Understanding Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages are part of the Australian Government’s aged care system, designed to provide coordinated support for individuals who may need help with everyday tasks, clinical care, or managing chronic conditions. These packages are flexible and person-centred, allowing recipients to choose the types of services that best support their lifestyle and wellbeing.
How Do Home Care Packages Work?
Once you are assessed and approved for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care, you are allocated a funding level based on your needs. The funding is provided directly to an approved home care provider, like Just Better Care, who then works with you to plan and deliver the care and services you want.
Home Care Package Levels
- Level 1 – Basic care needs (e.g., help with cleaning or meal preparation)
- Level 2 – Low-level care needs (e.g., personal care and social support)
- Level 3 – Intermediate care needs (e.g., mobility support, transport, minor clinical care)
- Level 4 – High-level care needs (e.g., nursing care, dementia support, complex conditions)
Each level comes with a set amount of annual government funding, which is used to pay for services.
What Services Can Be Included?
Home Care Packages can cover a wide range of supports, depending on your goals and needs. Services may include:
- Personal care (help with showering, dressing, grooming)
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping)
- Meal preparation and nutrition
- Transport to appointments and social outings
- Health and nursing support
- Allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry)
- Social connection and companionship
- Home modifications and safety equipment
At Just Better Care, we tailor your package to match what matters most to you—whether that’s support to stay active, safe, and independent at home or to maintain social connections in your community.
How Do You Apply for a Home Care Package?
To access a Home Care Package, follow these steps:
- Register with My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au to begin the process.
- Get Assessed: A member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you at home to evaluate your care needs.
- Receive Your Package: You will be placed in a national queue and notified when your package becomes available.
- Choose a Provider: Once approved, you can select a trusted provider like Just Better Care to deliver your services and help you get started.
What Does It Mean to Self-Manage a Home Care Package?
Self-managing a Home Care Package gives older Australians and their families greater control, flexibility, and involvement in the care they receive at home. While traditional provider-managed care involves your chosen provider coordinating all services on your behalf, self-management allows you to take the lead—choosing your own support workers, managing your budget, and tailoring services to fit your lifestyle.
Read our Pros and Cons a self managing a Home Care Package
Why Choose Just Better Care?
As a leading national provider of in-home aged care services, Just Better Care offers:
- Personalised care plans tailored to your goals
- Local teams who understand your community
- Skilled, compassionate support workers
- Ongoing coordination and check-ins to ensure your needs evolve with you
We work with you every step of the way to ensure your Home Care Package delivers real value—and real peace of mind.
Need Help Getting Started?
Our friendly team can guide you through the application and assessment process and answer any questions about managing your package. Contact Just Better Care today and start planning the support you need to live life your way.
