02 Oct 2025

What is a Home Care Package and How Can It Help My Family?

---

Caring for ageing relatives or loved ones is both meaningful and challenging, especially as daily needs begin to change. Families here in Tasmania want to provide the best care while helping their loved one stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

That’s where home care and Home Care Packages come in. These government-funded services offer personalised support through trusted professionals. 

In this guide, you’ll find clear, practical information to help your family understand the options and feel confident about planning the next steps together.

Understanding Home Care Packages

A Home Care Package is a government-funded programme that helps older Australians stay safe and independent in their own home. There are four levels of support, from basic daily assistance to more complex care. Services may include personal care, domestic help, shopping support, medication management, nursing, allied health, transport, and home modifications.

Families can choose a trusted provider, such as The District Nurses, right here in Tasmania, to coordinate the services. Packages are flexible and can be adjusted as needs change. From 1st November 2025, the Support at Home programme will replace Home Care Packages to create a more straightforward and consistent pathway to in-home aged care support.

How a Home Care Package Supports Families

A Home Care Package offers more than assistance. It provides families with reassurance, structure, and professional support during growing care needs. Here are three meaningful ways it can make a difference.

• Supporting Families and Reducing Carers Load - Balancing care with work, parenting, or other commitments can be challenging for families. A Home Care Package introduces trained carers and nurses who assist with daily responsibilities. This reduces pressure on family members, allowing more time to focus on the moments that matter most together. It also helps prevent carers stress and fatigue while ensuring care is delivered consistently and professionally.
• Encouraging Independence and Personal Choice - Many older Tasmanians prioritise remaining at home and within their community. Home Care Packages support this goal through services such as personal care, meal preparation, and medication assistance. These supports are delivered respectfully and person-centred, helping older people maintain independence, dignity, and control over their daily routines.
• Promoting Wellbeing and Social Connection - A Home Care Package also supports emotional and physical wellbeing. Services such as cleaning, transport, and health monitoring help create a safe and stable environment. Regular companionship and help with attending appointments or community activities keep older people socially connected and engaged, which plays an important role in maintaining overall health.

What Services Can Be Included?

A Home Care Package is one of the most flexible forms of home care services to support older people at home. It combines day-to-day assistance with professional health services, giving you peace of mind that care is consistent and reliable.

Support can include personal care, nursing, domestic help, allied health, transport, social support, and home modifications. Each package is tailored to individually assessed care needs and can be adjusted over time, ensuring that care remains relevant as circumstances change.

By working closely with a trusted provider, you can help create a personalised care plan promoting comfort, safety, and independence for your loved one in their home.

The Process of Getting a Home Care Package

Applying for a Home Care Package may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes easier to navigate.

1. Start by contacting My Aged Care to register and request an assessment.
2. An assessor will visit your home to understand your loved one’s health, lifestyle, and care needs.
3. A package level will be approved, and your loved one will be placed on the national waitlist.
4. Once approved, choose a trusted provider like The District Nurses to deliver the services.
5. Work with a care coordinator to create a personalised care plan that meets your family’s needs.

With the proper guidance, you don’t have to go through this process alone.

Checklist for Families Considering a Home Care Package

If you're wondering whether a Home Care Package is right for your family, this simple checklist can help you reflect on your loved one’s current needs and how support at home could help.

1. Is your loved one finding daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or shopping a little harder than before?
2. Does your loved one want to stay in their own home and community and maintain their independence?
3. Are you starting to explore what home care services are available for your loved one?
4. Have you compared local home care providers in Tasmania to find one that fits your family’s needs?
5. Have you had open conversations about what kind of support would make life easier?

If you answered yes to most of these, a Home Care Package may offer the practical support and peace of mind your family is looking for.

A Trusted Home Care Provider for Tasmanian Families

The District Nurses is one of Tasmania’s most trusted home care providers, with over 125 years of experience supporting older Tasmanians and their families. We deliver personalised care that helps people stay safe, comfortable and independent at home and within their community. Our team includes qualified nurses, support workers and care partners who work closely with families to create flexible care plans that adapt as needs change.

At The District Nurses, every client is supported with dignity and respect, and services are tailored to individual needs and goals. If your family is exploring a Home Care Package here in Tasmania, talk to our team today. We’re here to provide the right support and help your loved one stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.