Low, intermediate or high care: how do I know what level is right for me?

From low care to high care

There are four Home Care Package levels funded by the Australian Government, to meet a wide range of different needs. Each level gives you access to a certain amount of funding for services to help you live at home for longer. This includes supports such as domestic assistance, transport, personal care, social activities, social activities, Clinical and Nursing care, Allied Health therapy, 24/7 support, garden maintenance nutrition and preparing meals.

Level 1 (basic care needs)

The first level provides support for people who are mostly independent and are able to daily tasks, but need some support to stay safe and well. This might mean getting a weekly visit from a care worker who keeps you company for a couple of hours. They might help you with tidying your home, preparing meals, going to the shops or feeding your pet. Or you might get help once a month to keep your garden maintained.

Level 2 (low care needs)

This is for people who need a low amount of support to live independently at home. It could be regular visits from a care worker (for example, three or four times a week) for personal care, domestic assistance, transport to appointments or activities, and social support. It might also include some equipment or aids to help you move and perform tasks safely at home, such as a walking frame.

Level 3 (intermediate care needs)

This level provides services for those who need a moderate amount of regular support at home. On top of personal care and domestic assistance, it provides access to trained medical professionals such as a Registered Nurse, nutrition and diet support, management of skin integrity, Allied Health services such as podiatry, speech therapy and physiotherapy, mobility aids, and support with changes to behaviour or memory.

Level 4 (high care needs)

A level 4 Home Care Package is for seniors with complex or high care needs. On top of help with the housework, this generally means daily visits from a care worker or nurse, medical support, personal care (e.g. bathing, dressing, getting in and out of bed), equipment, meal and nutrition support, or complex care. It can be allocated to people with diseases such as advanced stage dementia or mobility limitations, which require a large amount of care.

How am I assigned a Home Care Package care level?

Once you get in touch with My Aged Care for Government support (you can do this on their website or by calling 1800 200422), you may be referred for an assessment to better understand what level of care you need at home.

Assessments are done in your own home. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessor will give you a call and arrange a face-to-face appointment with you. During that appointment, they will chat to you about how you’re coping, what care needs you have, and what services you are interested in. You can also ask any questions you may have, and you can have someone with you the whole time, such as a family member or friend.

Based on that assessment, you may be assigned a Home Care Package level that best meets your needs. You will then be able to choose your own care provider and access in-home services at a time that suits you. Your provider will work with you to design a unique package of services and supports.

Do you need help with applying for a Home Care Package, or want to talk to someone about the process? Give us a call – we’re happy to help.

Do I have to move into a nursing home if I want to receive high care?

High care is often thought of as nursing home care, due to the need for regular supervision and care from medical staff. While some seniors may choose to move into a residential aged care facility, it is possible to continue living at home, even if you have high care needs.

The Government’s Home Care Package includes funding for high or complex care, covering services such as personal care (showering, changing, getting in and out of bed), taking care of the housework, mobility equipment, Nursing care, skin care (e.g. assistance with bandages and dressings), mechanical devices for lifting, continence management and nutrition.  It enables people with high-level care needs to live at home for longer, if they choose.

How do I choose a high care provider?

You have a choice over who provides you with care, so it’s important to choose someone you trust to provide you with care in your own home. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between different low or high care providers.

• Is the provider approved with the right credentials to provide high quality care? Do they provide support to a high standard?
• Do they listen to you, and take the time to understand your needs?
• Are they flexible and attentive to your unique needs and schedule?
• Are you able to get along with the provider and their care workers?
• Do they have a process for receiving and acting on feedback?
• Are they interested in getting to know you as a person?
• Are they well experienced at providing high care?
• Do they include you and your family members in the decision-making process?
• Are they respectful? Do they treat you with kindness, warmth and dignity?

Home Caring provides high quality support – from low care to high care – that is based on each’s person’s unique needs. Our dedicated and passionate teams are spread out in different locations across Australia. We are committed to providing an exceptional service that helps people live independently at home for as long as they can.