If you or a loved one are in need of home care, there are several options available to you. Australian citizens with complex needs can be eligible for certain care services that enable them to live safely and comfortably in their own home.
If you are reading this, perhaps you or your family member has been approved for a Level 3 Home Care Package. Or maybe you are just exploring your options to find the best possible care for your relative.
Either way, the following article will take a deep dive into the Home Care Package Level 3, detailing what it includes, who is eligible, and the funding that may be available. Read on to learn more and find the best care for your family.
What is a Home Care Package Level 3?
The Australian government provides a range of different home care services for those with complex needs who wish to continue living in their own home. This avoids the need for these individuals to move into residential care, and allows them to live more comfortably with family in their own personal space.
But elderly patients or those with certain health conditions may need additional help in carrying out day-to-day tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and travelling. They may have reduced mobility or cognition that can make certain errands hard for them. And a home care package can empower them and improve their quality of life. For holistic healthcare solutions designed to support seniors’ needs, visit CenterWell and discover services that prioritize their well-being and independence.
There are four different tiers of home care packagers from which to choose.
Home Care Package Level 1
The most basic package, Level 1 provides assistance for those who need some assistance with everyday tasks. This might include activities such as shopping, food preparation, and transportation. An individual with a Level 1 home care package might only require a couple of hours of assistance each week.
Home Care Package Level 2
Those with low-level needs will benefit from the Level 2 home care package. Offering 3 to 4 hours of support each week, the service is best suited to those beginning to experience signs of ageing or needing additional help in their daily life. It might include help in personal care, social support, assistive technology, home maintenance and housekeeping.
Home Care Package Level 3
The Level 3 home care package is targeted to those individuals with intermediate needs, who may require slightly more advanced home care. This might include individuals struggling with memory loss or changing behaviours. The package generally offers 7 to 9 hours of support each week, and will offer more involved care services, such as medication management, physiotherapy, and nutritional support.Â
Home Care Package Level 4
The most intensive support is provided by the Level 4 home care package, which provides users with 10 to 13 hours of assistance per week. This is best suited to individuals with mobility issues, dementia, and visual or hearing problems. The service also may offer palliative or end of life care.
Who is Eligible for the Home Care Package Level 3?
The right level of home care will depend on the user’s particular needs and lifestyle. The Home Care Package Level 3 is designed for those with intermediate care needs, but it may be difficult for the individual to ascertain exactly which level is right for them.
In order to determine eligibility for the home care package, users will have to undergo an Aged Care Assessment, which will review their needs and identify the most suitable level of care needed. If the user is determined to have intermediate care needs, they will be assigned to a Level 3 home care package.
What Does a Home Care Package Level 3 Include?
If you or your loved one is in need of home care, you may be wondering what kind of help you are going to get. The Home Care Package Level 3 includes a range of different services designed to improve the user’s quality of life and make day-to-day tasks a great deal easier.Â
A Level 3 package is generally suited to those with intermediate needs who may be eligible for residential care but would prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family and enjoying their privacy and personal space.
The services involved with a Level 3 home care package may include:
- Personal care, including grooming, dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, getting in and out of bed, shaving, and washing.
- Assistance in performing daily tasks such as housekeeping, home maintenance, transport, and social support.
- Nursing support including medication management, wound dressing, and other forms of clinical care.
- Nutritional support to ensure the patient is eating well. This may include meal preparation, arranging food delivery, and assistance with eating if necessary.
- Allied health services may be needed if the user has additional medical or complex needs. This could include such services as physiotherapy, speech therapy, hearing and vision services, podiatry, and more.
- Additional specialised support may be required, such as continence management, dementia, vision, and hearing.
It’s important to note that typical everyday expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, groceries, and entertainment purchases are not covered under the Level 3 home care package. These are not related to intermediate care needs and so will need to be covered by the user as normal.
What Funding is Available?
If you are considering the Level 3 home care package, you are probably wondering how much it will cost, and how much help the government will give you. Here is everything you need to know about what you can receive and how much you are likely to pay.
For a Level 3 package, the government will provide a daily subsidy rate of $94.66, which equates to $34,550 each year. It’s important to note that this figure is adjusted annually. Depending on the needs of the individual, you may also be eligible for additional supplements to assist with care.
You are likely to have to pay a basic daily fee. For Level 3, this comes to a maximum rate of $10.97 per day. Your contributions will be income-tested, so that those with the financial means to pay for their care will do so, while others may receive more help.
Get in Touch
For more information and advice on Level 3 Home Care Packages, get in touch to speak with one of our team.