When 83-year-old Margaret from Hervey Bay first started needing help around the house, she didn’t know where to begin.
“I wasn’t ready for a nursing home, but I knew I couldn’t do everything on my own anymore,” she said.
That’s when her daughter suggested looking into Home Care Packages — a government-funded system that supports older Australians to stay in their own homes longer.
And while it worked well for Margaret, she’s now hearing that changes are coming to aged care in July, and she’s not quite sure what that means.
If you’re in a similar position — or supporting a loved one who is — here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Current System
Right now, there are four levels of Home Care Packages, each designed to match a person’s care needs.
- Level 1 is for basic help, such as cleaning, laundry or the occasional lift to the shops.
- Level 2 offers more frequent support like personal care, meal preparation, and allied health services like podiatry.
- Level 3 supports people who need daily care, including help with medication, mobility, or mild nursing support.
- And Level 4 provides high-level care, including 24/7 access to carers, support for dementia, or palliative care.
To receive a package, you must be aged 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians) and complete an Aged Care Assessment (ACAT). This helps determine your care level and ensures you receive services suited to your needs.
What’s Changing?
From 1 July 2025, the government will introduce a new program called Support at Home. This system aims to offer more flexibility and better match funding to a person’s exact care needs. Instead of four package levels, there will be eight classification levels, each with their own annual budget.
Here’s how the new levels compare to current funding:
- Current Level 1 HCP offers around $10,698, which closely aligns with Level 1 under the new system at $10,697.
- Level 2 HCP offers $18,812, while the new Levels 2 and 3 will provide $15,981 and $21,919, respectively.
- Level 3 HCP is currently $40,945, with new Levels 4 and 5 offering $29,545 and $39,535.
- Level 4 HCP is $62,075, and the new Levels 6, 7, and 8 offer $47,957, $58,122, and $77,709, respectively.
If you already have a Home Care Package by July 2025, you won’t lose your care. You’ll be “grandfathered” into the new system, keeping both your services and any unspent funds.
What Can You Do Now?
Navigating aged care can feel overwhelming — but you’re not alone. Providers like Right at Home Australia can walk you through the process, from your ACAT assessment to funding applications and day-to-day care planning.
“We offer free consultations,” says a local Right at Home team member. “And unlike many providers, we don’t charge package management fees — so more of your funding goes directly into your care.”
There are also private-pay options if you’re waiting for government approval, ensuring you can get help when you need it most.
For Margaret, the support has been life-changing.
“I still live in my home, on my terms,” she smiles. “And I get the help I need, without worrying my daughter.”
If you’re thinking about getting support at home — either now or in preparation for the 2025 changes — contact Right at Home for advice tailored to your needs. Call your local office or visit rightathome.com.au to get started.
