Home Care Packages in Australia — What Families Need to Know
Everything you need to know about funding levels, eligibility, and how technology like CareCob makes home care packages work harder for your family.
What is a home care package?
A home care package is a government-funded support programme that helps elderly Australians continue living independently at home. Funded by the Australian Government through the Support at Home programme (formerly Home Care Packages), it provides a set budget each year to pay for the care services your elderly loved one needs — from personal care and nursing to technology, transport, and social support.
Packages are assessed and allocated based on the level of care needs, ranging from Level 1 (basic) to Level 4 (high-level care). You choose your own provider and how your funding is spent within approved categories.
Home care package levels — what each one covers
There are 4 levels of home care packages in Australia, each with a different annual funding amount based on your care needs.
| Level | Who it is for | Annual Funding (2025–26) | CareCob works with this level? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic care needs Help with daily tasks | $10,271 | Yes |
| Level 2 | Low-level care needs More regular support | $18,063 | Yes |
| Level 3Most Popular | Intermediate care needs Ongoing health support | $39,310 | Yes ✓ Most popular |
| Level 4 | High-level care needs Complex or significant care | $61,440 | Yes |
Level 1
Basic care needs
Help with daily tasks
Level 2
Low-level care needs
More regular support
Level 3
Intermediate care needs
Ongoing health support
Level 4
High-level care needs
Complex or significant care
Funding amounts are set by the Australian Government and reviewed annually. Figures above are for the 2025–26 financial year.
What can you spend your home care package on?
Home care package funds can be spent on a wide range of approved services and products that support your elderly loved one's independence and wellbeing at home. The Australian Government sets approved and excluded categories — understanding these helps families make the most of every dollar.
Approved Categories
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Nursing and allied health services
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- Transport to appointments
- Home modifications (grab rails, ramps)
- Technology and monitoring — including AI companion apps like CareCob
- Social support and community activities
- Respite care
Not Covered
- Permanent accommodation costs
- Food and groceries (general)
- Holiday expenses
- Medical costs covered by Medicare
Technology solutions — including health monitoring apps and AI companions — are an approved category under home care packages. CareCob can be included as part of your Level 2, 3, or 4 package spend.
How to get a home care package in Australia
Contact My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register and request an assessment.
Get assessed
An ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessor will visit your loved one at home to determine their care needs and the appropriate package level.
Receive your approval
You will receive a letter confirming your approved level. You will then be placed in a national queue — wait times vary by level and location.
Choose a provider and start
Once a package is assigned, choose an approved home care provider. You can use your funding immediately — including for technology like CareCob.
How CareCob supports your home care package
CareCob is an AI companion designed for elderly Australians — available 24/7 to provide companionship, daily wellness check-ins, and medication reminders. As an approved technology service, CareCob can be included as part of your home care package spend at Level 2, 3, or 4.
Families who use CareCob alongside their home care package benefit from daily updates on their loved one's wellbeing, instant alerts for any concerns, and peace of mind between in-person visits — without adding to the workload of their care team.
For a full overview of what CareCob delivers day to day, read our home care services page.
Daily Companionship
Grace checks in every day with warm, natural conversations that reduce loneliness and isolation.
Wellness Tracking
Automated wellness check-ins track physical and emotional health — shared clearly with families and caregivers.
Medication Reminders
Gentle daily reminders keep medication schedules on track, reducing missed doses and health incidents.
Frequently asked questions about home care packages
Ready to make your home care package work harder?
CareCob adds daily AI companionship, wellness check-ins, and family updates to any home care package — available across Australia.