Are you seeking a higher level of Assistance to help you keep your independence while living in the comfort of your own home? Maintaining independence and quality of life becomes more critical as you age or confront health issues. Knowing which one best suits your needs can be overwhelming if you are considering home care options, with so many levels of home Support available.  

Home Care Packages (HCPs) are a range of personalised care and support services initiated and funded by the Australian Government designed to help older Australians live independently at home for longer. By assessing your support needs and discussing options with a care provider, you can find the appropriate level of support that meets your requirements. Let us take a closer look at diverse levels of home care packages. 

• Level 1 Home Care Package: This entry-level package supports people with basic care needs such as help with household tasks like cleaning and laundry, personal care assistance like showering or dressing, or assistance with transport to appointments. 
• Level 2 Home Care Package: This home care package provides greater support for people with low to moderate care needs with more services and hours of care offered.
• Level 3 Home Care Package: For people with more complex care needs, such as frequent or intensive personal care services, broader assistance with daily tasks, and additional health and support services, a level 3 package provides high support.  
• Level 4 Home Care Package: This is the highest level of Home Care Package and provides a comprehensive suite of services for people with high-level care necessities.

Explanation of Level 3 Home Care Package 

A Level 3 Home Care Package (HCP Level 3) offers comprehensive care for individuals with high care necessities within the context of their specific circumstances. It provides a wide range of services and is intended for persons with intermediate-level care needs and a higher level of daily support than is normally provided by Level 1 or Level 2 Home Care Programs. HCP Level 3 is suitable for individuals seeking in-home care needs or requiring significant assistance and specialised care to stay independent at home.  

The package offers a significant amount of funding that allows for a broader range of services and support compared to lower-level packages. A care plan is created in collaboration with the recipient and their family or carer to meet their specific requirements and preferences. The care plan is evaluated on a regular basis and changed as needed to ensure that the recipient receives the proper support services. 

Services and Support Included in an Intermediate Care Package 

An Intermediate Care Package, also known as a Home Care Package Level 3, aims to provide temporary in-home care service and assistance to individuals during their recovery, helping them regain independence and transition back to their regular routines. Here are some common services and support the Level 3 Home Care package includes.  

• Personal care service: Assist you with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming. 
• Domestic assistance: Supports you with daily chores, including laundry, cleaning and meal preparation. 
• Nursing care: Registered nurses provide skilled nursing care at home, such as managing chronic diseases, managing medications and caring for wounds. 
• Allied health services: You receive services from health specialists in related fields, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. 
• Social support: Help you participate in social activities and the community to combat loneliness. 
• Transport: Assist you in getting to medical appointments and other necessary events. 
• Home modifications: Support you in making changes to your home to make it more accessible and safer, such as installing grab rails or wheelchair ramps. 
• Respite care: Short-term care is provided to give primary caregivers a break from their responsibilities. 
• Dementia care: Provides dementia sufferers with quality care and assistance, including behavioural and cognitive support. 
• Palliative care: Aid you with specialised treatment and assistance with life-limiting illnesses and your families, including pain and symptom management and emotional support. 

Benefits of a Home Care Package Funding 

Government funded home care programs can help you live at home by accessing affordable care services. Home Care Package Funding provides numerous benefits by offering personalised care that meets specific needs. It enables you to maintain your independence and dignity, allowing you to age in place and continue living in a familiar environment. This funding also gives you control over your care, promoting well-being and enhancing the overall quality of life. 

Additionally, home care assistance funding gives you more benefits than the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. However, with government subsidy benefits, you must also cover income-tested care fees determined after your income Assessment. Your chosen provider gets an allocated subsidy depending on the level of the package. 

Eligibility for Intermediate Home Care Package 

To qualify for a Level 3 Home Care Service, the individual must meet specific requirements established by the Australian Government. Individuals classified as level 3 home care program recipients are eligible for residential aged care. However, those who choose to remain at home must meet specific eligibility requirements. 

-Age: You need to be aged at least 65 years.  

-Residency: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a special category visa. 

-Care needs: You must have moderate care requirements that cannot be met by entry-level services such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Level 2 Home Care program. 

-Assessment: You must undergo an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS). The ACAT assessor will determine your care necessities and recommend a level 3 home care package if you require intermediate care needs. 

Application Procedures for Level 3 Home Care Package 

If you or a loved one is looking to apply for a Home Care Package Level 3, it is important to understand the steps involved. The process starts with an assessment, followed by a few key steps to ensure you receive the right level of care. Let us explore these steps together so you can get support and assistance for the application.

Contact My Aged Care.

To begin the process, it is recommended to contact My Aged Care, the primary gateway to access elderly care assistance provided by the Australian Government. You can either contact the My Aged Care contact Center or browse their website at www.myagedcare.gov.au. 

Request an assessment.

To receive an assessment for your aged care necessities, it is necessary to request the services of an ACAT or RAS. To initiate this process, the My Aged Care contact center will ask you a series of questions to determine your specific care requirements. Once this has been completed, they will refer you to the appropriate assessment service that can best meet your needs. 

Have the assessment.

Upon evaluation by your assessor, a personalised assessment of your care requirements will be conducted. Based on the results, a suitable home care package level will be recommended to you. If your assessment indicates a need for a Home Care Level 3 Package, you will be promptly placed on the national priority list for home care programs. 

Wait for allocation. 

After being added to the national priority list, you will have to patiently wait for the allocation of a Level 3 Home support Package. It is important to note that the duration of the wait time may differ based on the demand for services in your area. 

Choose a home care provider. 

Once you are allocated a Level 3 Home Care Package, you can choose a home care worker such as Wise Choice In-Home Care to receive the necessary care and support. You can search for approved providers on the My Aged Care website or get recommendations from your assessment team. 

Develop a support plan.

Working with your selected home care worker, you can create a personalised support plan tailored to your unique needs and objectives. This plan will clearly outline the specific services and support you will receive as part of your home-based care program. 

Remember Us! 

The journey of finding the finest home care assistants is an investment in your and your loved one’s well-being. By making a wise choice, you can create a partnership that promotes happiness, comfort and foster a sense of independence.  

With a professional team and knowledgeable advisors, Wise Choice can provide you with expert advice on the eligibility criteria, application procedures and types of services available under the in-home support program.  

Take the first step towards worry-free and top-notch care by reaching out to us today. We are here to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.