Approved for a home care package and ready to get started?
You’ve come to the right place. At Brightwater, we will work with you to create a personalised Home Care Package, to ensure you receive the care and support you need.
If you have been assessed and approved for a home care package by the Australian Government, you would have been assigned one of these levels, based on your current needs:
| Level 1: Basic care needs | $10,271.10 a year |
| Level 2: Low care needs | $18,063.85 a year |
| Level 3: Intermediate care needs | $39,310.50 a year |
| Level 4: High care needs | $59,593.55 a year |
Home care services we can offer you
You can pick and choose the services that suit you and fit within the package level you have been allocated. See below for what your home care package funds can be used for.
Getting out
Temporary help
Your own coordinator
At Brightwater, we’re here to take the stress out of managing your home care package and care needs. When you come on board with us, we will introduce you to your own coordinator. They’ll get to know you and your goals, and will help you make the most out of your funding.
Whether you’re focused on your health or happiness, or improving your home, our range of services cover all the essentials – plus a few more you might not have thought of!
Your coordinator is there to:
- Work with you to develop your individual support plan
- Liaise with the rest of our health care professionals to ensure your needs are being met to the best of our ability
- Review your support plan if you feel your needs are changing
- Be your primary contact should you have any concerns or queries
A seamless approach to care
From physio to occupational therapy, nursing to speech pathology, our close-knit in-house team of allied health professionals work together seamlessly to help you maintain your independence at home.
When you join Brightwater, your coordinator will bring together a team of our health care professionals, tailored to you. Rest assured, your needs are our priority, and we will work together to keep you safe and well.
Plus, at Brightwater we have a specialised research centre, which collaborates with national and international universities to find solutions to improve the quality of lives of our clients.
How much will a home care package cost?
Your out of pocket costs
There are two different fees which the Australian Government may expect you to contribute to the cost of your care. We will step you through these fees when you meet with us.
- Basic daily fee (up to $12.53 per day from 20 September 2023): The basic daily fee is determined by the government, and is 17.5% of the age pension. It is revised in March and September each year, in line with the government’s review of the age pension. Depending on your financial situation, this fee is negotiable or can be waived.
- Income-tested care fee (up to $35.95 per day from 20 September 2023): You might be assessed by the government as being required to contribute to the cost of your care in addition to the basic daily fee; this is called the ‘income-tested care fee.’ Services Australia works out this additional fee based on an assessment of your financial information. The assessment does not include the value of your home or any other assets. Read more here.
Costs from your home care package
Like most other organisations, at Brightwater we charge a care management fee which helps us cover necessities like your coordinator, care planning, assessments and scheduling; and a package management fee, which helps us cover the cost of administration, and is charged according to your package level.
Both of these fees are charged fortnightly and the amount depends on your package level. The fees come from your annual home care package funding.
We will also look at your packaged amount and create a care plan to utilise these funds to ensure you get the care you need. You can see our rates for different services in our fee schedule here.
How to get started with us
All you have to do is call us once you have your letter of approval. Once we have determined the level of support you have received funding for, we’ll talk you through the range of services available for you to choose from. Call us on 1300 223 968.
You will then meet with our Engagement Coordinator, who will meet with you face-to-face to talk you through your options and take care of the paperwork.
Following that, one of our Client Coordinators will visit you at home to develop a detailed care plan. During this visit the Coordinator will sort out details such as the exact services you require, how often you require them and your preferred times to have our care workers call on you.
We’ll then get started with your services.
Why you can trust Brightwater
Holistic approach to health
We have an in-house team of health professionals, that includes nurses, physios, OTs and more - who work together to ensure you receive the best quality care.
Not-for-profit since 1901
For over 100 years, we’ve been there for West Australians from all walks of life. With humble beginnings in Subiaco, today we provide services all across Perth.
Responsibility for research
We are the only WA home care provider with a dedicated Research Centre – a hub of discovery and innovation, collaborating with national and international universities to find innovative solutions to improve the quality of lives of our clients.
Dementia specialists
We were selected in 2018 to run the Australian pilot Specialist Dementia Care Unit, accommodating clients who would otherwise require care in a hospital setting and our learning will influence the whole industry in the coming years.
Frequently asked questions
View All FAQ’s-
What is the difference between CHSP and HCP?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level support for older people who are still able to manage living at home, but could do with some extra assistance. Services are prescribed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and could include domestic help, personal care and or deliveries. CHSP is government subsidised, but there are still some hourly fees.
Home Care Packages (HCP) are also government subsidised, but are for older people who have more complex needs. There are four levels of packages, as determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Each package level has different funding, with recipients able to select what services they want to use their funding on.
Visit our Home Care section for more information.
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What is a level 1 home care package?
Level 1 Home Care Packages (HCP Level 1) are designed to support people who have basic level care needs, to give you a little bit of support to stay independent at home. The amount of funding per year for this level of package is $9,026.45. This equates to one to two visits a week from a care worker, and might include services like cleaning, personal care, and help with meals, shopping and transport.
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What is a level 2 home care package?
Level 2 Home Care Packages (sometimes seen abbreviated as HCP Level 2 or HCP2) are aimed at supporting people who have low level care needs. The amount of funding per year for this level of package is $15,877.50 a year. This is equivalent to about three or four visits a week from a care worker, and might include services like cleaning, personal care, and help with meals, shopping and transport.
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What is a level 3 home care package?
Level 3 Home Care Packages (HCP Level 3 or HCP3) are designed to support people who have intermediate level care needs. The amount of funding per year for this level of package is $34,550.90 a year. In addition to personal care and help around the home, your services might include nursing and allied health services like physio or podiatry.
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What is a level 4 home care packages?
Level 4 Home Care Packages (HCP Level 4 or HCP4) are intended to support people who have high level care needs, and is the highest level of government funding available for home care. The amount of funding per year for this level of package is $52,377.50 a year, and usually involves daily visits from a care worker. Those with a Level 4 Home Care Package have access to our full range of home care services, including therapist and nursing support.
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Can I access services that are not covered in my funding?
Yes!
If services are not covered in your CHSP funding, you can self-fund for additional services.
Those with Home Care Packages can use their funds for any services they like, and can also top up additional services using their own funds.
For more information, give us a call on 1300 223 968.
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How much do I need to pay for at home services?
The hourly fee for CHSP is generally $15 an hour. If you are facing financial hardship, you may be able to have this waived.
If you are receiving a home care package (HCP), you will pay a daily fee which is equal to 17.5% of the full aged pension.
If you are not eligible for funding, you can also choose to pay privately for our services.