How Much Will Home Care Services Cost You?

The cost of home care is a key consideration when determining the right support for your goals. This guide explains some of the key considerations.

Are you interested in arranging home care for yourself or your loved one? If so, then there are a variety of considerations that you must keep in mind here. One point to consider is the cost and how much you will be required to pay for home care that is going to meet your goals.

The government will pay a subsidy to cover the cost of your home care package. However, the amount you receive will always depend on factors including your current income as well as the assets that you have available. This will be calculated the the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service.

Who Will Pay For Your Homecare?

As mentioned, the government will subsidise the cost of your home care. However, you will always be expected to pay money towards the total cost if you can afford to do so. The amount that you are expected to pay depends on your income as well as the services that are required to match the goals that you have in mind.

You can discuss the rates with your service provider before you agree to pay any costs. It’s worth noting that the costs can differ depending on the service provided that you choose. For instance, some providers have a membership or subscription fee while also others may expect a voluntary donation.

In some cases, you may use the services of various packages. In cases like this, it might be possible to bundle the cost of your services so that they are easier to manage.

How Much will Home Care Cost?

The amount that the government contributes to home care is reviewed on an annual basis. When assessed, you will be provided with one of four levels of home care. Each level provides you with a different amount that the government will contribute to your costs. For instance, level one could provide you with $8,927 annually whereas level 4 may provide you with as much as $51,808. At level one, you could be expected to contribute $134 whereas at level 4, you may be required to cover $150 of the cost.

Remember, if you are on a higher income then you will be expected to pay more. The total amount that you can be expected to pay above the fee is 50% of your complete income above the Age Pension. This amounts to approximately $860 per every two weeks for an individual person.

The total amount that you will need to pay will depend on everything from your income to expenses that you will be required to cover such as rent and utility costs. Again, it is important to make sure that you are negotiating the different costs with your care provided. These costs should be agreed upon before you commit to receiving any care support.

The maximum that you can pay for care with an income tested care fee is $67,409. Assets such as your family home are not included when exploring the various assets that you do have available.

What Is Included In Home Care Packages?

The cost of a homecare package can pay for a wide range of different types of support. This can include everything from social support to full care services and wellbeing services. Home modifications and specific types of equipment may also be covered by your loved ones plan, depending on their specific needs.

Other possibilities could include funding for someone to cook meals with your loved one or helping them to attend exercise classes. Social activities such as visiting their favourite places or going on trips to destinations like the cinema can also be covered.

Who Can Access Home Care Packages?

Home care packages are accessible to older individuals who require additional support from a professional provider. This will allow them to continue to live independently in the comfort of their own home while remaining safe. The level of funding received by the government will depend on the level of the package that you are provided with. To get started, you will need to ensure that you complete an assessment. Once you receive your package level, you can start exploring the best aged care provided who will be suitable for the goals that you have in mind.

What If You Are Ineligible For Government Support?

If you are not eligible for government support, you will need to explore private care packages. The cost of these will depend on the provider you choose.

We hope this helps you determine how much you may need to pay for your home care as you age.