Growing older doesn't mean giving up your independence. For older Australians requiring low-level support, Home Care Package Level 2 offers a practical solution to maintain your quality of life whilst remaining in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
If you're exploring aged care options in Melbourne or across Australia, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about HCP Level 2, from eligibility criteria to available services and how to access the support you need to age gracefully at home.
Home Care Package Level 2 (HCP Level 2) is a government-funded programme designed for older people with low-level care needs who require assistance with daily living activities. This level of care typically involves support from a care worker and can include help with cleaning and tidying around the house, assistance with personal care such as grooming and dressing, or support with meals, shopping, and transport.
Important Update: From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home programme will replace the Home Care Package Programme and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. However, the fundamental support services will continue, ensuring continuity of care for all participants.
To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must be an older person aged 65 or over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home. Your financial situation won't affect your eligibility, though you may need an income assessment to determine your contribution amount.
HCP Level 2 is ideal for older Australians who:
If you're just starting to need support, you might also want to explore whether Home Care Package Level 1 better suits your current needs, particularly if you require only basic assistance.
HCP Level 2 provides flexible funding to support your specific needs. The beauty of this programme lies in its person-centred approach, allowing you to tailor services to your unique circumstances.
Personal Care Support:
Domestic Assistance:
Social and Community Participation:
Health and Wellbeing:
Care Management:
Whilst HCP Level 2 is comprehensive, certain expenses fall outside the programme scope:
For individuals requiring only basic support, Home Care Package Level 1 might provide sufficient assistance at a lower funding level.
Accessing HCP Level 2 involves a structured assessment process where older people are assessed by specially trained aged care assessors who evaluate people with complex needs who may need aged care services.
Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register and discuss your care needs. You can also register online through the My Aged Care website. During registration, you'll provide information about:
Be referred for an assessment to check eligibility. As of 1 July 2024, the Integrated Assessment Tool is used to assess your eligibility and recommend services tailored to your individual aged care needs. An assessor will comprehensively evaluate your:
If eligible, you'll be assigned a package and receive notification of the level you have been approved for and your priority level. You'll receive:
Note: There may be a waiting period for package assignment due to high demand. The National Priority System prioritises people based on their assessed priority (medium or high) and the date of their approval.
Home Care Packages are assigned to people – not providers – which means you can choose a provider in your area that best meets your needs and change providers at any time. When selecting a provider, consider:
Work collaboratively with your chosen provider to create a personalised care plan that reflects your goals, preferences, and priorities. This living document should be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues meeting your evolving needs.
Understanding the distinctions between package levels helps ensure you're accessing appropriate support. Here's how Level 2 differs from Level 1:
Care Needs:
Funding Amount:
Service Scope:
Support Intensity:
If you're unsure which level suits your needs, reviewing our detailed guide on Home Care Package Level 1 can provide valuable perspective on the entry-level support available.
Prioritise Your Needs: Focus funding on services that make the most significant impact on your independence and quality of life. Discuss your priorities with your care manager to ensure your budget aligns with your goals.
Regular Reviews: Schedule regular reviews with your care manager to assess whether your current services meet your needs or require adjustment. Your needs may change over time, and your care plan should evolve accordingly.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with changes to the programme, particularly as the new Support at Home programme launches in November 2025. Your provider should keep you informed of any changes that affect your care.
Build Relationships: Develop strong communication with your care workers and support team for consistent, personalised service. Continuity of care enhances your comfort and the quality of support you receive.
Explore Community Resources: Complement your Home Care Package with community services, social groups, and volunteer programmes to maintain social connections and mental wellbeing.
As a Home Care Package recipient, you have the right to:
You're also responsible for:
As a Home Care Package recipient, you have the right to:
You're also responsible for:
At Kema Care, we understand that quality aged care goes beyond simply completing tasks—it's about empowering you to live life on your terms with dignity and independence. As a registered NDIS and Home Care Package provider serving Melbourne and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering person-centred, culturally sensitive care that respects your individuality and honours your life journey.
Personalised Care Planning: We work closely with you and your family to develop a care plan that reflects your unique goals, preferences, cultural background, and life story.
Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our qualified care workers bring both professional expertise and genuine compassion to every interaction, treating you with the respect and dignity you deserve.
Flexible Service Delivery: We adapt our services to suit your schedule and preferences, ensuring support is available when you need it most and delivered in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Transparent Communication: You'll always know how your package funding is being used, with clear, regular statements and open dialogue about your care and any changes.
Cultural Competency: We respect and celebrate diversity, offering services that honour your cultural identity, language needs, and community connections.
Quality and Safety Focus: We maintain the highest standards of care, with rigorous training, supervision, and quality assurance processes to ensure your safety and well-being.
Whether you're approved for Level 2 or exploring Home Care Package Level 1 options, Kema Care provides comprehensive support including:
Our commitment extends beyond providing services—we partner with you to achieve your goals, maintain your independence, and enhance your overall quality of life as you age.
If you're an older Australian who needs support to remain living independently at home, Home Care Package Level 2 could be the solution you've been looking for.
Get Started Today:
For more information about our Home Care Package services, visit our website or contact our friendly team. We're here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you access the support you deserve to age well at home.
Disclaimer: This information is current as of October 2025. The Home Care Package Programme is transitioning to the Support at Home programme from 1 November 2025. While we've made every effort to provide accurate information, always verify details with My Aged Care or your chosen service provider.
Processing times vary depending on demand and your assessed priority level. After your assessment, you'll be placed on the National Priority System. Wait times in Melbourne can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on package availability and your priority rating.
Yes, absolutely. If your care needs increase, you can request a reassessment through My Aged Care to determine if a higher package level is appropriate. Your provider can assist with this process.
Your package can be retained during temporary hospitalisations. Contact your provider as soon as possible to discuss arrangements and ensure your funding is available when you return home.
Generally, family members cannot be paid directly from your Home Care Package for providing personal care. However, they can access respite services to support their caring role, and in some exceptional circumstances, family carers may be engaged.
We encourage you to contact us for an obligation-free discussion about your needs. We'll explain our services, answer your questions, and help you determine if we're a good match for your care requirements. You can always change providers if you're not satisfied.
If your care needs increase beyond what Level 2 can provide, you can be reassessed for an upgrade to Level 3 or Level 4 Home Care Package, which offer higher funding and more intensive support.
