My Aged Care made easy

Why do I have to access My Aged Care?

The Australian Government encourages older people to remain living at home for as long as possible and offers government-funded Home Care Packages to help people live safely and independently in their own home. My Aged Care is the national entry point to Australia’s aged care system.

My Aged Care will assess whether you are eligible for government funding and what level of Home Care Package you need. Through a Home Care Package you can access services such as personal care, help to keep your home clean and tidy, shopping, gardening, transport to appointments and activities, and basic home maintenance.

How many services can I choose with my Home Care Package?

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each with a different amount of funding to meet a range of independence and care requirements. Your funding level will be determined through an Aged Care Assessment as part of the Home Care Package application process.

The level you are assigned determines how many services you can choose. You can choose as many services as you can fit within your Home Care Package funding level. We can work with you to match your budget with the services you need.

Home Care Package levels:

• Level 1 supports people with basic care needs. It is the smallest bundle, providing a couple of hours of in-home care services each week.
• Level 2 supports people with low-level care needs. It results in around 4-5 hours of in-home care services per week.
• Level 3 supports people with intermediate level care needs. It equates to up to 9-11 hours of in-home care services per week.
• Level 4 supports people with high-level care needs. It translates to up to 14-16 hours of in-home care services per week.

Getting started with My Aged Care to access a Home Care Package

STEP 1: Register on My Aged Care

The first step to getting a Home Care Package is to contact My Aged Care — by calling 1800 200 422. They will register you on their system and ask you a series of questions to determine your needs and eligibility. Find out more about My Aged Care.

STEP 2: Free assessment by ACAS

My Aged Care will refer you to an Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS) team who will arrange a time to complete a free in-home assessment to identify your care needs. The outcome of your assessment is usually available within 4-6 weeks. Find out more about ACAS.

Note: The assessment team is known as  the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) in states other than Victoria.

STEP 3: Eligibility

You will receive a letter of approval to let you know whether you are eligible and approved to receive a Home Care Package, and at what level. You will be placed in the national queue. Once a suitable package becomes available, you will be notified by mail.

STEP 4: Research home care providers

While you are waiting in the queue, it is advisable to start researching approved home care providers to understand how they can meet your needs and what sets them apart from other providers in terms of service, experience and fees.

STEP 5: Enter into a Home Care Agreement

When you reach the top of the national queue, you will receive a letter with details of your Home Care Package. You have 56 days to take up a new package and enter into a Home Care Agreement with your chosen provider.

STEP 6: Begin your services

If you would like to choose Mercy Health as your provider, contact us on 1300 478 776. We will arrange a time for a Care Manager to visit you at home to discuss your individual care plan and budget.

Need more assistance?

If you are still unsure about the process, or would prefer someone to assist you with your application for a Home Care Package, we are always happy to help — obligation-free. Please give us a call on 1300 478 776 or send us a message.