Home Care Packages (HCPs) are one of the most important funding streams available to older Australians who want to remain living independently at home. Administered through My Aged Care, they provide a government-subsidised budget that can be used to purchase a wide range of in-home support services.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each designed to meet different levels of care need. Level 1 supports basic care needs, Level 2 supports low-level care needs, Level 3 supports intermediate care needs, and Level 4 supports high-level care needs. The annual subsidy ranges from approximately $10,000 for Level 1 to over $60,000 for Level 4.
To access a Home Care Package, you first need to register with My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and undergo an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment determines your eligibility and the level of package you are approved for.
Once approved, you will be placed on a national queue and assigned a package when one becomes available. Wait times can vary, but the government has been working to reduce them. In the meantime, you may be eligible for interim support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
When you receive your package, you choose a home care provider — like Central Home Care — to manage your funds and deliver your services. You have the right to direct your own care, choose your services, and change providers if you wish. Your provider will work with you to develop a personalised care plan that reflects your goals and preferences.
Services that can be funded through a Home Care Package include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health, transport, meal preparation, social support, and care management. The package cannot be used for accommodation costs, food, or items that are not related to your care needs.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the aged care system are two separate government-funded programs that provide support to Australians with different needs. Understanding which system applies to you — or whether both might — is an important first step in accessing the right support.
The NDIS is designed for Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability. It provides individualised funding to help participants achieve their goals, build independence, and participate in the community. The NDIS is not means-tested, and participants have significant choice and control over how their funding is used.
The aged care system, on the other hand, is designed for Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who need support due to the effects of ageing. It includes programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages, and residential aged care.
If you are under 65 and have a disability, you should apply for the NDIS. If you are 65 or over and need support due to ageing, you should contact My Aged Care. If you are an existing NDIS participant who turns 65, you can choose to remain on the NDIS or transition to the aged care system — this is an important decision that should be made with the guidance of your support coordinator.
Central Home Care is registered to provide services under both the NDIS and the aged care system. Our team can help you understand your options and navigate the application process, regardless of which system applies to you.
Caring for an elderly parent at home requires patience, planning, and a strong support network. Whether you are a primary carer or providing support alongside professional services, these tips can help you navigate the journey with confidence.
First, have an honest conversation with your parent about their needs, preferences, and goals. Understanding what matters most to them — whether that's maintaining independence, staying connected to their community, or managing a specific health condition — will help you make better decisions together.
Second, don't try to do everything yourself. Accepting help from professional carers, other family members, and community services is not a sign of failure — it's a sign of good planning. Home care services can provide regular support that gives you time to rest and recharge.
Third, make the home as safe as possible. Simple modifications like grab rails in the bathroom, non-slip mats, good lighting, and removing trip hazards can significantly reduce the risk of falls and accidents.
Fourth, keep a record of medications, medical appointments, and care instructions. A simple notebook or shared digital document can help ensure that everyone involved in your parent's care is on the same page.
Fifth, look after your own health and wellbeing. Carer burnout is real and common. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and maintaining your own social connections. Respite care services can provide temporary relief when you need a break.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is the Australian Government's entry-level aged care program. It provides basic support services to help older Australians live independently at home and in their community.
CHSP is designed for people who need a small amount of assistance with everyday tasks. It is not designed for people with complex or high-level care needs — those individuals are better supported through a Home Care Package.
To be eligible for CHSP, you generally need to be aged 65 or over (or 50 or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), live at home, and need some support to continue living independently. You will need to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register and arrange an assessment.
Services available through CHSP include domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance, home modification, transport, meals, social support, and allied health services. The range of services available in your area will depend on local providers.
CHSP services are subsidised by the government, but you may be asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of your services. This contribution is based on your ability to pay and is set by your service provider.
Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful things a person can do — but it can also be exhausting. Carer burnout is a real and serious risk, and it can affect your health, your relationships, and ultimately the quality of care you are able to provide.
Respite care provides temporary relief for primary carers by arranging for someone else to look after the person they care for. This can be for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or longer. It gives carers the opportunity to rest, attend to their own health needs, spend time with family and friends, or simply recharge.
In Australia, respite care can be accessed through several different programs. If the person you care for has a Home Care Package, respite care may be included in their package. CHSP also provides some respite services. The Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) is a national service that provides support, resources, and respite options for carers.
Central Home Care provides flexible respite care services that can be tailored to your needs. Whether you need a few hours of in-home support each week or a longer break, our team can work with you to arrange the right level of support.
Remember: taking a break is not selfish. It is an essential part of sustainable caring. The better you look after yourself, the better you will be able to look after the person you care for.
Central Home Care Team
Aged care specialists helping Australians live independently at home.