A Home Care Package (HCP) is an allocation of funds from the government that enables you to purchase products and services to support you at home. Packages are flexible so they can be tailored to your specific needs.
With a huge range of options available, you can choose any number of home care services that suit your lifestyle and budget. Go to Your Home Care Guide to find out more.
Click here to find out what the four levels of HCP are.
Click here to find out how much you may be entitled to receive.
Yes. You need to be:
However if you are under these age limits we can assist you with other government funding if you need home care assistance. Simply call and chat to our Care Adviser Team for more information.
Calvary organise your individual government assessment to determine what level HCP (1-4) you are eligible for. If successful your package is allocated to us as a government endorsed provider of your choice.
Once approved, you can access your funding for the home care services you want.
If you’d like to start the ball rolling call our Care Adviser team and we can book your assessment and answer any questions you may have.
A provider is endorsed by the government to manage your HCP funding. They hold the funds for you to use on the home care services you want. The government do not allow your funds to go into private banking sources, they must be held by an endorsed provider. That’s why it’s really important to choose a reputable provider. Calvary can offer a full complement of services so if your needs change we can support you with specialised care and advice. We can also advocate on your behalf so your HCP level increases if you need further support down the track. We also have agreements in place with suppliers who offer discounted equipment and incontinence pads to Calvary clients.
Yes. Calvary has a team of dedicated Care Advisers that can help source the right package for you. We can book your assessment, assist with tricky questions, and help with extra documentation that may be needed for your assessment. We’re here to help you achieve the best outcome and hold your hand through the whole process.
The in-home government assessment is conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). They determine what level you fall into, while the Department of Human Services (Centrelink) determines what co-payment you contribute to your care.
With so many different government areas involved, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and confused with information. Calvary are here to help, so simply call one of our friendly Care Advisers and they can talk you through the whole process.
The wait time for a package can vary. In non-emergency situations the government determines the wait time, and can vary from 2 – 18 months. That's why we suggest reaching out for help as soon as you think you may benefit from it, so that you get the support you need sooner rather than later.
While waiting for a package, Calvary can apply for other types of funding on your behalf to assist you during your wait-time, so call our helpful Care Advisers to see what we can do for you.
Our Care Advisers work tirelessly to expedite emergency cases and secure appropriate government funding. Depending on the nature of your emergency we can activate services as quickly as 7-10 days.
We can also apply for other types of funding to assist you during this time or start private services. Once we know your situation we can walk you through the options to ensure you get the support and care you need during this challenging time. We’re here to help any way we can so simply call our Care Adviser team.
The government requires you to participate in an assessment to determine your eligibility for funding. ACAT perform the assessment in your home or during your hospital stay and will, based off the information you provide, determine what level HCP (1-4) you are eligible for.
ACAT are a third party group engaged by the government to carry out assessments. Collectively known as ‘ACAT’, they are providers from a range of different health companies and hospitals that vary from region to region. They are deemed impartial to the process of which provider you choose, meaning you can select who you want to deliver your services.
ACAT often introduce themselves as a third party representative for My Aged Care, handing out ACAT literature and documents which can be very confusing. If you would like to reduce the amount of information you are receiving, ask to receive My Aged Care only literature.
No. The assessment is handled by an endorsed third party government assessment group called ACAT. Known collectively as ‘ACAT’ they are providers from a range of health companies or hospitals that vary from region to region.
Yes. In fact we suggest you do. Assessments may take up to one hour and you will be asked a number of questions. It can be a lot of information to absorb in one sitting, so having a person to support you is a great idea. Your Care Adviser can also help you prepare for the assessment to help you get the best result.
Along with your personal details, questions range from your needs around the home, medical information, income and your support networks. It is a good idea to book ahead with a Care Adviser so they can take you through the types of questions you’ll be asked in your assessment before you are assessed.
No, Government HCPs are about people staying in their home longer and getting the additional support they need to retain their independence. Assessments are about ‘staying at home’ not ‘leaving home.’
No. The ACAT assessor may request permission to speak with your doctor. If you have any power of attorney documents and you’d like a family member to act on your behalf, you can bring those to your assessment and ask the assessor what your options are. All information that you provide will be treated confidentially
Sometimes these letters can appear confusing. If you are having trouble understanding what you've received, simply call us and we can help you. The following letters are generally sent to HCP applicants:
If you have not had your in-home or in-hospital assessment then it may be confirmation of the time ACAT would like to do the assessment with you. If you have received this letter, it’s best to call our Care Advisers to help you prepare for the assessment.
This is a summary of your care needs by the ACAT assessor. You can call us when you receive this letter to ensure that Calvary is your provider and that they are following your request.
This means your HCP has been approved and you are now formally on the government waiting list. This letter may have the assessor’s third party logo on it, however it does not mean that you have chosen them as your provider.
This means your funding is ready and Calvary can activate your package immediately.
Simply call our Care Advisers and we’ll arrange a visit from a Calvary Case Manager at a time that suits you. We’ll take you through what services you’d like to receive and answer any questions you may have about your care with Calvary.
If you’ve chosen Calvary as your provider we suggest you put these third party materials to one side. Simply give our Care Advisers a call and we can let you know if this extra material is relevant.
Your ACAT assessor will send you notification within 14 days with either confirmation that you are on the government waiting list or confirmation that your funds are ready. Take a look at the types of letters you may have received here [LINK to question above highlighted in blue] and give us a call.
Can I use all of this funding for my home care?
Yes, that’s what it is for. Administration fees are automatically removed from your package for your provider to maintain full compliance with government directives and manage your records and care. All providers, including Calvary, charge administration fees.
In many situations, the answer is yes. Cavalry waive the basic daily fee for all our clients, however the government requires most people who receive a HCP to pay an Income Tested Fee (ITF) towards their funding. The ITF is determined by the government (Centerlink) and is based off your yearly income and assets. If you are on a full pension and that is your sole source of income, then you do not pay an ITF fee.
Yes. The exact amount of funding you could receive is determined by your assessment. If your needs are considered low level care (HCP 1 or 2) and your income and assets are assessed as high, the co-payment contribution may negate the benefit of funding.
We understand that it’s a hard time and an often exhausting process to go through, that’s where Calvary can help. We can activate your assessment for you - all you have to do is call our helpful Adviser Team to start the process.
If you have an accountant who knows your assets or you or a family member has filled out a pension application previously, then the information from these may help you at this point of the process.
The government does not allow your funds to go to private banking sources, they must be held by an endorsed provider. Calvary is an endorsed provider. We supply the services that you chose for your HCP and manage your funds in alignment with government guidelines.
Each month we provide you with a detailed statement outlining your government subsidy and your co-payment fees. It will also display your delivered services and the balance of funds available in your plan.
If there is a gap between your subsidy, fees and the amount of services you have had during the month then this gap becomes the balance you pay to Calvary.
Any unspent money is not lost - it will be carried forward into the following month for you and will accumulate over time. It can be used as a contingency fund which you can use at any time such as during a crisis or to save up for equipment. If you would like to know the balance of your contingency fund, please contact your Case Manager.
Calvary offers a variety of payment methods:
BPay
Use the Biller Code and the BPay reference number provided on your bill.
Credit/Debit Card
Online: www.careexperts.org.au/pay
Phone: 1300 272 364
Cheque
Please mail to:
Calvary Community Care
PO Box 116
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
Direct Debit
Complete a Direct Debit Authority Form and email to CCC.DirectDebitAuthorisations@calvarycare.org.au
Direct Debit Enquiries: 1300 660 022
Payments are managed through our Head Office as Calvary employees cannot be paid directly.
What if my needs change; like I need more support?
Your HCP package is completely flexible so you can swap and change services if you need different care. We can also advocate with the government on your behalf so your HCP level can increase if you need further support.
In addition to this you always have the option to ‘top-up’ your support with Calvary’s private services at any time, just chat to your Case Manager to arrange this.
Your monthly statement from Calvary lists the full amount of your government subsidy and your co-payment fees. It will also display your delivered services and balance of funds available in your budget. Any unspent money will be carried forward into the following month.
Calvary must follow strict guidelines and report to the government monthly on your subsidy. In addition to reporting and management, Calvary offer benefits such as 24-hour nurse-on-call support, case management, care coordination, and quality assurance. The monthly 20% administration fee covers all of this.
Not only is it a good idea to maintain regular services once you have been approved for a HCP, it is actually imperative for you to retain it. If you have not been active in using your HCP for over 56 days the government will revoke your subsidy and issue it to another person. If this happens, you will have to start the process from the beginning and apply for a package again.
Calvary adheres to the government Privacy Act of 1988, designed to protect your rights with respect to information that can be used to uniquely identify you. On joining Calvary we ensure that you have full literature on your rights and responsibilities plus the ability at any time to lodge any complaints through ourselves and independent state bodies. We respect you rights and take your privacy seriously.
You must provide Calvary with 48 hours’ notice if you are changing a scheduled service. If you are not at home during a scheduled service we follow a set of checks and an emergency plan that has developed with you and your family and/or carers on admission. Our duty of care is to ensure you are safe at all times.
Yes. Calvary’s respite services can be used in a number of ways. You might choose in-home respite which means that your carer can take a break while you are being supported at home. Calvary also have out-of-home day centres, overnight and short-term respite facilities, complete with social programs in supportive, warm and friendly environments.
Calvary can also request additional funding for ‘Carer Relief’. This gives carers the opportunity to have a break in paid accommodation while Calvary supports their loved one. Our Care Adviser team can help with any questions relating to this type of subsidy.
Yes. You can top-up your support with Calvary’s private services at any time. Simply call us and we can arrange additional care for you.
For over 130 years Calvary has provided quality care to many Australians. With a health network spanning public and private hospitals, home and community and retirement, our care is personal and individualised for your needs. We build unique and individualised relationships with you, and always respect you and your home. With a diverse range of services built off a long-standing reputation of care, you know you’re in safe hands with Calvary.
Calvary are a non-for-profit, charitable, Catholic based organisation. For over 130 years we have offered quality and respectful health care through hospitals, home and community and retirement. At Calvary we encourage diversity and freedom in all forms of religion and we support and nurture the expression of your beliefs.
Your services are managed by a team of Calvary experts. Calvary’s employees are carefully recruited, thoroughly screened and professionally trained in alignment with our values of hospitality, healing, stewardship and respect. All employees undergo reference checks and receive specialist training.
Our Care Advisers help you through the process of obtaining you Home Care Package subsidy and other funding that can assist you. They are experts in navigating the government system and guiding you through assessments, forms and requests. They have a wealth of information and can help in escalating funding in emergency situations.
Calvary Support Workers are our professional staff that help you in your home. Our skilled Support Workers offer a friendly approachable manner to the atmosphere of your home while working and tending to your needs.
Calvary’s professional clinical team is made up of Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses and Occupational Therapists. This team steps in if you need speciality nursing or care such as returning home from hospital or on-going medical care for chronic illnesses.
A Calvary Case Manager helps coordinate and monitor medications, aids, appointments and extra assistance. Not everyone has a Case Manager as it’s your choice whether you self-manage your care needs or not. If you feel you or your loved one is juggling too many things you can request a Case Manager at any time.
Care Coordinators are the people you call to book-in, change or cancel your services. They coordinate our vast team to ensure the services you’d like are delivered when you would like.
Yes. your approval for your Home Care Package means that there will be a few forms to fill out. The first form is the ‘Aged Care Fees & Income Assessment’ developed by the Department of Human Services (Centrelink). A Calvary Home Care Adviser can help with a printout of this document and any questions you may have about this document.
You DON’T need to fill this form out if you are:
A PAID A PENSION THAT IS MEANS-TESTED
Simply have your pension number available for us
You DO need to fill this form out if you are:
A PAID A PENSION THAT IS NOT MEANS-TESTED
A SELF-FUNDED RETIREE
YOU ARE PART OF A COUPLE
Tip: If you have an accountant who knows your assets or you have filled out a pension that is not means-tested previously then information from these sources may help you with this form.
The second form is a Calvary ‘Service Agreement’ which is a document that is an agreement between yourself and Calvary and outlines our terms and conditions. This document does require a witness for signing, so it’s a good idea to have a family or friend present at the time we meet with you.
Simply call us our Care Adviser Team on 1300 66 00 22 and we can talk through all your options. We can help you apply for a Home Care package and together we can craft a home care plan that suits you. This is a free, no obligation home visit with a dedicated Calvary Case Manager.
Acronyms and terms used by the government
HCPHome Care Package MAC - My Aged CareGovernment department responsible for the approval of funding for Home Care Packages ITF – Income Tested Fee.This is a fee that based on your yearly income and assets deemed as income. Basic Daily FeeFee paid by every person receiving a Home Care Package (determined by the government) ProviderA ‘provider’ is endorsed by the government to manage your Home Care Package. SubsidyThis is an allocation of money that the government gives your provider to supply the home care services you would like. Package LevelsThis is the amount of money the government will attribute toward you care. Level range from 1 – 4. They are: Level One Level Two Level Three Level Four |
ACAT/ACAS (only VIC)Aged Care Assessment Team CHSPCommonwealth Home Support Program. This is interim low level funding for the gap between receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) CRCCCommonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres. This is an assessment team who can grant up to $1500 in emergency funding RASRegional Assessment Service. This is an assessment team who can grant interim low level funding of a Commonwealth Home Support Package (CHSP) for the gap between receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) ACATAged Care Assessment Team. This is an assessment team who can grant Home Care Packages (HCP) My Aged CareThe government body that decides if you are eligible for a Home Care Packages. Calvary Privacy ActYou can find our Privacy Policy on our website here. |
Founded in 1885 by the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, Calvary is a charitable, not-for-profit, Catholic health care organisation. Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate health care to the most vulnerable, including those reaching the end of their life. We're responsible for over 12,000 staff and volunteers, 15 Public and Private Hospitals, 15 Retirement and Aged Care Facilities and a national network of Community Care Centres.
Available to you 9am - 5pm AEST
1300 66 00 22
