Consumers and community care providers have increasingly voiced their concerns to the government this month, stating the need for clearer information and greater support to help people apply for and accept home care packages.
While the Department of Health revealed that last month 22,000 home care packages had been allocated since the change to a newer system back in February, community care providers have stated that there has been a substantial drop in new clients coming through the system.
In regard to home care, Sydney isn’t short of options, but the fact remains that many new consumers are having trouble accessing home care packages.
Timeframe is too long
Many have suggested that this may be due to what some believe to be an unnecessarily long time period for which a person can accept their home care package.
The current time period allocated for a consumer to accept a home care package is 56 days.
However, this can sometimes be extended for an additional 28 days.
Chief executive of Aged and Community Services Australia, Pat Sparrow, said that these lengthy time periods slow down the allocation process and stop other potential consumers from accessing a home care package when they require it within a short period of time:
“It’s important that people have time to consider their options but we also need to ensure packages get to the people who need them, more quickly than they are at the moment. I think that’s having an impact on the allocation process,” she said.
But Ageing Australia chief Ian Yates believes there is currently not enough evidence to support this claim:
“Very early feedback does not indicate it’s a major issue. There were quite different views about this when it was agreed.
“It may be that we need a mechanism for consumers to ‘park’ their entitlement to a package, leaving it in the priority line but ‘inactive’ – for a maximum period – and then be able to activate it when they are ready.”
Lack of information
Others have claimed the lack of new consumers taking up home care packages is due to a lack of clear information on how to apply and access them.
Mr Yates has said he has been putting pressure on the government to implement a simpler and more comprehensive guide to accessing home care packages for years:
“It’s a baffling fact that government has not launched a campaign that has been in the wings for ages,” he said.
“That said, there are a range of brochures and flyers provided direct to consumers which are helpful.
“The letters have been confusing to some consumers and we understand they are being revised.”
In relation to this, chief executive of Aged and Community Services Australia Pat Sparrow has backed Mr Yates’s views, stating a need for to ensure consumers well informed:
“NACA has been doing some work on a consumer support platform and it will be good for the government to consider that and how it can strengthen that area,” he said.
“My Aged Care in and of itself isn’t going to do all those things and we need to look at how we can strengthen it.”
’Twas the Friday before Christmas & all through the land, Home Caring united, a festive day so grand. With our staff and clients together as one, We celebrated Christmas, full of love and fun.
From Craigieburn’s cheer to South Perth’s delight, Rockhampton’s joy sparkled so bright. Campbelltown gathered, Hurstville did too, Smithfield and Altona also spread Christmas hues.
With laughter and love felt far and wide, Our epic Christmas parties warmed hearts inside. A shoutout to every team who made it so sweet— This festive season you’ve made it complete! 🎄🩵
The Australian Government has announced significant changes to the aged care system introducing the Support at Home program set to commence on 1 July 2025. This initiative aims to enhance support for older Australians enabling them to remain in their homes longer and receive more personalised care.
Key Features of the Support at Home Program:
• Reduced Wait Times: The program will shorten the waiting period for in-home aged care services ensuring timely assistance for those in need.
• Tailored Support Levels: Support at Home introduces eight levels of ongoing care replacing the previous four, to better match individual needs.
• No Caps on Cleaning and Gardening: Unlike previous programs there will be no annual caps on cleaning and gardening services allowing for more comprehensive support.
• Care Management Cap: A 10% cap on care management costs will remain in place to maintain affordability.
• Assistive Technology Access: The program will expedite access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs enhancing mobility and independence.
• Increased Support Funding: The maximum support level will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, providing more resources for those with complex needs.
• Restorative and Allied Health Services: There will be a temporary funding boost for restorative and allied health services, aiding recovery and well-being.
• Palliative Care Support: The program includes provisions for palliative care allowing older Australians to spend their final weeks at home surrounded by loved ones.
Staged Implementation of Price Caps:
Price caps on services will be phased in starting from 1 July 2026. For the first year providers will continue to set their own prices similar to the current Home Care Packages program. In early 2025, consultations will be held with older people, advocates, families, carers and the sector to ensure fair pricing and robust consumer protections during this transition.
No Worse Off Principle:
To protect existing Home Care Package recipients, the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle:
• Grandfathering: Individuals approved for a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024 will transition to the new system without financial disadvantage.
• Fee Structure: If you were a full-rate pensioner paying no fees under your Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, you will continue to pay no fees under Support at Home. If you were required to pay fees, you will pay the same or less under the new program.
At Home Caring we are dedicated to supporting our older community members through these changes. We are committed to ensuring the financial safety and well-being of our clients providing personalised care that aligns with the new Support at Home program. Our team is here to assist you in navigating these updates, ensuring you receive the care and support you deserve. 🩵
For more detailed information please refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s consumer fact sheet: www.health.gov.au/resources/ publications/support-at-home-program-fact-sheet-changes-to-support-at-home-pricing-arrangements-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en ... See MoreSee Less
Happy Friday HC fam! Sending love from our wonderful Home Caring Craigieburn team! It’s been an incredibly productive week filled with exciting events across Australia and we couldn’t be more thrilled about what’s to come. As the new year approaches we’re counting down the days to continue growing innovating and supporting our cherished clients with the care they deserve 🩵 ... See MoreSee Less
What an incredible way to wrap up the year! Yesterday Home Caring proudly co-hosted the Merry & Mingle event alongside our NSW RM Zoë and Hannah from the Connector Co team and it was nothing short of inspiring. Together we raised an incredible $1,300 for Lou’s Place, supporting women in need this festive season. This means around 20 women will receive vital support over Christmas—what a gift to be part of something so meaningful! The energy in the room was contagious and the heartfelt insights shared by Chris Mahoney from CM Wellness and Amy Dillon from Mynd & Me left us feeling empowered and inspired. Chris’s breathwork session reminded us all of the importance of mindfulness especially during this busy holiday period.
It was also truly special to see so many familiar faces from across our Home Caring network with teams from Baulkham Hills, Sutherland Shire and Campbelltown coming together to show their support. The sense of community, compassion and connection in the room was a testament to the incredible people we work alongside every day. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported and donated - your generosity will leave a lasting impact 🩵
Exceptional experience throughout and highly recommend.Amanda and staff were always courteous and respectful.The benchmark in professionalism and what a provider should attain to. Love you all and thank you :)
The work environment as a whole is fantastic, so supportive and understanding not just for the clients but the staff also. Our director is so uplifting and provides such excellent support and training. As a disability support worker myself I can honestly say I am privileged to work amongst such a wonderful team!
Home Caring Redland Bay is the best service in the industry, 100% recommend. 😃 I will always happy to share the information of this care provider about the perfect experience to all my friends and my family🥰
The team at Home Caring - West Sydney were FANTASTIC....from the first phone call Lucas provided detailed information. Dora and Camilla manage a passionate team of carers which is no easy feat in our new world "post covid". They provide prompt communication if schedules change, you do need to be abit flexible lets face it - Sydney is a busy busy city, traffic, car issue's, health etc sometimes mean you have to re schedule but they always let you know. Camilla is a compassionate detailed nurse and made my mother feel very secure during a very difficult illness. One of the carer's Laura became very close to my mother and enjoyed taking her shopping. We highly recommend them, we are very lucky to have found them.
am extremely pleased with the services provided by Home Caring . Their comprehensive approach, expertise, and dedication to meeting the unique needs of individuals with disabilities have made a significant difference in the lives of many. The team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care for their clients are commendable. I highly recommend Home Caring to anyone seeking exceptional support and services for disabilities.”
Only been with Home Caring Redland Bay for a short time. Manager Li helped me transfer from previous Provider smoothly, no hassles. He is very prompt to answer questions and help in any way.Very happy with service.Can highly recommend Home Caring Redland Bay.Glenda Russell
I recommend HomeCaring Redland Bay to my family and friends. Dr Liaquat Ali and his team were tremendous and assisted me with last-minute care for my mother-in-law.
Home Caring Redland Bay has looked after my mom and provides exceptional services for those who wish to maintain independent living. The dedicated staff, in particular, Dr. Li, was exceptional in understanding my mom's needs and executing a clear plan. I highly recommend their services!
After so many years of changing support workers and NDIS company now I can certainly say that this Home caring Hills District is one of the best NDIS providers and best people that I’ve came across, so professional with their work and so understanding. Thank you Home Caring Hills District to make our life so easy and happy again
Thank you very much to this team. Two years ago, my husband suffered a severe stroke due to cerebral hemorrhage. He needed 24-hour care. Our daughter was only 2.5 years old at the time. When my husband came home from the hospital, I was very worried about his life after returning home. I felt very uneasy and hesitant. Fortunately, I got introduced by the hospital social worker and came into contact with Hill district home care , I can’t imagine how our future life would continue without this team. Fortunately, our current team is very caring and takes good care of my husband. , treat us like family and get along well with each other. I have heard many cases. I know that many people who need to be taken care of do not necessarily find a suitable team, but I recommend you to believe in this team. I am grateful to this team for regaining our confidence. , return to normal life
Li and staff are always caring, respectful, and helpful. I am blessed with a great carer and the office staff and Li are always on hand to help as well. We'll done Home Caring services Redland Bay.Daphne Burchell. (Logan Central)
This is a great company to work with. They offer great service, caring staff, and high quality services. Definitely I will home caring redland Bay to my other friends.
Home Caring Redland Bay is an excellent organization that provides outstanding service, are empathetic, compassionate and professional. If you are looking for quality staff and a great team to care for your loved ones, you can not go passed Home Caring Redland Bay. Highly Recommended!
Liquat is amazing at what he does.He’s one of the most honest and reliable in his work. The entire staff of home caring is very professional yet friendly.Highly recommended.
Outstanding care! Home Caring Redland Bay provides exceptional support for our elderly loved one. Compassionate caregivers, seamless management, and top-notch service. Highly recommend!
The excellent facilities and wonderful staff deserve immense gratitude for taking such good care of my old man. A special acknowledgment goes to Mr.Ali for his dedicated time and special attention.
Homecaring Redland bay knows what they are doing. They are passionate and show empathy towards their clients. I was impressed by their high level of support and experienced workers.
I am glad to get past the establishment of My Package and enter an agreement with Home Caring where in they listen to your needs and respond in a very expedient manner. My experience to date has been excellent.Brian Hoffman
As a very proud team member of Homecaring Rockhampton, I can say without a doubt, all round, they are absolutely amazing in all areas of client focus and care and certainly led by the Finest. This organisation oozes with Professionalism and always performs at its full potential. So honoured to wear the Homecaring logo daily and so grateful to be given the golden opportunity to offer the ultimate care and assistance to our very valuable clients.
The services provided are tailored and individualised to the clients. I am a support coordinator and referred my client for support services in the area. Couldn’t recommend Home Caring Redlands more, please reach out to Li if you’re looking for support services in the Redlands area.
Happy to be under the care of Home Caring...my wife and I are pampered and communication is 100%. We feel we are in safe and caring hands. Thank you guys....
If you are looking for someone to look after your loved ones, look no further.Home caring Redland bay Known for its quality and compassionate services with very experienced and professional staff. Highly recommended. This company has lovely staff. They are caring and very knowledgeable. They care like a family.Manpreet singh sran
It's a really good company , great service, great staff. I would like to recommend home caring redland Bay, and they provide high-quality services and recommended friend and family. Rajpreet kaur .
It's a really good company , great service, great staff,communication. recommend home caring redland Bay, and they provide high-quality services and recommended friend and family .From Kim Neang
A very competent firm in every way, HomeCaring Redland Bay is very easy to get in touch with. The management is outstanding and works with the clients and their employees to ensure that everything runs well.
HomeCaring Redland Bay, the best Home care company in Redlands/Bayside Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, I highly recommend this business.Their customer service is second to none, quality of care is consistently outstanding, exceeding my expectations every time. I was completely impressed with their professionalism, honesty and customer service.
I have tried a number of in-home care services for my elderly mother over the years. While there are a number of providers operating in the Redland Bay area, I simply cannot fault Liquat for his professionalism, reliability and honesty. Carers are hand-picked and matched specifically to the client. My mother's carer is compassionate and caring and definitely a cut above the rest. I totally recommend Home Caring Redland Bay.
If you are looking for someone to look after your loved ones, look no further.Home caring Redland Bay stands tall and high when it comes to client services. Known for its quality and compassionate services with very experienced and professional staff. Highly recommended.
I am so happy to have Home Caring Redland Bay. Lee The principal of the company is a loving and caring person and is available to speak to if you need something done. Communication with staff and Lee are lovingly heard and extras are efficiently fixed. The interest is always the clients first. I highly recommend them
I have found Home Caring Redland Bay accommodating, efficient and overall pleasant experience. I highly recommend people to contact Li for home care service needs.
A professional company. The owner is very compassionate and caring. Very supportive of all her clients in reaching their goals. Provides a fantastic service for all her aged care and disability clients. Great Leader.
Great aged care provider, the team at Home Caring Tranmere provide excellent service. They are very friendly and communicate well. Highly recommend Home Caring Tranmere!
Carers are pleasant and courteous. Willingness to help in any way. Will find things which need to be done without being asked.The kindness coupled with great competence.
My husband was very happy with the care he's receiving from Home Caring Dandenong. All his needs are being met & the carers were excellent. They were hard working, respectful & very friendly. His Case Manager, Jyoti, is wonderful. She does everything to make my husband happy & contented. I highly recommend their service.
Extremally satisfied with all the care provided. Careers are excellent caring. Always ensuring the needs of the client above and beyond duty of care. would highly recommend their service.
The service we have received from Renee Smith, Home Caring Shoalhaven Manager, has been nothing short of outstanding. Her commitment, dedication, and genuine concern for her clients has been incredible and greatly appreciated by my family. Nothing is ever too much - whether by text or email, she is always available, and will do everything she can to answer our questions (or will seek further information if she needs to). I know of many other families in my situation and none receive the support Renee has consistently provided us with. She has advocated on my father's behalf and helped us to navigate the aged care system with its myriad of rules and regulations. When there is so much complexity involved in caring for an elderly and vulnerable parent, having someone who provides both assistance and compassion is essential in making a difficult time a little easier. I cannot speak more highly of Renee and all that she has done to help my family - she has gone above and beyond.
Can't recommend Renee and her team at Home Caring enough. They take great care of my mother-in-law and always keep us informed, which is a great comfort to us as we live 5hrs away.Thank you for your continued support !
Renee is awesome. She really takes the time to listen to what we need to support our teenage son, and find a support worker that is a good fit. She is caring and understanding and I can't recommend her services highly enough!
Home Caring Shoalhaven has been my provider for some time now, the services they provide are excellent. Renee my manager is a wonderful lady and readily available when i need her and keeps me up to date on any changes in the system. My personal carer Julie is a wonderful lady and we have developed a very nice relationship. i would be happy to recommend them to anyone.
I assist with nursing care at Home Caring Tweed Heads and I must say, their communication is top-notch. The team is fantastic at keeping everyone in the loop and ensuring seamless care for their clients. Highly recommended!
Home caring in Armadale, have been fantastic for my Mum. Florence and Desiree have gone out of their way to make her feel comfortable and at ease. Their staff are polite, caring, friendly and professional, and always very prompt when returning emails and phone calls.
I cannot speak more highly of Home Caring Tranmere or their Director Annie T. We are new to the system and this is the most positive we have felt in a long time. We no longer feel like a number. Annie answers any questions promptly. We are at last receiving wonderful help inside and outside our home. Thanku Home Caring...the name is exactly what you do.
Home Caring Tranmere South AustraliaFantastic service with caring staff and Annie Tsoumbris, the Director is amazing. So helpful and caring. We had to switch from another Home Care package provider as they cancelled our Dad's contract but Annie was so happy to take on Dad's case and always showed true compassion. I would definitely recommended Home Caring Tranmere!!!
I can’t thank these nurses enough for helping with my dad I would highly recommend them to anyone that needs help with a family member what an amazing service thank you soo much
Nitu and her staff were caring, helpful, respectful and wonderful to my mother-in-law (and myself). I just wish I had found them 18 months earlier. I cannot recommend them highly enough.Anne Lombardi
Such a wonderful blend of professional business practice and caring of clients. Safety and wellbeing prioritised; social to medical. Thank you Lee-Anne. Highly recommended.
I wasn’t sure if Home Caring was what we needed since my mom only needed in-home help from a dietitian. But that’s just another service they offer! Wonderful!
Home Caring has provided the highest standard of care and support for my family every step of the way. We know that my mother in law is receiving the best care and opportunities to live a fuller and more independent life. Her support workers are amazing and we are so happy with everything that Home Caring has done for us. Thank you so much to all at Home Caring.
My dealings with Home caring have been warm and professional, the support team are friendly and knowledgeable and show great support and empathy towards the clients. Everyone empowers others to live their best livesGreat work Home Caring
I love knowing these therapists have my back. I am getting stronger by the day and never even have to leave the house.I can focus on what counts – healing and doing therapy – rather than getting out to go to.
I chose Dementia Caring for mum's HCP provider with the ability to choose our carers.The case managers are very flexible and understand the clients needs. The fees are far less than their competitors.Best decision I have ever made to choose Dementia Caring, my uncle and aunty are also now with them.Highly recommended to give them a call, your loved ones can have the care they need.....
The flexibility and responsiveness of this service is amazing. They truly understand putting the customer first and go above and beyond in helping my friend achieve her goals and live a quality life. Would highly recommend this service if you want control and choice when using NDIS supports to achieve your goals.
Home Caring services are great with the person-centred holistic approach and bilingual workers and support coordinators, catering to the needs of the client's.
After meeting some of the team at Home Caring, it's clear this is a company with heart. They genuinely care about the people they are providing care to, and are passionate about helping them. I recommend their services!
When it comes to NDIS and customer service, these guys are the place to go. Their key focus is customer service and they really go that extra mile to keeping their clients happy and ensuring they find the most suitable staff to get the best results out of their clients. 100% happy customer, 6mths later. Communication is key.
Our care manager Nitu could not have been more patient and caring. She was quick to answer any queries and kept in touch regularly to ensure we were happy with the quality of care mum was receiving. The carer was empathetic and helpful.
Moved from ANHF on the prospect that Home Caring would be more flexible and quicker.Initially, good but Dementia Caring has grown and there is more management. They are now slower in decision making and less flexible.Probably should have stuck with ANHF as at least they have a larger staff pool.
Signed up with HomeCaring/Dementia Caring last year with with the Smithfield branch on behalf of a relative. Whilst their fees were not the cheapest, they were a small home care provider that promised a lot and flexible to deal with.Initially, they were reasonable.Home Caring has grown and they now have a larger management team. For the client, this has equated to the client, more roadblocks, more compliance and less flexibility... the decision to switch is now questionable :(Their care worker force is also not that big and quality varies depending on who you get.
I was living in a home caring house for 6 months and I was not happy and try to kick me out 3 to 4 and I need to pay for the toilet to be fix or. Was getting evicted L.N
I totally agree with the comment below. My late mum was charged for close to $9000 for home amendments and services we never received. I had to chase up the last statements for 8 months which proved the wrongful charges. I filed a claim.SHAME ON YOU FOR EXPLOITING ELDERLY VULNERABLE PEOPLE!My mum would have never realised what they did, if I didn't follow up.So YES, BEWARE!!!
Such a bad company the carers and people from the office lied to me they put new carers on all the time without any Body shifts and they have some carers what should not be carers people who are rude and can't do their job properly and this is one guy who makes everyone feel uncomfortable and he is still in the company carrying which is not ok home Carrie left me overnight by myself which I can't be alone by myself the melatonin bottle was out and didn't know how much to take same with a Panadol they left it out the whole bottleZoe the case manager went behind my back and decided to talk to my doctor without me being there or without my permission I highly do not recommend home caring to anyone because you cannot trust
Pathetic customer service. Don’t care about old people. Should not be in this business.They give the account to sub contractors /other companies and don’t respond to any problems after that.
Absolutely disgusting. Would never use again, they wrongly billed all the time and once noticed became very difficult and am still dealing with their incompetence over 6 months later. Do not use unless you want your funding stolen by these guys.
This provider failed to meet its commitment to my mother as they were unable to provide daily care as promised and the carers provided were incompetent and unreliable with the service unable to replace staff when they failed to show up.
Home caring does not fight for the client anymore. They care about their compliance and procedures .. they worry about being audited ahead of client safety and careplans.
I replied to a person saying they would assist me to find my right fit? I have been having services for more than 3 decades. So well versed in normal acceptable procedures in 2 states. Never, ever been told Insurance companies and carer representation with clients. Must be in 2 hour blocks. I am a level a 4 package. Paraplegic, chair required.I was told my needs would e fully met am and pm. I am currently having chemo for cancer. I am asking for 2 hrs a day, 5-7 days a week. Cleaning once a week, physio stretches twice a week. Never having meals from online. It was suggested I could. I am seeing a huge problem on weekly hour usage. You?They come across as lovely hard working people with No over all experience. Very lacking with general procedure progression., tailor making.No records left behind like a daily report for the client. An absolute must have to protect all parties.Even waiting up to 70 days for funds to be transferred into their bank account. So they can then take off running. They still say they cannot give me an am and pm service.Knowing they cannot give the service I have been given for decades. They will hang on to their 1 yr contract. Which is of no benefit to me. Been to My Aged Care who have said to get them to discuss and provide.They come back with same. Work place agreement disallows helpers to work less than a 2 hour minimum.I have been told by My Aged Care who to go to for assistance, and solicitor and Advocare. One would always hope agreement could be come to without. Best intentions and no adequate service. Are no good.Would appreciate any comment put forward. If you have read thus far. I appreciate that greatly.Obviously the person who said he would find best fit. Is at the very bottom of all this. That is the nitty gritty dirty work going on. Kickbacks would be the game. Otherwise how would you make a living.
Home Caring do not really care. They care about the 25% admin fee they charge, They care about getting shifts for their care workers.They have process and procedure which make it difficult to get good quality care for services.I have moved my parent to another provider. Really disappointing
(Dissatisfied wife of client)Service does not commence until 1 week after start of contract. This was not made clear beforehand.Training of workers is to be provided by client at client's expense. This was not made clear beforehand.At commencement of 3rd week of service worker does not turn up. No notice provided. 4 hours later provider advises client to make alternative care arrangements for future care. Contract abandoned by provider.
Small player which was good - but now that they have grown, their attention, speed and effectiveness is like the big players.Not consistent in their policies and decisions. Case managers are nice people - but don't really understand client needs.Tends to be based out West
