Home Care Packages

A Home Care Package is Australian Government funding designed to help older people live safely and independently in their own home. The funding can be used for a range of services such as personal care, help around the house, nursing support, transport, and allied health. With the right provider, your package can be tailored to your needs so you can continue living comfortably at home with the right level of support. Note that from 1 November 2025, the Support at Home (SaH) program has replaced Home Care Packages (HCP).

To receive a Home Care Package, you must first be assessed through My Aged Care. Generally, you must be aged 65 or older, or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, and need coordinated support to remain living safely at home. An assessment team will review your situation and recommend the level of funding that best matches your care needs.

The process starts by registering with My Aged Care online or by phone. After registration, you will have an assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team who will discuss your daily needs and the support that may help you remain independent at home. If approved, you will be placed in a national queue for a Home Care Package and can then choose a provider like Kanda to deliver your services.

Home Care Packages are available in four levels based on the level of care you need. Level 1 supports basic care needs, Level 2 provides low level support, Level 3 covers intermediate care needs, and Level 4 is designed for high level care. As your needs change, you may be reassessed and move to a higher level package so your support continues to match your circumstances.

Home Care Packages can fund a wide range of in home support services. These may include personal care, meal preparation, domestic assistance, transport to appointments, nursing care, mobility support, and allied health services. Providers like Kanda work with you to build a personalised care plan so your funding supports your independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Yes. Once you are approved and receive your package, you have the right to choose the provider that best suits your needs. It is important to select a provider that listens, communicates clearly, and offers flexible support. At Kanda, our team works with you to create a personalised plan so your services reflect your preferences and goals.

Yes. You can change providers at any time if your current services are not meeting your expectations. The process usually involves providing notice to your current provider and selecting a new one. Many people move providers to find better communication, more flexible services, or a team that understands their needs more closely.

Home Care Packages are designed for people who need coordinated, ongoing support at home. Other programs, such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, provide entry level help for people with lower support needs. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right option. You can also explore Kanda’s full range of in-home care services to see how support can be tailored to different levels of care. Note that from 1 November 2025, the Support at Home (SaH) program has replaced Home Care Packages (HCP).

Yes. Many people choose to involve family members, carers, or trusted friends when planning their care. Providers like Kanda encourage this collaborative approach because it helps ensure the support plan reflects your daily routines, personal preferences, and long term goals. Care planning is always centred around your independence and quality of life.