What is a Home Care Package?

The Australian Government’s Home Care Package Program helps you to live independently in your own home for as long as you can. The program provides a tax payer funded subsidy towards a package of care, services and case management to meet your individual needs.

What do the different levels mean?

There are four different levels of Home Care Package available, each with varying amounts of subsidy. See above for different subsidy levels.

How long does it take to be assigned my package?

The below are estimates only: 

Level 1: Approximately 3-6 months

Level 2-4: Approximately 12+ months

If I decide to go onto a Home Care Package, can I keep my existing cleaner? 

In most cases, yes you can. Vitality Club will do whatever it can to ensure that you are able to retain your existing worker if this is your preference. However, in order to do so, we need to arrange an agreement with the worker or relevant party. In some instances, the service provider or organisation may decline to enter into this agreement. In which case, Vitality Club would source a new worker of your choice.

Is there any fee for cancelling or withdrawing my package? 

Home care providers can deduct an exit amount from any unspent package funds if you decide to move to another provider or cease care. At Vitality Club we don’t charge an exit fee, we are confident in the services we provide and if we can’t help you in the way you need, we don’t want you to be burdened with the fee!

I have a complaint regarding my service provider, how do I go about making a complaint or giving feedback? 

Vitality Club is always eager to gain feedback on our service delivery and management of your package, be it good or bad. If you would like to submit feedback, this can be done via our website or by calling us. You will also be given the opportunity to give feedback or raise concerns at your 3 monthly Care Plan review. If you wish to take any complaints further than your Case Manager or VC management, you can contact My Aged Care to do so.

Do I need to complete an income assessment form? 

Typically only if you are NOT a full pensioner;

If you are paid a pension that is not means-tested or are a self-funded retiree, you will need to lodge an income assessment form. You can find this on the My Aged Care website where you will also find the fee estimator.

Can providers charge different prices for services and admin fees, is there a standard amount set?

Yes, they can. There are caps on some things such as the basic daily fee. However, admin fees and service costs can vary greatly between providers. Try not to base your decision on one element of the budget, however (i.e a low or waived Basic Daily Fee) as this is often compensated for in another area. It is best to compare multiple provider costs before making a decision.

I would like someone to speak to someone about my options but I’m not ready to choose a provider yet, is that possible? 

Of course! Our team is happy to answer any of your questions and provide a tailored info kit based on your care needs. Contact us to speak to one of our Home Care Package specialists and receive a personalised kit in the post or via email.