Home care

What Is Home Care?

Home care includes a range of government‑subsidised, community, and private support services designed to help you remain living comfortably at home. Assistance spans from basic help with shopping to full-time in-home personal care and clinical support.

How Much Support Can You Get?

Home care adapts to your changing needs:

• Entry‑level help: Occasional support for shopping, gardening, light housekeeping.

• Ongoing personal care: Regular help with bathing, meal prep, domestic chores.

• 24/7 live-in care: Round-the-clock assistance with all daily needs when required.
  You can easily adjust what you receive as your circumstances evolve.

How Do You Access Home Care?

1. Entry-Level: Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The CHSP delivers short-term, low-level assistance—like cleaning, transport, social support, or personal care. It’s ideal for those who need help occasionally and is not income-tested.

2. Government‑Funded Home Care Packages

Needing more regular or complex support? You’ll require a Home Care Package (HCP), which is available at four levels depending on need.
To get one:

1. Undergo an ACAT/ACAS assessment – free but may involve a wait.
2. Once approved, your package is allocated based on need and queue position.

Current wait times (medium priority, as of June 2025):

• Level 1–2: 6–10 months

• Level 3–4: 8–11 months
  Urgent cases can get approved packages within one month.

Can You Arrange Home Care Privately?

Yes—while waiting for a funded package, you can self-fund privately. Many providers offer flexible hourly, daily or live-in services. Some even offer discounted rates once your government package starts. This gives peace of mind while your funding is processed.

How Are Home Care Costs Structured?

• CHSP: Subsidised entry-level support; you pay a small contribution.

• Home Care Packages: You contribute based on income/assets; government covers the balance.

• Private Care: You pay the full cost—some providers offer packages or discounts.

How to Pick the Right Home Care Provider

1. Define your needs—personal care, housekeeping, health support?
2. Check accreditation via My Aged Care.
3. Compare services and costs across providers.
4. Meet providers to assess fit, flexibility, and rapport.
5. Ask about private care options—and whether they’ll transition into funded care.

What to Do While You Wait

• Use CHSP services for immediate, basic support.

• Self-fund short-term help, especially once ACAT approval is in place.

• Research providers early, so you're ready to choose when your package is assigned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services are covered under CHSP?
Cleaning, meals, transport, social outings, personal care, therapy—usually 1‑2 visits per week.
How long is the wait for an HCP?
6–11 months on average—levels 3–4 often take longer; urgent needs are prioritised.
Can I use private care before receiving a package?
Absolutely. Many do so while waiting—ask providers about crediting those costs once funded.

Ready to Find Support at Home?

• Explore DailyCare’s home care guides to understand funding, services, and costs.

• Search for providers near you—compare services and prices.

• Plan ahead by seeking an assessment early and considering temporary private care.

👉 [Start your home care search now]

Let DailyCare help you access the right support—because caring at home should be seamless.