A Comprehensive Guide to Level 4 Home Care Packages
24 June, 2024
If you've recently done an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment and been told that you'll be receiving a Level 4 home care package, you might be wondering what this means and what to do next. Whether you've previously been on a lower level of home care package funding or this is your first time receiving care package funding, understanding the details of the aged care system can be daunting.
That's why this guide aims to give you all the information you'll need to make the most of your Level 4 home care package.
Understanding Your Home Care Package - Level 4
Home Care Packages, allocated through the My Aged Care system, provide funding to help older Australians live independently at home and access affordable care services. This funding is provided by the Australian Government and can be used for a range of support services, including housework, laundry, personal care, grocery shopping, and more.
The My Aged Care system is designed to cater to varying care needs through four different package levels. Level 1 is the lowest level of home care package, whereas a home care package Level 4 represents the highest level of funding and support.
A home care package - Level 4, typically offers around 13-15 hours of weekly support, which can be used for several visits from support workers and can be tailored to your care needs.
Different Government Aged Care Support Programs
The Australian government provides its aged care services and support through three primary programs:
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This program helps older Australians who are relatively independent but still need help with some specific tasks in order to stay at home.
Home Care Packages: For those requiring more involved in-home care, Home Care Packages are the most suitable option. These packages are designed to help older individuals remain living at home for as long as possible.
Residential Aged Care Subsidy: This support is available for those needing to move into residential aged care facilities.
Role of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
If you're receiving a Level 4 home care package, you've likely been assed by the ACAT team. ACAT is responsible for determining your level of funding based on a range of factors, including your medical condition, physical and psychological status, and social circumstances.
Eligibility for a Level 4 Package
To qualify for a home care package, you must be 65 years or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians).
A Level 4 Home Care Package is designed for those with high-level or complex nursing care needs, offering significant support to help you continue living at home safely and comfortably.
Funding Details for Level 4 Care Packages
Your Level 4 Home Care Package consists of:
Government Contribution: This is the primary source of your package funding. For a Level 4 Home Care Package, the government provides a subsidy of $163.27 per day or $2,285.78 per fortnight, as of July 1, 2023. This government subsidy is paid directly to your home care provider and does not affect your pension. However, it may be reduced by the amount you pay in your income-tested fee.
Your Contribution: This includes the basic daily fee, the income-tested care fee, and any additional fees you agree upon with your provider.
Understanding Fees
Basic Daily Fee:
Everyone receiving an in-home care package pays this fee. As of March 20, 2024, the fee for Level 4 packages is $12.75 per day or $178.50 per fortnight.
Income Tested Care Fee:
Some individuals pay this additional fee based on their financial situation, as assessed by Services Australia. Not everyone receiving a home care package is required to pay this fee.
Fee Estimator Tool
The My Aged Care Fee Estimator tool can help you calculate your fees, providing an estimate before undergoing a formal income assessment with the ACAT team.
Wait Times
Even after being assessed as eligible for a level 4 home care package, there can be a waiting period before receiving it. It's worth noting that these wait times can be extensive for Level 4 packages.
The wait time can range from 6 to 12 months, depending on your priority level and the availability of services. Sometimes individuals will be placed on a lower level care package in the interim.
What Your Level 4 Home Care Package Budget Covers
Your Level 4 package funds can be utilized for various in-home services, including:
Personal Care: Assistance with daily routines, showering, and continence management.
Domestic Assistance: Help with maintaining a clean and organized home.
Meal Preparation: Ensuring you have healthy, nourishing meals. Assistance with eating is also provided.
Shopping and Transport: Assistance with groceries and transportation to appointments.
Social Support: Engagement in hobbies, community activities, and social companionship.
Garden Maintenance: Keeping your garden safe and under control.
Equipment: Provision of necessary care equipment like walking frames and wheelchairs.
Minor Home Modifications: Enhancements like ramps for improved accessibility.
Nursing Care: Nursing and physiotherapy services. This can include more complex care and wound care.
What Your Budget Doesn't Cover
Level 4 Home Care Package funds cannot be used for:
General food purchases (except for tube feeding).
Accommodation costs including buying a home, paying a mortgage or rent.
Home care package fees.
Non-care-related home modifications.
Holiday and travel expenses.
Entertainment like going to the movies or casino.
Services or items covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
What if I need more support?
Level 4 home care packages are the highest level of funding provided by the Australian government. If you would like to remain living in your own home but require further support, you may be best to supplement your package funding with private care services. Home care providers such as Focus Care provide high-quality private care services and are always available to talk about your more complex care needs.
Alternatively, you may wish to consider a residential aged care facility. Government subsidies are also available to assist with the costs associated with this.
Working with Home Care Providers
Your home care provider is responsible for delivering the services funded by your level 4 package. Providers like Focus Care help manage your allocated funds and tailor your care plan to your needs.
You can choose and change home care providers as needed, ensuring you find a provider that best suits your requirements and values. The My Aged Care Find a Provider tool is a useful resource for locating complex care providers near you who have the capability to provide services for those on level 4 home care packages.
Quality Home Care Providers - Focus Care
It's essential to research and select a home care provider that meets your needs. Reaching out to providers like Focus Care can be a great way to get some expert advice and get any questions about your home care package answered.
Not all providers offer the same services. Besides standard services like personal care, cleaning, and cooking, a quality home care package provider like Focus Care can offer additional services such as art therapy and pet therapy, further improving your quality of life.
Whether you're transitioning from a lower-level package to a Level 4 package, or you've just been assessed for the first time, our team is here to support your needs. Feel free to contact us to discuss how we can assist you or your loved ones.
