14 Oct 2025

Getting Started with a Home Care Package: Your Step-by-Step Guide

---

Applying for a Home Care Package can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down step-by-step makes the process easier to navigate. Here’s what happens, what you can do at each stage, and how The District Nurses can help.

Home Care Package Services Provided by The District Nurses

• Professional nursing care
• Allied Health services
• Care Management
• Respite
• Day Centre
• Personal care
• Home maintenance and gardening
• Social support and companionship
• Assistance to appointments
• Medication assistance
• Shopping assistance
• Meal preparation
• Exercise and wellbeing programs
• Foot care
• Purchase of health-related products and equipment

 

The District Nurses are here to help you prepare so you’re ready to make the most of your package as soon as it begins. All new Home Care Packages with The District Nurses until 31 December 2025 include a $200 supermarket voucher as a little extra support with the cost of living Terms and Conditions apply.

 

Step 1: Apply for an Assessment

• Start by contacting My Aged Care (MAC) on 1800 200 422 or through their website.
   
• They’ll ask some questions about your health, home situation and support needs.
   
• If you seem eligible, they’ll arrange a face-to-face or phone assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
   

TDN Tip: Before you apply, jot down what day-to-day tasks are becoming harder (e.g. housework, shopping, personal care). This makes the assessment conversation easier and ensures your needs are captured.

Step 2: Have Your Assessment

• An assessor will talk with you (and your family, if you’d like) about your health, mobility, safety at home, and the type of help you need.
• They’ll recommend a level of Home Care Package (Level 1–4) based on your needs.
• You’ll receive a letter from My Aged Care confirming whether you’re approved and which level you’ve been assigned.
   

TDN Tip: Use this time to think about what kind of support would make the biggest difference for you. Would it be regular cleaning, transport, help with meals, or nursing care? Having a clear idea helps later when you’re choosing a provider.

Step 3: Waiting for a Package to Be Assigned

• Once approved, your name goes on the National Prioritisation Queue - which determines the order in which eligible clients are assigned a home care package.
• Your approval is secure, but wait times vary depending on your package level, circumstances, demand in your area, and government funding.
• The Government has announced that an additional 40,000 packages will be released before the end of 2025, which may help reduce waiting times for some people.

TDN Tip: While you wait, start exploring providers. Ask questions like:

• What fees will I pay? Visit My Aged Care’s fee calculator for more information or call Services Australia on 1800 227 475 to speak to an Aged Care Specialist who can provide in-depth information about your aged care options, including financial aspects of aged care.
• How flexible is the care plan if my needs change?

Can the provider continue to meet my needs as they change or become more complex?

• What range of services are included?

With The District Nurses, we explain fees in clearly and help you prepare so you’re ready to start smoothly when your package is assigned.

Making the Most of the Waiting Period

While you wait for your Home Care Package to be assigned, it’s an ideal time to prepare. Taking a few steps now will make the transition smoother and help you feel ready when your services begin.

Explore Providers
Start exploring home care providers by considering the following:

• What services do they offer?
• Do they meet my needs and my family's needs?
• How do they compare with other providers?

Ask Questions
When speaking with providers, consider asking:

• What fees should I expect?
• How is the care plan managed?
• Can services be adjusted if needs change?

The District Nurses can help answer these questions, explain fees and services in plain language, and guide you through the decision-making process.

Consider Interim Support
If you need help sooner, you may be eligible for short-term assistance through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). My Aged Care can confirm your eligibility, and The District Nurses can support you in accessing these services so you're not left waiting for help. To learn more about how we can assist during the waiting period and prepare your care with confidence, call us on (03) 6208 0500.

By preparing now, you can feel assured and ready to begin as soon as your package is available.

Step 4: When Your Package Becomes Available

When a Home Care Package at your approved level becomes available, My Aged Care will notify you that it has been assigned. This is an important stage, and The District Nurses are here to guide you through it.

The following steps will help you get started:

• Ready to Go Letter: You will receive a letter with your referral code, which activates your package.
• 56-day timeframe: You have 56 days to choose a trusted provider like The District Nurses and enter into a Home Care Agreement. If needed, you can request a 28-day extension by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 before the deadline.
• Getting Started with The District Nurses: Share your referral code with us as soon as you receive it by calling (03) 6208 0500. This allows us to prepare your care plan and ensure there are no delays in starting services.

By keeping us updated, you can move smoothly from approval to receiving the care you need.

Step 5 Starting Your Services

Once your Home Care Package is assigned, The District Nurses will make sure your services begin smoothly and are tailored to your needs.

• Personalised care plan: We will create a care plan with you that sets out your goals, preferences, and the services that best support your independence at home.
• Clear budgeting: Our team will guide you in managing your Home Care Package budget, explaining government subsidies and any personal contributions in plain language so you feel confident about every decision.
• Service delivery: We will organise and deliver the agreed services, which may include personal care, household tasks, transport, or social support.
• Ongoing Guidance: If your needs change we will work with you to ensure you get the support that you need.

Special Offer with The District Nurses:

Many Tasmanians are feeling the impact of rising living costs. To help ease the pressure, we’re offering a $200 supermarket voucher to new clients who choose The District Nurses as their Home Care Package provider. It’s our way of offering a little practical relief. Terms and Conditions apply.

Key Points to Remember

• Waiting is normal: Being on the waiting list is part of the process. Use this time to prepare and compare providers.
• Getting started happens quickly: Once you choose The District Nurses as your provider, we begin preparing your care plan and organising services straight away, so you can start receiving support without unnecessary delays.
• The 56-day timeframe is important: Once you receive your referral code, make sure you sign your Home Care Agreement within 56 days to avoid your HCP going back into the queue.

For more than 125 years, The District Nurses has supported Tasmanian families with trusted care and guidance.

From the waiting stage through to starting your services, we make the process clear and stress-free.

All new Home Care Packages with The District Nurses include a $200 supermarket voucher as a little extra support with the cost of living. Terms and Conditions apply.

Our experienced team works closely with you to understand your goals, tailor your care, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.