What Does a Level 4 Home Care Package Include?

Home Care Packages are designed to fund care and services that enable older Australians to remain independent, safe, and well at home. They are funded by the Australian Government.

Package levels range from 1 to 4. The level of support you are allocated is based on the amount of government funding required to meet your needs and deliver support services.

Level 4 Packages are designed to support people who have high-level care needs. If you or your loved one has high level or complex care needs, you may be eligible to receive assistance with a range of services.   

To access a Level 4 Package, you will require an assessment. This process can sometimes feel overwhelming. Aunty Grace can help step you through your application, regardless of the stage you are at in the process. We can even complete some steps on your behalf. Simply contact our friendly and knowledgeable team and we will help you navigate your journey to receiving the support and care you need.

To be eligible you must be aged:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

When some of our clients have gone through the assessment for the first time, they have been assigned a higher-level package, in line with their care needs (you do not necessarily start at level 1). As your needs increase, you can be reassessed for higher-level packages.

Our clients typically use their Level 4 Packages for:

• Personal care - Personal care under a Level 4 package provides extensive support for most normal daily hygiene and physical care activities such as showering, dressing, toileting, grooming, skin care and so on.
  
  
• Domestic assistance - Domestic assistance care workers help with basic chores around your home including cleaning (sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, dusting), laundry, dishes, and window cleaning. They can even water your houseplants and feed your pet for you.
  
  
• Aids and appliances - Your package provides funding for many types of special aids, daily living adaptive tools and appliances, and equipment such as mobility devices – wheelchairs, walkers etc.
  
  
• Social support - Staying socially active is important so your package can be used to help fund your social visits, outings, and group activities.
  
  
• Meal preparation - If you require help with planning and preparing your meals, or have special dietary requirements, this is covered by your Level 4 package too.
  
  
• Medication management -  Your carers can assist with medication management in various ways. They can provide reminders, help you take them, and liaise with your pharmacist to make sure your prescriptions are updated and filled.
  
  
• Nursing - Level 4 packages include professional nursing services should you require them. Services covered include general wound care and management, and help with chronic health conditions. Should you require hospital treatment, your nursing carers can assist with hospital care at home.
  
  
• Allied health support - You have access to allied health services as required. This includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech therapy, and so on.
  
  
• Shopping - As part of your Level 4 package, you can access help with your shopping. Your carers can take you shopping, do your shopping for you, or assist with arranging home delivery services.
  
  
• Transport - If you are still socially active, or have appointments to attend, your carers can provide transport to and from social events, and medical appointments, or run errands for you.
  
  
• Basic home and garden maintenance - In addition to housework and domestic help, carers can do basic maintenance and small repairs around your home and garden. This includes services like mowing, weeding, pruning, and watering along with minor handyman repairs in your house.
  
  
• Support with changes to cognition or behaviour - If you are starting to experience behavioural changes or cognitive decline, you have access to specialist carers and services to help with behaviour management, memory support, and so on.

Once you have completed the application process and been allocated a Home Care Package, you will need to work with an approved provider to select the specific services and care that you need. This is called a Care Plan.

A Care Plan is tailored to your unique needs and wants. So, the answer to the question ‘What does a Level 4 Package include?’ will be different for everyone. Everything is also specified in your home care agreement so that you and any involved loved ones have a clear understanding of what to expect.

Government contributions differ for each Package level. This amount is paid directly to your chosen Home Care Provider. You may be required to pay a subsidy towards your care which is called an Income Tested fee (ITF). This will be determined during an income assessment. Click here to read more about the ITF.

As of July 1, 2021, the Government subsidy for a Level 4 Home Care Package is $52,377.50. This contribution is increased each year.

Our clients that have a Level 4 Home Care Package benefit from having a variety of support services and care delivered into their own homes. This is a great option if you or your loved one wishes to maintain their independence and prevent early or unnecessary admission into an Aged Care Home.

This care can support or replace any informal care that is being received, it’s all about what you prefer.  

We can help you apply for Government funding and guide you through each step of the application process. Click here to view the six steps to applying for a Home Care Package. 

Alternatively, you can visit My Aged Care, which outlines these steps on their website.

It can be overwhelming navigating and waiting for a Home Care Package, especially when you need urgent support.

To get the support you need while moving through the application process, you may want to purchase in-home care services privately from Aunty Grace through our Private Funding option. This can ensure you receive services immediately.

For more information call our friendly concierge team.