Most Frequently Asked Questions_Home Care Services, Packages, Levels, My Aged Care
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My Aged Care is the organisation created by the Australian Government to represent and support older Australians in the process of securing care as their needs change. The website provides a lot of information on what types of care are available, establishing eligibility and the process involved for you or your loved one.

A My Aged Care provider is the organisation that provides and manages care and support for you or your loved one. Alpha Support at Home is a registered My Aged Care provider and can support you or your loved one either privately (with your personal funding) or via a My Aged Care home care package (government funded).

There are a few key steps to applying for funding. The first involves establishing if your loved one is eligible to be assessed. If so, they will be assessed and either approved for funding now, or not. As an experienced, registered My Aged Care provider, Alpha Support at Home can guide you through the involved and often overwhelming process of applying for funding. Either call us on 1300 023 676 to get the process started or make an inquiry online here and we’ll be in touch.

We understand that sometimes you might need support urgently. To accommodate this, we offer a fee-for-service program for home care. This means you can access the services you need, right when you need them, without having to wait for government funding or approval. Simply pay for the specific services you need, as and when you require them. This way, you can begin receiving the necessary care and support in your home without any delay.

Reach out to us right away and let us assist you through this journey. Call us on 1300 023 676.

A Home Care Agreement is an agreement between you and your Home Care Provider. It details the services you want and the Provider will provide. Organising the Home Care Agreement comes after you have received your Home Care Package. Your services cannot commence without it.

Developing your Home Care Agreement is something you do in partnership with your Provider.

After you've selected Alpha Support at Home as your Home Care Provider, we will collaborate with you to formulate a plan of care to support you living independently. This will lay the groundwork for your Home Care Agreement, detailing:

  • The manner in which your services will be provided
  • The team responsible for their provision
  • The associated costs

It is important to remember that you and Alpha Support at Home are entering into this agreement as equal partners, and any changes must be agreed to by both parties. If any physical or medical issues hinder you f rom entering the Home Care Agreement, a representative can step in to complete the agreement on your behalf.

Yes, you can do this at any time. You only need to abide by the notice periods agreed between you and your current provider.

No, providers cannot charge exit fees and they are obligated to support you in the move.

All registered My Aged Care providers are listed on the My Aged Care website here. Alpha Support at Home is a registered My Aged Care provider and also provides support to privately funded clients. Call us on 1300 023 676 so we can help you through the process.

All registered My Aged Care providers are listed on the My Aged Care website here. Alpha Support at Home is a registered My Aged Care provider and also provides support to privately funded clients. Call us on 1300 023 676 so we can help you through the process.

You will need to arrange for another assessment to establish your eligibility for more funding. If your assessment confirms that your needs have changed and a higher level of care is required, you will be approved for a higher level home care package.

Yes, you will. You will need to agree with your new provider the services you want, based on your current needs and preferences.

If you think you’ll have difficulty paying the required fees, you can talk to us. If needed, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. Each case is considered on an individual basis.

To apply for financial hardship assistance, you or your representative need to complete an application form and submit the completed form to Services Australia. You can get a copy of the form from the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/sa462 or by calling 1800 227 475 (free call).

Alpha Support at Home is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment, and we welcome your feedback in order to improve our services. Please complete our Feedback form below to provide any compliments, comments, and complaints.

A Home Care Package, funded by the Commonwealth Government, is a great way for you to access services and supports tailored to suit your individual needs. Alpha Support at Home can work with you to develop a personalised plan designed to enable you to continue living independently in the comfort of your own home. If you find yourself in need of more than just basic assistance, a Home Care Package is an ideal solution, offering a comprehensive approach with an extensive range of services, aids, and equipment to support you.

To maximise the potential of your Home Care Package, a care coordinator will work with you to understand and develop an array of support and services specifically designed to meet your unique requirements.

Alpha Support at Home offers support for all levels of Home Care Packages to cater to a wide spectrum of needs:

To discuss your individual needs and requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to assist you in determining the most suitable level of care and support to meet your needs. Call us on 1300 023 676.

The Australian government has an assessment process that will determine if you are eligible for funding to provide support at home under a Home Care Package. Services and support may be available if you are 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

As a starting point, you can use the eligibility checker tool on the My Aged Care website to establish your or your loved one’s eligibility.

Starting the in-home care process can be daunting and confusing. If you’d like some help in navigating the services available and how they meet your or your loved one’s needs, we can help. Call us on 1300 023 676 or enquire here.

Home Care Packages (HCPs) can greatly assist you in living independently in your home. However, funding may vary based on the level of care required. Below is a simplified breakdown of what each Home Care Package level provides you. [Figures as of 1st of July 2024]

1. Home Care Package Level 1

For those with basic home care needs, Level 1 provides you with approximately $406.14 of funding every fortnight. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is approximately $10,588.65 annually.

2. Home Care Package Level 2

If you have low-level care needs, Level 2 provides you with approximately $714.28 of funding per fortnight. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is approximately $18,622.3 annually.

3. Home Care Package Level 3

Level 3 caters to individuals with intermediate care needs and provides you with approximately $1,154.56 of funding per fortnight. If you’re a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding for this level is approximately $40,529.60 annually.

4. Home Care Package Level 4

The highest package, Level 4, is designed for those with high-level care needs. It offers extensive and tailored services, including more clinical care such as nursing and allied health services. This level provides you with approximately $2,356.62 of funding per fortnight. As a single, full age pensioner, you can receive up to approximately $61,440.45 in funding annually.

The Australian government has an assessment process that will determine if your loved one is eligible for funding to provide support at home under a Home Care Package. Services and support may be available if they are 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

As a starting point, you can use the eligibility checker tool on the My Aged Care website to establish your loved one’s eligibility.

Starting the in-home care process can be daunting and confusing. If you’d like some help in navigating the services available and how they meet your loved one’s needs, we can help. Call us on 1300 023 676 or enquire here.

A level 1 home care package provides basic care services to seniors who require assistance with their daily activities. These services may include: help with personal grooming, such as bathing and dressing assistance with meal preparation and household tasks basic nursing care transport to medical appointments social support and companionship. Learn More

You can apply for a Level 1 at the My Aged Care portal or call them at 1800 200 422. Once you have applied, My Aged Care will arrange for an assessor to visit you in your home and determine the level of care you need. Learn More

If you are 65 or over(50 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and need assistance in daily living, you may be eligible for Level 1 Home Care Package. Learn More

For those with basic to additional home care needs, you receive a government grant from $404.16 to $2356.62 per fortnight. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is between $10,588.65 - $61,440.45 annually. Based on the HCP Level your package cost will vary from approximately $200 per month to approximately $1230 per month. Learn more about package cost.

Understanding the distinction between being “approved” and “assigned” in a Home Care Package is crucial in navigating your way through the home care process. Many find these terms confusing but grasping their individual implications will make the process much more transparent.

Firstly, let’s tackle the difference between approval and assignment.

“Approval” for a Home Care Package signifies that you have been deemed eligible by My Aged Care to receive a package. However, it doesn’t automatically mean you have a package ready to use. In other words, you have been given the green light to receive a Home Care Package, but it will only be provided to you when one becomes available. Consider this approval as the first step towards receiving your package.

After approval, you’re added to the national queue, essentially a waiting list. Like any queue, you have to wait your turn. Once you reach the front of this line, and a Home Care Package becomes available, the package is then “assigned” to you. This assignment indicates that you now have a Home Care Package specifically allocated to you, which you can utilise.

Understanding where you stand in this process based on your individual circumstances is critical for managing your expectations and planning your care and support accordingly. Call us on 1300 023 676 if you would like some help with this.

At any time, whilst awaiting to achieve the “Approval”, you may engage Alpha Support at Home to provide care and support on a fee for service basis.

Home care services provide assistance to individuals who need help with daily activities or medical care in the comfort of their own homes.

Alpha Support at Home can work with you to develop a personalised plan designed to enable you to continue living independently in the comfort of your own home. Learn More

Services may include personal care (bathing, dressing), housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation, companionship, and skilled nursing care. Learn More

Consider home care if you notice difficulties with daily activities, increased fall risk, medication management issues, or a decline in personal hygiene or home cleanliness.

Difficulty with daily activities:

  • Struggling with personal care tasks like bathing, dressing, or grooming
  • Difficulty preparing meals or maintaining a balanced diet
  • Challenges with light housekeeping or laundry
  • Trouble managing finances or paying bills on time

Increased fall risk:

  • Recent falls or near-falls
  • Unsteady gait or difficulty with balance
  • Reluctance to use stairs or move around the house

Medication management issues:

  • Forgetting to take medications or taking incorrect doses
  • Difficulty organising or refilling prescriptions
  • Confusion about medication schedules or purposes

Decline in personal hygiene or home cleanliness:

  • Noticeable body smell or infrequent bathing
  • Wearing dirty or inappropriate clothing
  • Unkempt appearance of hair or nails
  • Accumulation of clutter or dirt in the home
  • Spoiled food in the refrigerator or kitchen

Cognitive changes:

  • Increased forgetfulness or confusion
  • Difficulty following conversations or instructions
  • Getting lost in familiar places
  • Poor judgment in financial matters or personal safety

Social isolation:

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities
  • Reluctance to leave the house
  • Expressed feelings of loneliness or depression

Health conditions:

  • Recent hospital stay or new diagnosis requiring ongoing care
  • Chronic conditions that are becoming harder to manage independently
  • Unexplained weight loss or gain

Caregiver stress:

  • If you're the primary caregiver, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unable to meet all care needs

Safety concerns:

  • Leaving appliances on or doors unlocked
  • Difficulty responding to emergency situations

Mobility issues:

  • Trouble getting in and out of bed or chairs
  • Difficulty navigating the home, especially if it has stairs

Home care allows individuals to receive care in their own homes, maintaining independence and familiar surroundings, while nursing homes provide 24/7 care in a residential facility. Learn More

For those with basic to additional home care needs, you receive a government grant from $404.16 to $2356.62 per fortnight. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is between $10,588.65 - $61,440.45 annually. Based on the HCP Level your package cost will vary from approximately $200 per month to approximately $1230 per month. Learn more about package cost.

Yes, but HCP providers handle background checks, taxes, and replacements if a caregiver is sick or on vacation. Hiring directly may be less expensive but comes with more responsibilities and may create added risk.

Regularly communicate with the home care service provider, caregiver and your loved one, make unexpected visits, and establish a care plan with clear goals and expectations.

There are a few key steps to applying for funding. The first involves establishing if your loved one is eligible to be assessed. If so, they will be assessed and either approved for funding now, or not.

As an experienced, registered My Aged Care provider, Alpha Support at Home can guide you through the involved and often overwhelming process of applying for funding. Either call us on 1300 023 676 to get the process started or make an inquiry online here and we’ll be in touch. Learn More

Alpha Support at Home is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment, and we welcome your feedback in order to improve our services. Please complete the form to provide any compliments, comments, and complaints.