Getting started with care

We’re here to guide you on your care journey and make finding the right type of care as simple as possible.

Our Locations
map

Discover which of our services are available in your area.

Home Care Packages

Our expert care team will get to know you well and guide you through every step in creating a personalised support plan

Home-Care-Packages

Quality, personalised care – your way

A Home Care Package is a Government-funded program that makes living at home easier and more enjoyable. We provide our care services by understanding you as a whole person and responding to your changing needs. This is the most important part of what we do.

Find peace of mind knowing your care team will provide the support you need, including:

  • expert clinical advice from registered nurses
  • transport to and from appointments
  • cleaning around your home
  • arranging specialist services
  • helping you eat well, and more.

It’s about creating a support plan that helps you to stay active and independent – the way you want to.

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Navigating the home care journey with you

Your circumstances may have changed and you may need more support than what you’re currently receiving through your Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), or you may be looking into home care services for the first time. 

Watch our video to find out how your care team can support you in navigating this journey, from accessing Government funding to creating a care plan with everything that matters to you. 

What services can a Home Care Package provide?

There are many different ways you can get support from us – we’ll help you choose the right mix. And with over nearly 30 years of expertise in providing quality, tailored care, every person can live well.

Personal Care
Personal Care

Get help with showering, taking medication and preparing meals.

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Domestic Assistance

Home and gardens stay neat and tidy, thanks to visits from your team.

Weights
Positive Ageing

Practical skills for good health. Suitability depends on your situation.

Doctor
Nursing

Our clinical experts will regularly review your needs to support good health and quality care.

Transport
Transport

For getting out and about to appointments or to pick up groceries.

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Allied Health and Therapy

Specialist care in podiatry, optometry, physiotherapy and more.

Social support
Social Support

Our social clubs and visits offer relaxation and companionship.

Cottage Respite
Cottage Respite

For a break overnight, on the weekend or a few days, including dementia care.

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Centre-based Respite

Take a day or more at one of our friendly and caring day centres.

Flexible Respite
Flexible Respite

Care at home or in the community, adjusted to you and your carer’s needs.

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Pastoral Care

Someone to talk to and provide support when life is challenging.

Team
Volunteers

Friendly, trained volunteers matched to your interests who can brighten your day.

A helpful guide on our services and the HammondCare Difference

Download the guide

If you’ve still got questions, contact us.

HammondCare At Home Choices Guide

How does a Home Care Package work?

Because Home Care Packages are tailored, the costs and fees are different for each person and situation. Here’s a quick look at how it works.

Package Type

Package Types

There are four Home Care Package levels matched to individual needs. These cover:

  • Basic care needs
  • Low-level care needs
  • Intermediate care needs
  • High-level care needs

Your level of service and funding support depends on the package you’re approved for. A free ACAT/ACAS assessment will tell you which one is right for you – learn more below.

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Package Contribution

There are three parts to your Home Care Package contribution:

  1. The Government subsidy
    This usually makes up most of your budget.
  2. An income-tested care fee
    Payable if your income is more than the threshold.
  3. Basic daily fee
    This fee, with a maximum amount set by Government, is not charged by HammondCare.*


*From March 2024, new Home Care Package clients will not need to pay basic daily fees on their package but can add a Private Care Agreement if required.

Need help accessing care at home?

Download our easy-to-understand guide to applying for and accessing our in-home care services.

Download the help sheet
HCAH Accessing Care Infographic_Mockup

Start a Home Care Package in 3 steps

Step 1

Check eligibility and apply

Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply for a Home Care Package through the Government’s My Aged Care service. Either:

If your care needs show you might be eligible, My Aged Care will organise a free assessment. This is done by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) (or ACAS in Victoria).

Step 2

Find a provider

After your assessment and approval, your name goes onto the national waitlist. During this time, you can start looking for a provider such as HammondCare to deliver your Home Care Package.

It’s important to do your research and understand what your chosen provider does (or doesn’t) include with the services it supplies. We recommend using this helpful Home Care Provider Checklist, so you know what to ask. 

Step 3

Design a home care package

When you choose us as your provider, we’ll contact you to organise a visit at home. The goal is to get to know you and your needs, and for you to get to know us. Together, we can develop the best care plan to suit you. 

If you require greater care than what’s in your Home Care Package, that’s okay. We can offer private care on top of your existing Home Care Package until My Aged Care refers you to a higher-level Package.

Start a Home Care Package in 3 steps

Step 1

Check eligibility and apply

Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply for a Home Care Package through the Government’s My Aged Care service. Either:

If your care needs show you might be eligible, My Aged Care will organise a free assessment. This is done by your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) (or ACAS in Victoria).

You can do the assessment from the comfort of your home and have a friend or family member there with you. Your ACAT assessor will ask about your situation to see which services could help, covering things like:

  • how you’re managing with tasks at home
  • your wellbeing and any lifestyle concerns
  • the support you have and if it will continue.
What’s next?

You’ll receive a letter that outlines:

  • the assessment outcome
  • the level of care you’re eligible for
  • an overview of your approved care.
Step 2

Find a provider

After your assessment and approval, your name goes onto the national waitlist. During this time, you can start looking for a provider such as HammondCare to deliver your Home Care Package.

It’s important to do your research and understand what your chosen provider does (or doesn’t) include with the services it supplies, such as service types and fees. We recommend using this helpful Home Care Provider Checklist, so you know what to ask. Should you have any questions about starting care with HammondCare, our team is happy to be of help.

Please note: the time it takes to receive My Aged Care approval depends on the length of the national waitlist. But, we do have options available to access care shortly after your assessment if that is urgently required.

Step 3

Design your Home Care Package

When you choose us as your provider, we’ll contact you to organise a visit at home. The goal is to get to know you and your needs, and for you to get to know us. Together, we can develop the best care plan to suit you. If you like, we can also include your family or friends in any decisions made.

If you require greater care than what’s in your Home Care Package, that’s okay. We can offer private care on top of your existing Home Care Package until My Aged Care refers you to a higher-level Package.

Our unique approach to care

Your experienced care team takes the time to understand your unique needs, so you can stay at home for as long as possible. Here’s what to expect.

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A small, consistent team

Your dedicated team will take the time to get to know you and listen to what you want from your care.

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Tailor-made care services

Unique needs call for personalised care. Your exact situation and preferences guide how we support you.

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We know dementia

All our carers are expertly trained in supporting people with dementia, building on our nearly 30 years of expertise.

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Help is around the corner

Based in your neighbourhood, we know your local community and are nearby for office visits.

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Available to chat, 24/7

For constant peace of mind, you receive unlimited 24/7 phone support at no extra cost. Call 1800 826 166.

Fees
No hidden charges

And no surprises. We are open and honest in how we communicate package fees and charges.

Talk to our friendly team 24/7, wherever you are

Call now on 1800 826 166 or talk to us on live chat. Alternatively, send us a message using the form and our Support Team will be in touch.