06 Nov 2025
How to Choose the Right Home Care Support (Previously Home Care Package) for You or Your Loved One
Key Takeaways
- Understanding Home Care Support: Home Care Support helps older Australians live safely at home with flexible services tailored to their needs.
- Recognising the right time: Changes in mobility, routine, or confidence may signal it’s time to consider support for yourself or a loved one.
- Understanding package levels: There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each offering different services based on the level of assistance required.
- What to look for in a provider: Choosing the right provider involves checking experience, service range, communication, and accreditation.
- Funding options available: Families can use government funding, private services, or a mix of both for greater flexibility and timely care.
- How My Aged Care helps: My Aged Care connects families with funding, assessments, and providers through a simple, step-by-step process.
- Final decision tips: Starting early, asking questions, and reviewing services regularly ensure care continues to meet your evolving needs.
- Why choose The District Nurses: With more than 125 years of service, The District Nurses offers trusted care that prioritises independence, dignity, and wellbeing.
As Australia’s population ages, more families are seeking ways to support themselves or a loved one in staying comfortable and independent at home. The growing need for quality home care has made choosing the proper support more crucial than ever.
Home Care Support (previously known as the Home Care Package) helps you or your loved one access personalised assistance to maintain comfort, safety, and dignity in familiar surroundings. Whether it’s support with daily activities, health needs, or companionship, choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
With over 125 years of trusted service, The District Nurses help families across Tasmania navigate their home care options with confidence. This guide will walk you through what Home Care Support entails, how to select the right provider, and how to ensure the care you choose meets your family’s needs.
Understanding Home Care Support
Home Care Support is designed to help older Australians live safely, confidently, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. It provides access to professional assistance that supports independence, health, and wellbeing while offering reassurance for family members.
The program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered through approved providers who tailor services to individual needs. Support may include assistance with daily tasks, clinical care, transport, or social activities, depending on your circumstances and goals. This flexibility enables each person to receive the appropriate level of care at the most suitable time.
Choosing a trusted provider like us at The District Nurses means your care will be coordinated, consistent, and focused on your wellbeing. Our experienced team will guide you through each step of the process.
Learn more about home care support.
Recognising When Home Care Support Is Needed
It can be challenging to know when it’s the right time to seek additional help at home. Paying attention to small but consistent changes can help you identify when support may be beneficial for you or your loved one.
Common signs include:
- Struggling with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or personal care.
- Noticeable changes in mobility, balance, or confidence.
- Forgetting medications or missing essential appointments.
- Increased feelings of loneliness or withdrawal from social activities.
- Family members feel stressed or overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities.
Recognising these signs early helps prevent health issues and ensures the proper care is in place before challenges grow.
Understanding the Levels of Home Care Packages
Home Care Packages are designed to match the level of support you or your loved one needs to live independently at home. There are four levels, each offering different funding amounts and services tailored to your personal situation. Understanding these levels will help you make informed decisions and plan for the proper care.
Level 1: Basic Support Needs
This level is ideal for individuals who require a modest amount of support to maintain their independence. Services may include help with cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, and occasional transport. It focuses on preventing decline and maintaining confidence at home.
Level 2: Low-Level Support
At this stage, individuals may require more frequent visits or a broader range of support. In addition to domestic assistance, services can include personal care, basic health support, and help staying socially connected through community activities.
Level 3: Intermediate Care Needs
This level is suitable for individuals with more complex needs who require a combination of personal care, clinical support, and allied health services. It often involves regular nursing visits, medication management, and assistance with mobility to ensure comfort and safety at home.
Level 4: High-Level Support
Designed for individuals with significant care needs, this level offers comprehensive, ongoing support. It includes advanced nursing care, regular visits from healthcare professionals, and extensive help with daily living. Families can feel confident that their loved one receives consistent, coordinated support.
Each level is flexible and can be adjusted as needs change. When working with an experienced provider such as The District Nurses, you can expect guidance on selecting the right level of support and adapting your plan over time. Our approach ensures every individual receives care that aligns with their lifestyle, goals, and wellbeing.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider
Selecting the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make. The right choice ensures that you or your loved one receives quality care, consistent communication, and genuine support tailored to individual needs.
Consider the following factors when choosing a provider:
- Experience and Reputation: Look for a provider with a proven history of delivering reliable, person-centred care.
- Range of Services: Ensure they offer the full range of assistance you may need now and in the future.
- Transparency in Fees: Request clear explanations of all costs, including care management and any additional services.
- Communication and Support: Select a provider that listens attentively, communicates regularly, and values your input.
- Accreditation and Staff Expertise: Confirm that staff are qualified, trained, and supported in maintaining professional standards.
Taking the time to review these factors ensures that you choose a provider that not only meets your current needs but can also adapt as circumstances change. With the trusted partnership of The District Nurses, you can feel confident that care will remain consistent, compassionate, and aligned with you and your family’s values.
Speak with our care team today.
Comparing Home Care Support Options
When planning care for yourself or a loved one, understanding the different types of home care support available can make the process much more straightforward. The right choice depends on your situation, level of need, and how quickly you want services to begin.
Government-Funded Home Care Support
Funded through My Aged Care, this option provides subsidised support based on an assessment of your needs. It helps cover costs for services such as cleaning, nursing, transport, and personal care. While there may be a waiting period before funding is approved, this pathway offers structured, regulated, and long-term care that evolves as your needs change.
Privately Funded Home Care
Privately funded care is available immediately without the need for an assessment or waiting time. It gives families complete flexibility to choose when, how, and what type of care is provided. Many people select this option while waiting for government approval or to add extra services for greater comfort and convenience.
Combining Both Approaches
Many families choose to combine government-funded and private care. This balance provides essential services through funding while allowing additional personalised support when needed. It ensures consistency, flexibility, and continuity of care during transitions. The District Nurses can help tailor a combined care plan that fits your and your family’s lifestyle and goals.
Choosing between these options depends on timing, care needs, and budget. Seeking guidance from professionals ensures you and your family receive the right mix of support and peace of mind.
The Role of My Aged Care in the Process
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central point for accessing aged care services, including Home Care Support. It simplifies the process of finding, applying for, and managing care by connecting you or your loved one with the right programs and providers.
Here’s how My Aged Care supports you:
- Registration: Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit the website to create a client record.
- Assessment: An assessor visits your home (or conducts a phone assessment) to understand your health, lifestyle, and care needs.
- Approval: Based on the assessment, you are assigned an appropriate level of Home Care Support.
- Referral: You receive a referral code to choose a provider. Share your referral code with us at The District Nurses 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.
This process ensures your care is coordinated, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
Final Tips for Making the Right Choice
Choosing the proper home care support takes time, but careful consideration helps ensure your loved one receives the appropriate care from the start. It’s about selecting a provider that aligns with your values, goals, and daily needs.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Start Early: Explore providers before your care is approved to avoid delays once funding is available.
- Ask Questions: Discuss fees, service flexibility, and communication with each provider to understand what to expect.
- Check Accreditation: Reassess your care plan to ensure services continue to meet your needs as they change.
- Review Regularly: Reassess your care plan to ensure services continue to meet your needs as they evolve.
Making thoughtful choices now helps support a smoother, more confident care journey for you or your loved one.
Get to know The District Nurses.
Why Families Trust The District Nurses
For more than 125 years, The District Nurses has been a trusted name in Tasmanian community care. Families rely on our experience, professionalism, and compassion to guide them through every stage of the Home Care Support journey.
We take the time to understand each individual’s needs, creating tailored care plans that strike a balance between comfort, independence, and dignity. Whether it’s assistance with daily activities, clinical care, or emotional support, our services are delivered with consistency and respect.
By combining government-funded and private care options, we make the process transparent and straightforward, helping families make confident, informed choices. Our trusted approach ensures every person receives quality care designed to enhance wellbeing and promote independence at home.
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