1
Register for an Assessment
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online here
What is a Home Care Package (HCP)?
The Home Care Package (HCP) program is an initiative from the Australian Government to help you stay living independently at home.
How the HCP helps people
- The Home Care packages program provides a subsidy towards a package of care and services to meet your individual needs.
- It allows you to have access to different levels of support and care from a Home Care Provider of your choice.
- Home Care Package funds aren't paid to you directly. Instead, you choose an approved home or aged care package provider to administer the funds on your behalf - they coordinate the care and services to support you in your own home.
- You may also decide to have a self managed Home Care Package where you decide how to spend your funding. You still need an approved HCP provider to manage it, but you get to pick who helps you and when. This means you can use more of your funding for the services you need.
- Depending on your income, you may be required to contribute to the cost of your care and services.
What services are included in a HCP?
Depending on the level of Home Care Package you receive, you can get assistance with a range of different services focusing on your individual needs.
- Bathing, hygiene and grooming
- Nursing Care
- Podiatry and other therapies
- Meals and food preparation
- Help with impairments or continence
- Domestic assistance
- Home or garden maintenance
- Home modifications
- Aids to stay independent
- Social support
- Transport
- Plus many more
How do I obtain a Home Care Package and start receiving services?
- 2
Your Assessment
A face-to-face assessment will be scheduled to discuss your needs.
- 3
Your HCP is assigned
You will receive a letter in the post indicating which HCP level you have been approved for. NB: Waiting times are 6–12 months
- 4
Contact Karista and choose a provider to start receiving services
We can help you find a Home Care provider that is right for you. We'll also complete the paperwork so you can start receiving subsidised services hassle free!
You may also need to arrange an income assessment from Services Australia by calling 1800 227 475
Home Care Package levels
There are four levels of home care packages to meet different levels of care needs.
The more support you need, the more aged care funding you receive to access the services you require. Home Care Packages are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your needs at any given time.
FAQs
What if I need to change my HCP?
Your needs may change after you start receiving home care services. You can be reassessed by My Aged Care at any time, and your provider may help with this. You can also change providers at any time.
Do I need to contribute towards the cost of my care?
It is expected that you will contribute to the cost of care where your personal circumstances allow. To estimate personal contributions, check out the Home Care Fee Estimator Tool available on the My Aged Care website
What happens if I don’t use all of my funds?
We recommend that you use all of the funding allocated to you to ensure you’re getting the consistent care and support that you need. Contact Karista if you need help.
Can Karista help older Australians find services at home?
Yes. Karista can help older people and families explore services that support independence, safety and wellbeing at home.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program that helps older people stay living at home for longer. It replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025.
Is Home Care Package funding still available?
Home Care Packages have transitioned into Support at Home. Some people may still use the term Home Care Package, but the current program is Support at Home.
What types of services can aged care funding help with?
Support at Home may help with services, equipment, products and home modifications that support independence at home. This may include help with everyday tasks, health and wellbeing supports, personal care, allied health, nursing, transport or home safety, depending on assessment and eligibility.
Can Karista help me find aged care providers?
Yes. Karista can help connect older Australians and their families with suitable providers based on location, service needs, urgency and funding.
Can Karista help me find providers that accept Support at Home funding?
Yes. Karista can help identify providers that may support people using Support at Home funding based on their service requirements and location.
Do I need an aged care assessment before using funding?
Government-funded aged care generally requires eligibility and assessment through My Aged Care. Karista can help you think through service needs, but assessment and funding approval are managed through the aged care system.
Can Karista help while I am waiting for aged care funding?
Karista may help explore available service options, including self-funded services or providers who can support you while you wait for formal funding or assessment.
Can Karista confirm my funding eligibility?
Karista can help you understand possible pathways, but eligibility and claiming rules are determined by the NDIS, aged care system, Medicare, insurers or providers.
Do you need help to get the most out of your home help package?
Have a chat to one of our expert Client Service Managers and see how we can help you to optimize your Government funded home care.