Now is a great time to research. This will help you know exactly what to expect in a Level 3 home care package, and what you’re eligible for when your package is available. To help, we’ve put together this explainer.
What services you can purchase with a Level 3 home care package
There are four levels of home care packages.
Level 3 is the ‘intermediate’ package of government-subsidised support at home.
It is designed for people who are struggling to do things on their own. This may include showering, toileting or dressing, and maintaining the home and property. They may have health conditions that affect their safety and independence.
For example, you may have had a fall in the bathroom and you’re not as confident getting in and out of the shower. You might feel unsafe cleaning the gutters and windows. You may rely more and more on family to do things like shopping, vacuuming or mowing the lawns.
A Level 3 home care package can help pay for equipment and support workers that make everyday tasks easier and safer for you.
What you buy using your home care package funds will differ from what other people pay for. Your home care package is based on your needs and the things that will help you live a full and active life.
Meet Jing
Jing is a 75-year-old widower. His health is in good shape, but his children aren’t comfortable with him doing some of the heavier housework, like cleaning gutters and mowing the lawn. Jing doesn’t have family nearby, so visits to check on him are few and far between.
Using his Level 3 home are package, Jing and his Care Advisor planned:
- Transport to the golf club each week, where he catches up with a few golf mates even though he stopped playing a few years ago
- One and a half hours of house cleaning each fortnight – a support worker completes the harder cleaning tasks, like changing the sheets, vacuuming and removing cobwebs
- Two hours of lawn mowing each month
- A KISA phone, an easy-to-use device designed specifically for older people
- An annual occupational therapy assessment. This regular assessment will ensure Jing has the technology, equipment and home modifications he needs to remain living on his own as he gets older
- Annual carpet, window and gutter cleaning
- The preparation of meals to help Jing have a good diet
- Purchase of a scooter as recommended by an occupational therapist
- Continence products as recommended by a continence nurse
- Fortnightly shopping support, where the support worker takes Jing shopping and unpacks everything when they get home
Consider the help you need
When you’re assigned your Level 3 package, your chosen provider will work with you to plan your care and organise the services you need. While you’re waiting for your package, it’s worth thinking about how you’re living now and what kind of help would make life easier for you.
Ask yourself
- How am I managing at home? What is easy and what is harder to do?
- Am I still gardening?
- Am I preparing three meals a day?
- How often do I go grocery shopping?
- Have I had a fall, or am I scared of falling?
- Am I still driving?
- Am I making it to the social groups (golf club, country women’s association, men’s shed) I care about?
- What do I need help with most?
- What support would make life easier for me?
Answer each question honestly and have a copy of your answers with you when you’re ready to plan your package of services. If your needs change, revisit this list and let My Aged Care know – they can arrange another aged care assessment to see if you’re eligible for a higher level package of services.
Still not sure what services or equipment you can buy with a Level 3 home care package? Download our guide to learn the different services you can receive.
Need help navigating a Level 3 home care package?
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