Learning How to Get a Home Care Package can help an older person stay safe and independent at home. These services may include personal care, cleaning, meal support, transport and nursing. However, Australia’s old Home Care Packages Program was replaced on 1 November 2025. New applicants now receive suitable support through the Support at Home Program. CareCircle explains the current process in clear and simple steps.
Understanding the Current Home Care Process
When families search for How to Get a Home Care Package, they are usually looking for government help at home. The current pathway starts with My Aged Care. An assessment decides whether a person needs basic support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program or more complex help through the Support at Home Program. You cannot select the program yourself because approval is based on your assessed care needs.
Home Care Packages Are Now Support at Home
The first important step in How to Get a Home Care Package is understanding the new name. The previous program has ended, but people still use the old phrase when searching online. If you received a package before 1 November 2025, you were moved into the Support at Home Program. New applicants follow the current assessment and funding system rather than applying for an old package level.
Check Home Care Package Eligibility
Before starting How to Get a Home Care Package, check whether you may qualify for an aged care assessment. Home Care Package Eligibility is now considered under current government programs. In general, applicants are aged 65 or older, or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. They may also have reduced mobility, memory changes, a medical condition, a recent fall or difficulty completing daily tasks.
How to Apply for Home Care Package Support
To understand How to Get a Home Care Package, begin by applying for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. You can Apply for Home Care Package support online, by phone or in person. The application normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes. You will need your Medicare card and information about the help you need. A family member, friend or carer can assist with your permission.
Complete a My Aged Care Home Assessment
The next stage in How to Get a Home Care Package is the My Aged Care Home Assessment. A qualified assessor will normally speak with you in your home. They will ask about your health, memory, movement, personal safety and ability to manage daily activities. This Aged Care Assessment Process is free. You can ask a family member, friend or registered supporter to attend and help you explain your needs.
Receive Your Support Plan and Approval
After completing How to Get a Home Care Package, the assessment organisation will send a Notice of Decision and support plan. The plan records your strengths, difficulties, goals and approved services. If your needs are more complex, you may be approved for Government-Funded Home Care through Support at Home. Approved In-Home Aged Care Services can include personal support, domestic assistance, meals, transport, nursing, allied health and home maintenance.
Understand the Home Care Package Waiting Time
Families researching How to Get a Home Care Package should know that approval does not always mean funding starts immediately. The Home Care Package Waiting Time now depends on your Support at Home priority category, approval date and services. Categories include urgent, high, medium and standard. Current waiting estimates can change, so check your letter or My Aged Care account. Some people may receive interim funding while waiting for their full amount.
Choose a Provider and Start Services
The final step in How to Get a Home Care Package is choosing a registered provider. Compare the provider’s available In-Home Aged Care Services, prices, staff, languages and service area. When funding becomes available, you generally have 56 days to sign a service agreement and begin care. You may request another 28 days if needed. Your provider will help plan services that match your approved needs, personal goals and available budget.
Understand Costs and Contributions
Planning How to Get a Home Care Package should also include checking possible costs. Government-Funded Home Care does not always mean every service is free. Under Support at Home, contributions depend on the service received and what you can afford. Clinical services do not have a contribution. Services Australia may use income and asset information to calculate other contributions. Ask providers for clear prices before signing an agreement.
Conclusion
Understanding How to Get a Home Care Package is easier when you follow each step in order. Start by checking eligibility, contact My Aged Care and complete an assessment. Read your support plan carefully and compare suitable providers. CareCircle recommends applying early because the Support at Home Program may have funding wait times. Good planning can help an older person receive safe support while continuing to live in their own home.
FAQs
Can I Still Apply for Home Care Package Funding?
People asking How to Get a Home Care Package can still apply for government help at home, but new applicants do not enter the old Home Care Packages Program. You now Apply for Home Care Package support through My Aged Care and may receive approval under Support at Home or the Commonwealth Home Support Program. The correct program depends on your needs and assessment outcome.
What Services Can I Receive at Home?
When learning How to Get a Home Care Package, it helps to understand the available In-Home Aged Care Services. Support may include showering, dressing, cleaning, laundry, meals, shopping, transport, nursing and physiotherapy. Home repairs, assistive technology and modifications may also be approved. You only receive services included in your support plan, but you can request a reassessment if your care needs change.
How Long Does the Assessment Take?
The first application in How to Get a Home Care Package normally takes 15 to 20 minutes. After applying, an assessment organisation may contact you within two to six weeks to arrange the full My Aged Care Home Assessment. The exact timing can vary based on local demand and urgency. Contact My Aged Care if your health, safety or family support changes while you are waiting.
What Can I Do While Waiting for Funding?
After learning How to Get a Home Care Package, ask about temporary support if the Home Care Package Waiting Time is long. You may be able to access basic Commonwealth Home Support Program services, private care or help from local organisations. Interim Support at Home funding may also be offered in some cases. Keep My Aged Care updated if your condition becomes worse because your priority or assessment may need review.