Navigating the Home Care Package (HCP) application process can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can access the support you or your loved ones need. This step-by-step guide simplifies the process, explains funding options, and highlights how Right at Home can assist you every step of the way.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Home Care Package in 2025 with Right at Home

To make the process even easier, download our Home Care Packages Application Process Flowchart, which visually breaks down each step. Click here to download now.

Step 1: Book Your Free In-Home Consultation and Contact My Aged Care

Getting started with home care can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Right at Home offers a free in-home consultation to explain your options and guide you through the process.

During this consultation, we can assist you in registering with My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. This step is essential to determine your eligibility for government-funded home care.

Let us help you take the first step towards personalised, high-quality care. Claim your free consultation today by contacting your local Right at Home office.

Step 2: Aged Care Assessment (ACAT/ACAS)

You will undergo an Aged Care Assessment to determine the level of support you need. You will be approved for one of two options:

• Home Care Package (HCP 1-4): Provides comprehensive support at home, but there is a national My Aged Care waiting list.
• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): Offers entry-level support with quicker access. (There may however, be waiting lists with approved providers.)

After your ACAT assessment, you may need to complete an income assessment if applying for a government funded Home Care Package. This helps determine whether the government deems you need to contribute toward your care costs. If you do need to contribute, this is done through an ITF (income tested fee) and this money goes to the government to contribute to your care costs.

Step 3: Home Care Package Waiting Period

If you are approved for a Home Care Package, you will be placed on the National Waiting List, which can take 6-18 months.

You will receive updates along the way:

• Letter 1 – Approved: You are on the waiting list.
• Letter 2 – Get Ready: You are getting closer to receiving funding.
• Letter 3 – Assigned: Your funding is allocated, and you receive a red referral code to choose your provider. Funding is unlocked once you sign an agreement with a provider and My Aged Care is advised of who you chose.  You have 56 days to choose a provider or you lose the funding. This can be extended to 84 days but you need to contact My Aged Care to get an extension. 

Bridging the Gap with Private Pay Services

Since government funding can take time, Right at Home offers Private Pay services to provide immediate support while you wait. Once your Home Care Package becomes assigned, we seamlessly transition you to funded care without disruption.

Step 4: Home Care Package Assigned and Choose Your Care Provider

Once your Home Care Package (HCP) is assigned and you receive your referral code, you can choose a care provider. At Right at Home, we would be honoured to support you or your loved one with compassionate, high-quality care.

We will work with you to develop a detailed, personalised care plan tailored to your needs. Before your services begin, we provide a cost estimate, ensuring transparency in how your funding will be budgeted for the best value. This is obligation-free, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Once you have chosen your care provider, you will need to enter into a Home Care Agreement. This agreement outlines:
✔ Your rights and responsibilities
✔ The services you will receive
✔ How your Home Care Package funding will be used

Once you have chosen Right at Home (or another approved provider), visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to notify them. My Aged Care will then allocate your Home Care Package funding to your selected provider, allowing your care services to commence.

Step 5: Service Planning & Delivery

Once you've chosen Right at Home as your care provider, we work with you to create a custom care plan tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Our goal is to ensure you receive the right level of support to enhance your independence and well-being while staying comfortably in your own home.

Your Personalised Care Plan Can Include:

• Domestic Assistance – Help with household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and general home upkeep to keep your living space safe and comfortable.
• Personal Care – Assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, and hygiene.
• Nursing Care – Medication management, wound care, skilled nursing and health monitoring.
• Social Support – Companionship and social engagement, such as friendly visits, outings, and connection to local community groups and activities.
• Community Transport – Safe and reliable assistance with shopping, attending medical appointments, social outings, and running essential errands.
• Postoperative Care – Support during recovery after hospital stays.
• Specialised Care* – Complex medical care and disability support.

*Each Right at Home office has a unique capability and will determine their ability to deliver types of complex care.

At Right at Home, we understand that your needs may change over time. That’s why we regularly review your care plan to ensure it continues to meet your needs and preferences. Our team is always available to make adjustments as needed, ensuring you receive the best possible care.

Download the Home Care Package Flowchart

To make the process even easier, download our Home Care Packages Application Process Flowchart, which visually breaks down each step. Click here to download now.

Why Choose Right at Home?

With Right at Home, you’ll have support every step of the way, from applying for funding to receiving high-quality home care. 

• Free In-Home Consultations: We’ll guide you through the application process and help you contact My Aged Care.

• Private Pay Services: Access immediate care while waiting for government funding.

• Personalised Support: Our flexible care plans adapt as your needs change.

• Transparency: No hidden fees or surprises.

Book your free consultation today!

Success Story: Supporting Families Through the Process

Right at Home recently helped a client, Ilma, navigate her Home Care Package application. After losing her husband and moving to live with her daughter, Ilma needed help organising care. She shared, “Right at Home has been a lifesaver for me. From the day we contacted them, they’ve been so helpful, and nothing is a bother.”

Act Now to Secure Your Loved One’s Care

With wait times for packages often exceeding 12 months, it’s crucial to start the application process early. Contact your local Right at Home office today to:

• Schedule a free consultation.

• Discuss a custom care plan.

• Learn about Private Pay options for immediate care, for top-up care to current government funded support, or for a fully privately funded home care solution.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you or someone you love, contact your local Right at Home office today. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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