Home Care Packages Sydney (2026 Guide): Levels 1–4, What’s Included & How to Apply
Home Care Packages in Sydney help older Australians stay independent at home by funding services like personal care, cleaning, nursing, transport, and allied health. There are four package levels (1–4), each offering different hours of support based on your assessed needs. This guide explains the levels, what’s included, costs, eligibility, and the exact steps to apply in Sydney.
What Is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is a government-funded program that supports older Australians to continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Your Home Care Package can fund a wide range of supports, including:
Meal preparation
Nursing & clinical care
Transport
Allied health services (physio, OT, podiatry)
Dementia support
Care management & budgeting
Your specific services depend on your goals, safety needs, and ACAT assessment.
Home Care Package Levels (Sydney)
Home Care Packages are grouped into four levels:
Level 1 — Basic Support
For older people who need only a little help each week.
Common services:
Light cleaning
Personal care
Meal prep
Shopping
Level 2 — Low Care Needs
For seniors needing regular weekly support.
Common services:
Personal care
Domestic assistance
Meal prep
Transport
Level 3 — Intermediate Care Needs
Suitable for people needing more complex care.
Common services:
Nursing
Medication support
Mobility assistance
Transport & appointments
Level 4 — High Care Needs
For people with advanced or ongoing clinical needs.
Common services:
Dementia support
Nursing care
Respite
Complex clinical support
What’s Included in a Sydney Home Care Package?
1. Personal Care & Daily Living
Showering, grooming, continence, mobility, and daily routines.
2. Domestic Assistance
Cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and household tasks.
3. Nursing & Clinical Care
Medication prompts, wound care, diabetes support, continence, catheter care, and clinical monitoring.
4. Allied Health
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and rehabilitation support.
5. Transport & Social Support
Appointments, shopping, community outings, and respite activities.
6. Dementia Care at Home
Safe routines, behavioural strategies, and carer education.
7. Home & Garden Safety Tasks
Minor home safety jobs (no major renovations).
8. Care Management
Your coordinator helps plan services, review goals, and manage your budget.
Who Is Eligible for a Home Care Package in Sydney?
You may be eligible if you are:
65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Needing support to live safely at home
Assessed by My Aged Care (ACAT/ACAS)
If you’re under 65:
You may be eligible for the NDIS instead.
CHSP vs Home Care Packages — What’s the Difference?
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Entry-level help
Light cleaning, transport, meals
Pay-per-service
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Higher funding
More services
Care management included
Supports multiple weekly needs
Most people start with CHSP and upgrade to HCP as their needs increase.
How to Apply for a Home Care Package in Sydney (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Contact My Aged Care
Call or apply online. Request an ACAT assessment.
Step 2 — Home Assessment
A trained assessor visits your home to understand your health, goals, and safety.
Step 3 — Approval Letter
You receive notice of your approved level (1–4).
Step 4 — Waitlist
Wait times depend on your level and Sydney suburb.
Step 5 — Assignment Letter
Your package is now ready to use.
Step 6 — Choose a Provider
Compare:
Fees
Languages
Staff availability
After-hours support
Services offered
Experience
Step 7 — Start Your Services
Your coordinator sets up your care plan and supports begin.
Costs & Fees (Plain English)
Most costs are covered by the government subsidy.
You may need to contribute:
1. Basic Daily Fee
(Some Sydney providers do not charge this.)
2. Income-Tested Care Fee
Calculated by Services Australia.
3. Provider Fees
Care management
Package management
(Optional) exit fee
Always request a clear fee breakdown so you know where your budget is going.
How to Choose the Right Home Care Package Provider in Sydney
Use this checklist:
✔ How soon can services start?
✔ Weekend or after-hours availability?
✔ Dementia-trained staff?
✔ Nurses available when needed?
✔ Transparent monthly budgets?
✔ Languages you prefer?
✔ Reliable communication?
✔ Positive reviews?
Sydney Case Studies
Level 2 → Level 3 Upgrade
Mrs T. recovered from a hospital stay and needed more support.
Her upgraded Level 3 package funded:
Nursing visits
Medication support
Transport to appointments
Level 4 Dementia Care
Mr R.’s family received Level 4 funding for:
Daily personal care
Meal preparation
Respite
OT strategies for safety
Local Home Care Support Across Sydney
Sydney Care Support proudly supports seniors across:
Sydney CBD, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Hills District, Parramatta, Bankstown, Ryde, Sutherland, Western Sydney, and surrounding suburbs.
Wherever you live, your Home Care Package can be customised for your needs and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long are Home Care Package wait times in Sydney?
Wait times vary by level and suburb. Higher levels take longer.
Can I switch providers in Sydney?
Yes — you can transfer at any time.
Does a Home Care Package cover nursing care?
Yes. Nursing is included based on your level and assessment.
Can I keep my GP or therapists?
Yes — your provider coordinates with your existing healthcare team.
What if I am under 65?
You may be eligible for the NDIS instead.
Need Help Starting Your Home Care Package?
We can help with assessments, choosing the right supports, and setting up services.
👉 Contact us today to get started
👉 Or learn more about our services here