Home Care Packages in Australia: The 2025 Complete Guide
- Omnicare Alliance
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
For many older Australians, staying at home is the goal. Home is where the memories are, where community is close, and where independence feels strongest. A Home Care Package (HCP) is designed to make that possible—funding in-home support so people can live safely and comfortably where they want to be.
2025 is a year of big change. Not only have subsidies increased and fee rules tightened, but from 1 November 2025, the current Home Care Package program will be replaced by the new Support at Home system. If you or a loved one are looking into aged care services, understanding these changes is crucial.
This guide breaks it all down: levels, fees, wait times, reforms, and practical tips to help you make informed choices.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is government funding that helps older Australians receive support at home instead of moving into residential aged care. The package isn’t “cash in hand.” Instead, it’s an allocated budget that can be used for approved services.
Common services include:
Help with showering, dressing, and grooming
Cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
Transport to appointments or community activities
Nursing care, physiotherapy, or allied health
Assistive technology and home modifications (like ramps or rails)
Home Care Package Levels
There are four levels of funding, each designed to match different needs:
Level 1 – Basic support (e.g., light domestic help, safety checks)
Level 2 – Low-level care (e.g., personal care, transport, some allied health)
Level 3 – Intermediate needs (e.g., regular personal care, nursing support)
Level 4 – High care (e.g., daily nursing, advanced equipment, complex case management)
If your needs increase, you can request a reassessment to move to a higher level.
How Do You Access a Package?
The process starts with an assessment through My Aged Care.
Call My Aged Care or apply online.
A trained assessor visits your home to understand your health, mobility, and daily needs.
You receive a letter confirming whether you’re eligible, and which level of package is approved.
Once a package becomes available, you are assigned funding and can choose a provider like Omnicare to manage and deliver your services.
Fees in 2025: What You Might Pay
Government funding covers most of the cost, but you may need to contribute depending on your financial situation.
The main fees are:
Basic Daily Fee: Capped and optional—many providers, including Omnicare, do not charge it.
Income-Tested Care Fee: Calculated by Services Australia, depending on your income. Annual and lifetime caps protect you from excessive fees.
Care and Package Management Costs: From 1 July 2025, caps apply to what providers can charge for admin and care coordination.
From 1 March 2025, government subsidies were lifted to cover aged care wage increases, helping to keep budgets balanced.
Your Rights: Price Protections
To make the system fairer, the government introduced stronger protections:
No exit fees – you can change providers without penalty
Caps on management fees – more of your package goes to frontline care
Transparency rules – clearer monthly statements so you know where every dollar goes
How Long Will You Wait?
Wait times remain one of the biggest challenges. For lower levels, wait times can be several months, for higher levels, often over a year. Priority cases—where needs are urgent—are usually assigned much faster.
In mid-2025, the government brought forward 20,000 additional places to reduce backlogs, but delays remain. While waiting, you can access Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services or top-up privately to bridge the gap.
Support at Home: What’s Changing on 1 November 2025
The Support at Home program will combine Home Care Packages, Short-Term Restorative Care, and (later) CHSP into a single program.
Key points for older Australians:
You will not lose services you already receive; your package will transition.
Pricing will be more standardised, with consumer protections continuing.
Assessments and classifications may change, but the focus remains on tailored, goal-based care.
If you’re already on an HCP, the best step is to review your care plan and talk with your provider about what transition will mean for you.
Choosing and Switching Providers
Not all providers are the same. Things to look for include:
Clear, transparent fees
Continuity of carers (not a revolving door)
Local knowledge and connection to your community
Willingness to listen to your goals
And remember—if you’re not happy, switching is now simple. Providers cannot charge exit fees, so you can move to a better fit without extra cost.
Making the Most of Your Package
To get the best value from your package:
Set clear goals in your care plan (e.g., “stay mobile to keep gardening”)
Review your budget regularly
Ask for fee breakdowns if anything looks unclear
Consider equipment and home modifications that support independence
Schedule regular reviews with your provider
FAQs
How long will I wait for an HCP?
It depends on your level and priority. Some urgent approvals are assigned within a month; others may take over a year. Always keep your needs updated with My Aged Care.
Will my fees change in 2025?
Yes. New caps and the March 2025 subsidy increase mean more stability, but your contribution depends on your personal income.
Do I lose my package when Support at Home starts?
No. Existing clients will be transitioned across, and services should continue with minimal disruption.
Final Word
Home Care Packages are a lifeline for older Australians who want to remain at home. 2025 brings both new opportunities—like higher subsidies and more places—and change with the Support at Home reforms.
If you’re considering a package or already have one and want to understand what’s next, Omnicare is here to help with simple, clear advice and compassionate care.
👉 Call us on 1300 336 488 for a free Home Care Package check-in.