Level 2 Home CarePackages Explained
If you or a loved one needs extra support to live comfortably and independently at home, a home care package is the perfect solution. These government-subsidised programs are designed to provide older Australians with flexible, tailored care to meet their individual needs.
A level 2 home care package is ideal for those who need more support than what’s provided in a level 1 package but can still manage many tasks independently. It offers low-level assistance that can make daily life easier, safer and more enjoyable. From personal care to light housekeeping, this package ensures you have the help you need to maintain your independence without feeling overwhelmed.
What is a level 2 home care package?
A level 2 home care package is a step up from the level 1 package, offering more hours of support and a broader range of services. It’s designed for individuals who need assistance with day-to-day tasks but still want to maintain control over their routines and lifestyles. Think of it as having a helping hand for the tasks that are becoming a little too much to manage on your own.
For example, if vacuuming and mopping have become too physically demanding or you’d feel safer having someone accompany you to medical appointments, a level 2 package can provide that support. It’s a practical way to stay home surrounded by familiar comforts while receiving the care you need.
So what is included in a level 2 home care package? Here’s what a level 2 home care package typically covers:
Light personal care
Help with grooming, dressing or basic hygiene tasks like brushing your hair or shaving.
Domestic assistance
Support with household chores, including vacuuming, dusting, mopping or doing the laundry.
Meal preparation
Assistance with cooking meals or preparing ingredients, ensuring you enjoy healthy and balanced meals.
Shopping and errands
Help with picking up groceries, prescriptions or other essentials.
Transport
hort trips to doctor’s appointments, community events or social activities.
Social support
Companionship and encouragement to engage in community activities or hobbies you enjoy.
This package is designed to be flexible, allowing you to customise the services to suit your lifestyle and priorities. For instance, you might choose to allocate more hours towards domestic assistance if you’re finding housework challenging, or you might prioritise transportation and social support to stay connected with your community.
Who is eligible for a level 2 home care package?
Eligibility for a level 2 home care package is based on your level of need for support. This package is ideal for those who are still relatively independent but benefit from assistance with certain tasks. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
Age requirement
You must be 65 or older (or 50+ if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander).
Low-level care needs
You may find some daily tasks challenging, such as cooking, cleaning or getting to appointments.
Assessment by ACAT
You’ll need to undergo an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This process helps determine the right level of care for your situation.
During the ACAT assessment, a trained professional will visit your home to discuss your needs and observe your ability to manage daily tasks. For example, if you’re recovering from surgery and struggling to cook or clean, the ACAT assessor may recommend a level 2 package to provide the additional support you need.
The good news is that if your care needs change over time, you can transition to a higher-level package. For instance, if managing personal care or mobility becomes more challenging, you could move up to a level 3 package with greater support.
What is the value of a level 2 home care package?
A level 2 home care package provides an annual government subsidy of around $18,622.30 (or about $1,530 per month). This funding helps cover essential services that support your independence and comfort at home. The money is divided into a few key areas:
Government subsidy
This pays for most of the approved care and services you receive.
Care management fees
Some of the funds are used to plan and coordinate your care, making sure it fits your specific needs.
Package management fees
These cover the administrative work and compliance requirements needed to manage your package.
The remaining funds are available to spend on services like cleaning, personal care, meal preparation or transportation. If you decide to self-manage your package, you will save on management fees, leaving more money for the actual care you receive. Alternatively, a provider-managed package allows the provider to handle all the planning, scheduling and organising for you.
It’s also important to understand that additional fees might apply. For example, if your income is above a certain level, you may need to pay an income-tested care fee. This fee is based on your financial situation and determined through an income assessment.
If you’re unsure about how fees work or what costs to expect, the team at Homecare My Way is here to guide you through your care options. We’ll help you make sense of your package and find the best way to maximise your funding for the care you need.
What services can you access with a level 2 package?
A level 2 home care package offers simple, everyday support to help you feel comfortable and confident at home. This includes help with personal care like getting dressed or grooming, light household chores such as cleaning and laundry and assistance with meal preparation. You can also get support with shopping, running errands or getting to appointments. Transportation and companionship services ensure you stay connected and can enjoy activities you love.
While the package covers a broad range of services, there are some exclusions. For instance, general living expenses like rent, utilities and groceries are not included. Similarly, luxury items like gym memberships, beauty treatments or large home renovations (e.g., repainting or adding a deck) are outside the scope of the package.
Making the most of your level 2 home care package
To maximise the benefits of your level 2 home care package, it’s important to plan your care thoughtfully. Here are some tips to help you get the most value:
Prioritise your needs
Identify the most challenging tasks for you, such as heavy cleaning or transportation and focus your care hours on those activities.
Combine services
Consider combining tasks into a single visit. For instance, it may be possible to find a carer who is qualified to help with cleaning and meal prep during one visit instead of having separate carers coming in across multiple days. This is a discussion you’ll need to have with your Customer Care Manager and/or the Supplier to ensure this can be done.
Explore self-management
Self-managing your package can reduce fees and give you greater control over how your funding is used. This means you can direct more resources towards the services that matter most to you.
Review your plan regularly
Your needs may change over time, so it’s a good idea to reassess your care plan periodically. For instance, if you start participating in more community activities, you might need to adjust your transportation hours.
Communicate with your provider
Regular check-ins with your provider ensure that your care remains aligned with your goals and preferences.
Get started with Homecare My Way
If you’re currently receiving a level 1 package but feel your needs have grown, explore how a level 2 package could provide the additional support you need. Your independence matters, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
At Homecare My Way, we make it easy to get started. From transparent pricing to flexible self-management options, our team is here to guide you. Ready to begin? Call one of our friendly Care Advisors at 1300 422 123.
managing their
homecare packages
Pamela lives alone, her daughter lives close by and self manages.
Assistance with Shopping, Cleaning, Gardening and some Home maintenance.
Sanjay lives with his wife Anjali, and they need support in setting up services.
Personal care, Domestic assistance, Gardening, Physio, Social support and Respite services.
Xiuying lives with her daughters family. Together they self manage.
Nursing, Equipment, Personal care, Shopping assistance, Physio and Meal assistance.
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