As we age, maintaining independence while living comfortably at home becomes increasingly important. If you or a loved one needs a little extra support with daily tasks, a Home Care Package Level 1 might be the perfect solution. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Level 1 home care packages in Melbourne, including eligibility requirements, services included, costs, and how to apply. If you don’t have time to read through all the details, the care consultants at Kema Care are always ready to explain your options and guide you through the process.
Home Care Package (HCP) Level 1 is a government-subsidised programme designed to provide basic care support for older Australians who wish to remain living independently in their own homes.
It's the entry-level package in the Home Care Packages Programme, ideal for individuals who need minimal assistance with everyday activities.
This level of support typically involves one or two visits per week from a care worker who helps with basic tasks, allowing you to maintain your independence whilst receiving the assistance you need.
The package is funded by the Australian Government and managed by approved home care providers who deliver personalised services based on your individual needs. Your care provider works with you to develop a tailored care plan that reflects your goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
Important Update: From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home programme will replace the Home Care Package Programme. However, if you're currently exploring or receiving Level 1 support, these services will continue through this transition, and we'll explain what this means for you later in this article.
Understanding eligibility is the first step towards accessing the support you need. Here's what you need to know:
To be eligible for Home Care Package Level 1, you must be 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Beyond age, you'll need to demonstrate that you require basic support to live safely and independently at home. This might include needing help with:
The level of support you need is determined through a comprehensive assessment conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). These trained assessors evaluate your physical, cognitive, and social needs to recommend the appropriate level of care.
You can apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care government website. If the paperwork feels overwhelming, you can easily appoint a family member to apply on your behalf.
The evaluation is thorough but completely designed around your personal circumstances. Kema Care is here to help you navigate this entire journey. Just give us a call to discuss your options.
One of the great advantages of Home Care Package Level 1 is its total flexibility. Whilst it is designed for basic care needs, you have complete choice and control over how your funding is spent across Melbourne. Here is what your package can typically cover with our local team:
Your care worker can assist with essential personal care support tasks that help you maintain dignity and hygiene. This includes:
Keeping your home clean and comfortable is vital for well-being. Your package can fund:
Nutrition is crucial for maintaining health. Support can include:
Social connection prevents isolation and supports mental health:
Getting out and about safely:
Every Level 1 package includes care management services:
The beauty of Home Care Package Level 1 is that you decide which services matter most to you. Your care coordinator works with you to allocate your funding based on your priorities.
Understanding the costs involved helps you plan effectively for your care. The funding structure includes both government contributions and potential individual contributions.
The Australian Government provides the primary funding for your package. The subsidy is paid directly to your chosen home care provider, who then uses it to deliver your services. This funding amount is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects the true cost of care delivery.
There are important protections to ensure aged care remains affordable:
As of 20 September 2025, the maximum income-tested care fees you can be asked to pay in your lifetime is $84,571.66. After you reach the lifetime cap, you will no longer have to pay income-tested care fees. There's also an annual cap to protect you from excessive yearly costs.
The government has capped package management fees at a maximum of 15% of the package level. This fee covers the administrative costs of managing your package, including care planning, coordination, and quality assurance. Your provider must be transparent about their management fees.
All approved home care providers must publish their pricing openly. Before choosing a provider, you should receive clear information about:
Don't hesitate to ask questions about costs. Understanding the financial aspects upfront helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Applying for a Home Care Package might seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes the process manageable.
Your journey begins with My Aged Care, the Australian Government's entry point to aged care services:
When you contact My Aged Care, they'll conduct an initial screening to understand your situation and determine what type of assessment you need.
During the initial contact, you'll discuss:
This conversation helps determine whether you need a comprehensive assessment for a Home Care Package.
If you're likely to benefit from a Home Care Package, you'll be referred for a face-to-face assessment with an ACAT or RAS assessor. This typically happens in your home and includes:
The assessment is not a test. The assessor's role is to understand your needs and recommend the appropriate level of support.
After your assessment, if you're approved for a Level 1 package, you'll receive a letter confirming:
You'll be placed on a national prioritisation queue. The waiting time varies depending on package availability in your area, though Level 1 packages generally have shorter wait times than higher-level packages.
Once a package is available, you can choose from approved home care providers in your area. Take time to:
Remember, you're not locked in. If you're unhappy with your provider, you have the right to change to another approved provider.
The entire process from initial contact to receiving services typically takes several weeks to a few months. Whilst waiting times have improved significantly in recent years, patience is sometimes necessary. Your chosen provider should keep you informed throughout the process.
Once you've chosen a provider and your package funding is active, here's what happens next.
Your care coordinator will meet with you to develop a personalised care plan. This living document outlines:
You're actively involved in creating this plan. It should reflect your values, preferences, and lifestyle, not just a standard template.
You'll be introduced to the care workers who'll support you. Most Level 1 recipients have consistency with their carers, which helps build trust and rapport. Your provider should consider:
Based on your care plan, services are scheduled at times that suit you. With Level 1 support, you might have a care worker visit once or twice weekly for a few hours. You should have flexibility to adjust schedules when needed for appointments or family visits.
Your needs may change over time. Your provider should conduct regular reviews (at minimum every 12 months, but often more frequently) to:
As a home care recipient, you have important rights:
You also have responsibilities to treat care workers with respect, provide accurate information, and communicate openly about your needs.
Melbourne has numerous home care providers, which means you have genuine choice. Here's how to select the right one for you.
Choose a provider with strong knowledge of Melbourne's aged care landscape and the specific needs of your local community. They should understand the resources, services, and cultural diversity of your area.
The best providers offer genuine flexibility in:
Approved providers must offer reasonable and transparent prices. Before signing anything, you should receive clear written information about all costs, how your funding will be used, and what services you'll receive.
Research potential providers through:
Person-Centred Approach
Look for providers who demonstrate:
Before committing to a provider, ask:
Melbourne's multicultural community means care should respect diverse backgrounds. If English isn't your first language, or if you have specific cultural needs, seek providers who:
The support care system is evolving to better serve Australians with special needs. Here's what you need to know about upcoming changes.
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home programme will replace the Home Care Packages Programme. The way aged care fees are calculated will change, including how much you and the government contribute.
The new Support at Home programme aims to provide:
If you're currently receiving or approved for a Home Care Package Level 1:
The Home Care Packages Programme will continue as normal until 31 October 2025, so if you're applying now, you'll receive support under the current system and then transition to the new programme.
Stay informed about these changes through:
Don't worry if this sounds confusing. Your provider should guide you through any transitions and ensure your care continues smoothly.
At Kema Care, we understand that choosing the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions you'll make. We're committed to helping you maintain your independence, dignity, and quality of life in the comfort of your own home.
Kema Care is a registered NDIS provider and home care specialist based in Melbourne. We've built our reputation on delivering personalised, compassionate care that truly puts you at the centre of everything we do. Our team comprises qualified, experienced care professionals who are passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives.
We recognise that even "basic" support needs are deeply personal and important to you. Our approach to Home Care Package Level 1 includes:
Personalised Care Planning
We take time to get to know you, your goals, your preferences, and what matters most in your daily life. Your care plan isn't a template; it's a unique document that reflects who you are and what you need to thrive at home.
Flexible Service Delivery
Life doesn't run on a rigid schedule, and neither should your care. We work with you to arrange services at times that suit your routine, and we're responsive when you need to make adjustments.
Qualified and Compassionate Team
Our care workers are carefully selected for their professional skills and their genuine compassion. We match you with carers who understand your needs and with whom you'll feel comfortable. Many of our clients develop warm, trusted relationships with their regular carers.
Cultural Sensitivity
Melbourne's diversity is one of its strengths, and we embrace this in our service delivery. We employ care workers from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and we respect and accommodate your cultural practices, dietary requirements, and language preferences.
Kema Care proudly serves communities across Melbourne, including Epping, Wollert, Roxburgh Park, South Morang, and surrounding northern suburbs. We understand the local area and can connect you with community resources and services that complement your home care package.
Kema Care offers comprehensive support aligned with Home Care Package Level 1, including:
We believe in complete transparency about costs. Before you choose Kema Care, we provide clear written information about:
There are no surprises or hidden fees. You'll always know how your funding is being spent, with regular statements showing your package balance and expenditure.
Our clients choose us because:
If you've been approved for a Home Care Package Level 1 and are looking for a provider, or if you're considering whether Level 1 support might be right for you, we'd love to talk with you.
Free Home Visit and Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation home visit where we:
Home Care Package Level 1 provides essential support that can make a significant difference to your ability to live independently and comfortably in your own home. With government funding covering most costs and the flexibility to choose services that matter to you, it's designed to be accessible and person-centred.
The key is to start the process early. If you're finding daily tasks a bit more challenging than they used to be, don't wait until you're struggling. Reaching out to My Aged Care for an assessment is a positive, proactive step towards maintaining your independence and quality of life.
Remember, accepting help isn't giving up independence; it's choosing to stay independent in the place you love – your own home. Whether it's assistance with housework once a week, help with personal care, or companionship to prevent social isolation, Level 1 support is there to enhance your life, not restrict it.
If you're in Melbourne and ready to explore how a Home Care Package Level 1 can support you or a loved one, Kema Care is here to help. With our personalised approach, transparent pricing, and commitment to your wellbeing, we're more than a care provider – we're your partner in independent living.
Take the first step today:
Your independence matters, and with the right support, you can continue thriving in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Let us help you make that possible.
You must first register with the My Aged Care portal online or over the phone. They will arrange a basic screening to understand your daily needs. If you require ongoing support they will refer you for a formal assessment. We come to you for a comprehensive, free site assessment to discuss your options.
A local assessor from the Aged Care Assessment Team will visit your home. They will evaluate your physical health and daily living requirements. This visit determines if a Level 1 package provides the correct amount of funding for your situation.
Wait times fluctuate across Victoria based on local demand and priority levels. Once approved you are placed in the national queue until a package is officially assigned to you. Kema Care can help you prepare your support plan while you wait.
Absolutely. You have complete control over which organisation delivers your services. Once your allocation letter arrives you can select Kema Care as your trusted local team. We will seamlessly organise your support workers and coordinate your daily care.
Level 1 funding is designed for basic care needs to keep you living independently. You can use this budget for domestic assistance like cleaning and gardening. It also covers transport to appointments and basic personal care support.
Kema Care acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation, past, present, and emerging. We honour the continuation of cultural, spiritual, and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Home Care Package Level 1 as of October 2025. For personalised advice about your specific situation, please contact My Aged Care or speak with a qualified aged care professional. Information about the Support at Home programme transitioning from November 2025 is current at time of publication but subject to change.