Getting older shouldn’t mean giving up your independence. For many Australians, the idea of moving into residential care feels daunting — and honestly, it’s not always necessary. With the right support in place, staying at home is not just possible, it’s the preferred choice for the vast majority of older Australians.
That’s where home care packages(support at home) come in. If you or someone you love is starting to need a bit more help around the house, with personal care, or managing health conditions, understanding how to access aged care at home services can make an enormous difference. This guide walks you through the process, step by step, without the confusing jargon.
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-subsidised program that provides coordinated support to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. It’s not a one-size-fits-all arrangement — packages are tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages, ranging from Level 1 (basic care needs) through to Level 4 (high-level care needs). The funding attached to each level increases accordingly, allowing providers to arrange more comprehensive aged care services at home as needs grow.
Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible
Before anything else, check if you qualify for a Home Care Package.
You may be eligible if you are:
Not sure if you qualify? Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 — they’re friendly and can help you work it out quickly.
Our team is also happy to have a chat and help you understand your options before you even make that call.
Step 2: Register with My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s aged care service. It’s your first official step.
You can register by:
You’ll share some basic details about yourself and what kind of help you’re looking for. It doesn’t take long at all.
After you register, they will arrange an assessment visit to your home.
Step 3: Have a Home Assessment (ACAT)
An ACAT assessor (Aged Care Assessment Team) will visit your home for a friendly chat. In Victoria, this is called ACAS.
During the visit, they will talk with you about:
This is just a relaxed conversation — not a test. Be open and honest about what you’re struggling with. The more they understand, the better the support you’ll receive.
After the visit, you’ll get a letter confirming your approval and the package level recommended for you.
Step 4: Wait for Your Package to Be Assigned
After approval, most people go onto a national waiting list. This is normal — it happens because many Australians need aged care at home, and it can take a little time.
While you wait, you may be eligible for some basic support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). Ask My Aged Care about this so you’re not left without any help in the meantime.
When a package becomes available for you, you’ll receive a letter and a referral code. You’ll use this to choose your home care provider — and that’s where we come in.
Step 5: Choose Rose Aged Care Service as Your Provider
You have 56 days to select a home care provider once your package is ready. This is a really important decision — your provider will be organising all your care, so it’s worth choosing wisely.
Here’s why families in Blacktown and Western Sydney choose us:
✅ We are a local team — we know this community well
✅ We explain all fees clearly — no surprises, ever
✅ We offer a wide range of aged care services at home
✅ We respect your culture, language, and background
✅ We listen to you and put your needs first — always
When you choose us, you’re not just picking a service. You’re choosing a team that genuinely cares about your wellbeing and wants to see you thrive at home.
Step 6: We Build Your Personal Care Plan Together
Once you’re with us, your dedicated case manager will sit down with you — and your family if you’d like — to create a care plan that fits your life.
This plan covers exactly what support you’ll receive and when. Services we can arrange include:
Your care plan is flexible. As your needs change, we update it — so your care always matches your life.
Step 7: Your Care Begins — We Handle Everything
Once your care plan is set, your services start. From this point on, your Rose Aged Care Service case manager takes care of all the details.
We organise your carers, manage your schedule, and check in regularly to make sure everything is going well. If something needs to change, just call us — we’ll sort it out quickly.
We also make sure you see familiar, friendly faces. We match you with consistent carers so you always feel comfortable and at ease in your own home.
The government covers most of the cost. However, you may be asked to pay a small amount, depending on your income. This is called a basic daily fee or an income-tested care fee.
We always walk you through the costs clearly before anything is agreed. You’ll never feel confused or caught off guard. If you have questions, our team is always here to explain.
Applying for aged care service at home is easier than it looks — especially when you have the right team beside you. If you or a loved one is thinking about getting support at home, don’t wait. The sooner you start the process, the sooner help arrives.
We proudly supports older Australians across Blacktown and Western Sydney. Our team is warm, local, and dedicated to helping you live comfortably and independently — in the place you love most.
Call us today for a free, friendly chat. We’ll answer your questions, help you understand your options, and guide you through every step — right from the start.
Contact Rose Aged Care Service now — because you deserve care that feels like home.
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