How do I access care
at home?
Help at home can support you with everyday tasks and personal care. Learn how to access the right care to stay comfortable and independent in your own home.
If you or someone you love needs a little extra help at home, you may be eligible for government funding to stay in your own home longer. Many older Australians want to stay independent and close to family and friends. At PlanCare, we’re here to provide care that fits your needs, giving you more choice and extra support so you can live safely and comfortably at home. But you might be wondering - how do I get started?
What aged care options can I access while staying at home?
In Australia, there are two main government-funded programs help older people get extra care at home so they can live independently longer.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP is an entry level care program, for older Australians who only need a lower level of support. It’s a great starting point if you’re not ready for a Home Care Package but would benefit from a little extra help, such as cleaning, transport, meals, minor home modifications, or social activities.
Home Care Package Program (HCP)
The Home Care Package program provides support to older Australians withmore complex needs to help them to stay at home. PlanCare provides services under this program and specialises in both self-managed and fully-managed care, giving you more choice and control over who delivers your support.
The Home Care Package program will be replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025, making aged care at home simpler and more flexible. To read more about Support at Home click here.
What does a Home Care Package help with?
Home Care Packages are made to fit your own care needs. Before you start, you and your care provider will make a care plan together. This plan helps decide what services you need and how to use your care budget. For example, if you have trouble moving around, the plan may include money for transport. By making a good care plan, your provider can make sure you get the right support. Funding may be provided for:
Meal Preparation
Your Home Care Package can support you with pre-prepared meals, to ensure you receive sufficient nutrition. Your package will pay for the cost of preparing and delivering the meals, whilst you will pay for the cost of the raw ingredients. Where possible, these two separate costs should be clearly outlined on your invoice.
Home Care Package Funding Levels
There are four levels, depending on how much support you need. They range from Level 1, for basic needs, to Level 4, for more complex care
Level 1
Basic care needs
$10,931.75
per year
Level 2
Low care needs
$19,224.55
per year
Level 3
Intermediate care needs
$41,847.25
per year
Level 4
High care needs
$63,440.65
per year
The home care subsidy amounts are correct as of 1 July 2025.
Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?
To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must:
- Be over 65 (over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) and need help with at least three areas of your life, like getting around, meals, or housework
- Be a permanent resident or an Australian citizen
- Meet the relevant income and asset tests
- Have been assessed by the Australian Government's Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You will find a step by step guide below.
How do I access care as a new participant?
Register with My Aged Care
Your first step is to contact My Aged Care, the national gateway to aged care services. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. They’ll ask a few simple questions about your health, mobility, and how you are managing day-to-day.
Note: Make sure you have your Medicare card handy!
Your Assessments
Book your Assessment
An ACAT assessor will assess you at home or over the phone and determine the level of care you need
Receive your Outcome
You’ll receive a letter to let you know if you’re eligible for CHSP, HCP, or both.
Complete an Income Assessment
To work out if you need to pay towards your care, you may be asked to complete a simple Income Assessment. This is done through Services Australia (or DVA for veterans) and is based on your financial situation. Note: This won’t affect your pension.
Being assigned a Package and your Referral Code
When you are assigned a package, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care with a referral code. You will have 56 days to find a Home Care Provider managing your funds.
Choose your Provider and create your Care Plan
You will then choose a Home Care Provider who will work with you to create a care plan that suits your life and preferences. This is where you can get in touch with PlanCare.
Do you have questions or are not sure what to do next? Get in touch with our team at 1800 024 000 or book a free Explainer Session and we will call you back at a time that suits you best.
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