How many hours of care can I get with a Level 3 Home Care Package?

As Home Care Packages aren't defined by a fixed number of hours, they provide a funding amount that converts into care hours based on several factors.

For a Level 3 package, which is designed for those with intermediate care needs, you can generally expect around 16 hours of assistance every fortnight, or approximately 8 hours per week. This is notably more than lower-level packages but less than the most intensive Level 4 support.

Why isn't there a guaranteed hour count?

These calculations come down to how your package funds are used. Think of your package as a budget rather than a time allocation. The actual hours you receive depend on a few key variables:

• The hourly rates charged by your chosen provider make a big difference. Different providers set different rates for various services. Personal care might cost less than specialised nursing care, for example. These rates can also vary depending on when services are delivered, with higher rates typically applying on weekends and public holidays.
• Not all of your package funding goes toward direct care. A portion is allocated to Package Management and Care Management fees. These cover essential administrative tasks like coordinating your services, managing your budget, and ensuring regulatory compliance. While these functions are crucial for delivering quality care, they reduce the amount available for face-to-face support.
• The specific mix of services in your care plan affects your hours. If you're primarily receiving lower-cost domestic assistance, your funding will stretch further than if you need more expensive clinical services like nursing care.

To put this in perspective:

• Level 1 packages typically provide around 2 hours of care weekly
• Level 2 offers roughly 3 hours weekly
• Level 4 packages offer approximately 14 hours per week for those with high care needs.

The good news is that you have input into how your hours are used. Working closely with your provider, you can prioritise the services most important to you, potentially adjusting your care plan to maximise the direct support time within your budget.

Important note: These hour estimates are averages across the system. Your experience may vary based on your specific provider's pricing structure and the care plan you develop together.