FAQ: Getting help at home

Help at home can look different for different people. You might need help with shopping and cooking. Maybe you need some home modifications.

You can receive government-subsidised help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or through a Home Care Package.

To find out which program you are eligible for, you need to apply for an assessment. You can apply online or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Read more about the assessment process

If you are eligible, there are a range of aged care services that can help you live independently at home.

There are services that keep you well and independent such as food preparation, help with showering or dressing, help managing medications, and help to maintain your mobility. Some keep you safe at home such as cleaning, home maintenance, and mobility aids. Others allow you to interact with your community such as transport to appointments or activities, in-home social calls, and group activities.

An assessment through My Aged Care will determine which of these services you are eligible to receive.

Read more about help at home

If you’re able to manage, but need support with a few tasks at home, you might be eligible for support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

If you need many care and support services on an ongoing basis to help you live independently, a Home Care Package may be more suitable. This will provide a package of care and services and go beyond what the CHSP can provide.

Read more about help at home

Generally, no. This ensures that services reach as many people as possible. If you’re receiving a Home Care Package, it also means your care and services are paid through a single budget.

There are some special circumstances where you can access short-term CHSP services while receiving a HCP and your budget is fully allocated. Talk to your assessor first to see what options are available. To find out more, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Read more about Home Care Packages

There are four different levels of Home Care Package, depending on your care needs:

• Level 1: Basic assistance – Help with tasks such as cleaning, grooming, meals, shopping and transport. Usually one or two visits a week.
   
• Level 2: Low care needs – The same as Level 1, but can be three or four visits a week from an aged care worker.
   
• Level 3: Intermediate care – More support at home, most days of the week. Can include visits from a care worker, nurse, and medical staff.
   
• Level 4: High-level care – For high level or complex care needs, which can include daily visits.

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