When care needs become more complex and frequent, maintaining independence at home requires comprehensive support. If you or a loved one needs substantial assistance with daily activities but wishes to continue living at home, a Home Care Package Level 3 provides the intermediate-level care necessary to make this possible. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Level 3 home care packages in Melbourne, including eligibility requirements, services included, and how to apply.
Home Care Package Level 3 is a government-subsidised programme designed to provide intermediate care support for older Australians with more complex care needs who wish to remain living independently in their own homes. It's the third tier in the Home Care Packages Programme, offering substantially more support than Levels 1 and 2 for individuals who require frequent, skilled assistance with multiple aspects of daily living.
This level of support typically involves daily or near-daily visits from qualified care workers and may include access to allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and registered nurses. The package recognises that you need significant assistance but can still live safely at home with the right support structure in place.
The government subsidy for Level 3 is considerably higher than Levels 1 and 2, reflecting the increased complexity and frequency of care required. This funding is paid directly to your chosen home care provider, who then delivers comprehensive services based on your individual needs. You maintain choice and control over how your funding is spent, working with your care team to prioritise the services that matter most to your wellbeing and independence.
Level 3 packages are designed for people who have significant care needs but don't yet require the high-level, intensive support of Level 4. You might be managing multiple chronic health conditions, recovering from a serious illness or surgery, experiencing cognitive changes, or finding that your physical capabilities have declined to the point where you need considerable daily assistance.
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 3 support, these services will continue through this transition. We'll explain what this means for you later in this article.
Understanding eligibility is crucial for accessing the support you need. Here's what you need to know:
To be eligible for Home Care Package Level 3, you must be 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. This recognises the different health challenges faced by Indigenous Australians and provides earlier access to necessary support services.
Beyond age, you'll need to demonstrate that you require intermediate-level support to live safely and independently at home. This typically means having complex care needs that require frequent, skilled assistance, such as:
Level 3 is designed for people whose care needs substantially exceed what Level 2 can provide. You likely need support multiple times throughout the day, require access to clinical nursing care, benefit from allied health interventions, or need consistent supervision for safety. Your care needs are significant enough that without this level of support, you might struggle to remain safely at home.
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 conduct a thorough evaluation of your:
The assessment may take several hours and might include input from your family members or current carers if you wish. The assessor wants to understand not just your limitations but also your strengths, preferences, and what matters most to you about staying at home.
You can initiate an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care government website by calling 1800 200 422, or you can authorise someone to apply on your behalf if you need assistance. The assessment process is designed to be supportive and respectful, recognising that discussing care needs can feel vulnerable.
Beyond age, you'll need to demonstrate that you require intermediate-level support to live safely and independently at home. This typically means having complex care needs that require frequent, skilled assistance, such as:
Level 3 is designed for people whose care needs substantially exceed what Level 2 can provide. You likely need support multiple times throughout the day, require access to clinical nursing care, benefit from allied health interventions, or need consistent supervision for safety. Your care needs are significant enough that without this level of support, you might struggle to remain safely at home.
Home Care Package Level 3 provides comprehensive support with significantly more funding than Levels 1 and 2, allowing for frequent care visits and access to specialised services. The flexibility of this package means you have genuine choice about how your funding is allocated based on your priorities. Here's what your Level 3 package can typically cover:
With Level 3, you can access daily personal care assistance from qualified care workers who help maintain your dignity, hygiene, and comfort:
Maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable home environment:
Proper nutrition is crucial for managing health conditions and maintaining strength:
Level 3 packages provide access to clinical nursing care and health monitoring:
Access to professional services that support your functional independence:
Physiotherapy:
Occupational Therapy:
Podiatry:
Dietetics:
Speech Pathology:
Maintaining social connections and emotional wellbeing:
Accessing your community safely:
Level 3 funding can assist with:
Supporting your family carers:
The key advantage of Level 3 is having sufficient funding to combine multiple services that work together to support your independence. Your care coordinator helps you allocate your funding strategically to address your most important needs and goals.
Applying for a Home Care Package Level 3 involves several steps. Understanding the process helps you know what to expect and how to prepare.
Your journey begins with My Aged Care, the Australian Government's entry point to aged care services:
Call: 1800 200 422
(Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, Saturday 10am-2pm)
Online: Visit myagedcare.gov.au to register
In Person: Ask your GP, hospital social worker, or aged care provider for assistance
When you contact My Aged Care, they'll conduct an initial screening to understand your situation and determine whether you need a comprehensive assessment for a Home Care Package.
During the initial contact, you'll discuss:
This conversation helps determine whether you're likely to benefit from a Level 3 package and whether you should be referred for a comprehensive assessment.
Be honest and thorough during this screening. Some people understate their needs because they don't want to be a burden or they're managing but with great difficulty. The assessor needs to understand your real situation to recommend appropriate support.
If you're likely to benefit from a Home Care Package Level 3, you'll be referred for a face-to-face assessment with an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) or RAS (Regional Assessment Service) assessor.
Once your package is active and services begin, here's what you can expect:
Your care coordinator will work closely with you to create a comprehensive, personalised care plan. This is a collaborative process that reflects your needs, goals, preferences, and lifestyle.
Your Care Plan Includes:
You're actively involved in every decision. The care plan should reflect what matters to you, not just a standard template. If something doesn't feel right, speak up—this is your care plan.
For Level 3 packages, you'll typically have a team of carers rather than just one person, due to the frequency of visits required. Your provider should:
Building trust and rapport with your care team takes time. Most Level 3 recipients develop strong, meaningful relationships with their regular carers, who become familiar with their routines, preferences, and needs.
With Level 3 support, services typically occur daily or multiple times per week. Your provider works with you to establish a schedule that:
You should have reasonable flexibility to reschedule if needed, though last-minute cancellations may be subject to cancellation policies outlined in your agreement.
Selecting your Level 3 provider is one of the most important decisions in your care journey. Melbourne has numerous approved providers, giving you genuine choice. Here's how to find the right one:
Experience with Level 3 Care
Not all providers have the same expertise. Look for providers who:
Local Knowledge and Presence
Choose a provider with:
Service Range and Flexibility
The best Level 3 providers offer:
Melbourne's multicultural community means care should honour diverse backgrounds. If English isn't your first language or if you have specific cultural needs, seek providers who:
Your cultural identity is part of who you are. Quality care respects and celebrates this rather than ignoring it.
Be cautious of providers who:
From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home programme will replace the Home Care Packages Programme. This new system aims to provide more flexible, responsive care that better meets individual needs.
The Support at Home programme introduces several changes:
More Flexible Service Delivery:
Enhanced Assessment Process:
Improved Support Coordination:
Revised Fee Structure:
If you're currently receiving or approved for a Home Care Package Level 3:
The Home Care Packages Programme operates normally until 31 October 2025. If you're applying now, you'll receive a Level 3 package under the current system and then transition to Support at Home.
Keep up to date with changes through:
Don't worry if this sounds complicated. Your provider should guide you through the transition and ensure your care continues smoothly. The goal of the reform is to improve services, not disrupt them.
At Kema Care, we understand that Level 3 care needs are complex and require experienced, compassionate professionals who treat you as an individual, not a case number. We're committed to helping you maintain your independence, dignity, and quality of life in the comfort and familiarity of your own home.
Kema Care is a registered NDIS provider and specialist home care provider based in Melbourne. We've built our reputation on delivering personalised, high-quality care that genuinely puts you at the centre of everything we do. Our team includes registered nurses, qualified care workers, and allied health professionals who are passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives.
We understand that by the time someone needs Level 3 support, they're managing significant challenges. Our approach is to provide comprehensive, skilled care whilst respecting your autonomy and supporting your goals for independent living.
We recognise that intermediate-level care needs are complex and deeply personal. Every individual's situation is unique, and cookie-cutter care plans don't work. Our approach includes:
Comprehensive Personalised Care Planning
We invest time getting to know you—your health conditions, your daily routines, your goals, your preferences, your family, and what brings you joy. Your care plan is developed collaboratively, reflecting who you are and what you need to thrive at home, not just basic tasks that need completing.
Clinical Excellence
Level 3 care often involves clinical needs requiring professional nursing care. Our registered nurses provide:
Our nurses work closely with your healthcare team to ensure seamless, integrated care that addresses both your medical and personal needs.
Kema Care offers comprehensive support aligned with Home Care Package Level 3, including:
Personal Care:
Clinical Care:
Domestic Support:
Our clients choose us because:
If you've been approved for a Home Care Package Level 3 and are looking for a provider, or if you're considering whether Level 3 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:
At Kema Care, we understand that health is not static. If you find that your current funding is no longer covering the hours of nursing or support you require, you may be eligible for the highest tier of government subsidy.
We can help you apply for a reassessment to secure more funding. If your needs increase, learn about upgrading to Home Care Package Level 4 to access significantly higher support for complex clinical conditions.
Home Care Package Level 3 provides substantial support that can make the difference between struggling at home and thriving at home. With comprehensive funding for daily care, clinical services, allied health support, and care coordination, it's designed for people with significant needs who still want to maintain their independence in familiar surroundings.
The key is recognising when you need this level of support and taking action. Many people wait too long, managing with difficulty until a crisis occurs. If you're finding that basic support isn't enough, if you're managing multiple health conditions, if you've recently been hospitalised, or if family members are concerned about your safety, it's time to explore Level 3 support.
Remember, accepting comprehensive care isn't giving up independence—it's choosing to maintain your independence safely and comfortably. Level 3 support provides the professional help you need to continue living in your own home, surrounded by your belongings, your memories, and your community.
The care isn't just about tasks—it's about maintaining your dignity, your quality of life, your social connections, and your sense of self. With the right provider, Level 3 support enables you to focus on what matters most to you while professionals handle the challenges you can no longer manage alone.
If you're in Melbourne and ready to explore how a Home Care Package Level 3 can support you or a loved one, Kema Care is here to help. With our clinical expertise, personalised approach, transparent pricing, and genuine commitment to your wellbeing, we're more than a care provider—we're your partner in living well at home.
Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 to start your assessment or check your eligibility
Reach Out to Kema Care: Call 1800 898 848 to discuss your needs and learn about our Level 3 services
Book a Free Home Visit: Arrange a no-obligation consultation to see if Kema Care is right for you
Talk to Your GP: Discuss whether Level 3 support might benefit your situation
Your safety, comfort, and independence matter. With Level 3 Home Care Package support, you can continue living in the place you love—your home—with the comprehensive assistance you need to do so safely and with dignity.
Let us help you make that possible. Your journey to supported independence begins with a single conversation.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Home Care Package Level 3 as of October 2025. For personalised advice about your specific situation, please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 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. Fees and subsidies mentioned are based on rates effective from September 2025 and may be subject to government review.
