Level 1 Home Care Package

CLIENT: Be You Not Them
PUBLISHED: BaptistCare YouChoose website
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Level 1 Home Care Package
CREATED: December 2018
AUTHOR: Fallon Dasey

Have you just qualified for a level 1 package under the Federal Government’s Home Care Packages Program?

Congratulations! You’ll soon be receiving financial assistance to access services that can improve your quality of life and help you live in your own home longer.

But what exactly does a level 1 package entitle you to? And what kinds of services and care can you expect to access with the subsidy provided?

The government provides four levels of home care packages to reflect the different needs of older people living in the community.

Level 1 is the entry level and is assigned to people that the government has assessed to have ‘basic’ care needs. In contrast, Level 4 packages are for those with high-level care needs. Given your lower level of needs, some of the areas you might consider include:

· personal care

· domestic assistance

· meal preparation

· gardening

· shopping

· transport

· social engagements

· pursuit of your hobbies

· companionship

In looking at your needs, you may decide you’d like someone to come in and help you with those housework tasks you’ve been finding difficult.

Or you might find the garden is getting away from you and you need help with the mowing and trimming.

Or maybe you’d value assistance in getting to the shopping centre to do the weekly groceries?

If you’re having difficulty catching up with friends and would like help travelling to social engagements or appointments, you could you use your level 1 home care package to support your independence and social health too.

Getting assistance with these tasks might prevent injuries, maintain your health and improve your quality of life.

On a level 1 care package, your yearly subsidy entitles you to up to approximately $8,000 toward products and services that support your care.

As long as you go through an approved provider, you’re entirely free to choose which services you spend your subsidy on. Be aware that this is a subsidy and you might be required to pay a small co-payment depending on your own income level. For those on a full pension, this could be as low as $10 a day; for those self-funded retirees, remember that you can always make additional payments to access services. Call our customer engagement centre to discuss your individual circumstances, on 1300 275 227.

We created a tool that will help you draft a home care plan that suits your budget. Visit www.youchoose.org.au for an obligation-free experience.

Waiting periods

There is often a waiting period between when your home care package has been approved, and when it is allocated by the Government (assigned to you and funds transferred to your chosen provider). It’s during this time that you can select the provider that matches your needs (Read: How To Choose A Home Care Provider) or call us to help you with some interim services.

Our staff are specially trained to deliver the best quality care, while respecting your home, needs and wishes. We can meet with you to create an obligation-free care plan so we are absolutely clear on how to meet your goals, or you could draft a package at youchoose.org.au.

We can assist you with any questions you may have, as well as some helpful strategies while you wait for your home care package to be fully processed. Call our helpful BaptistCare Customer Engagement Centre on 1300 275 227 for a friendly chat.