How to Apply for a Home Care Package: A Step-by-Step Guide

As we grow older, having the right support at home can make all the difference in staying independent and living comfortably. A Home Care Package (HCP) is designed to provide older Australians with the care and services they need to continue living at home safely.

If you or a loved one is considering applying for a Home Care Package on the Mid North Coast this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

My Aged Care is one of the first places you’ll need to visit if you want to access government funded aged care services in Australia.

To receive a Home Care Package, you must be:

✔️ An older Australian (65 years or older, 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who needs support to remain living at home

Go here: Check your assessment eligibility | My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.

Step 2: Apply for an Aged Care Assessment

The second step is to apply for an assessment through My Aged Care, the Australian Government’s aged care service.

The application will ask questions about you, your current situation and the services you’re interested in.

If you’re not sure which services are right for you, check My Aged Care’s ‘Types of Care’ guide.

Handy tip: Be prepared with your Medicare card, contact details and 15-20 minutes to complete the assessment.

Our Omnicare team can support you with this process if required. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend.

Once you've applied, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will contact you to arrange an in-person assessment.

Step 3: Be assessed

During the assessment, a friendly ACAT representative will:

👩‍⚕️ Talk to you about your current health and daily challenges

🏡 Discuss what support would help you live independently at home

📄 Determine your eligibility for a Home Care Package

If you live in Kempsey, Wauchope, Port Macquarie or surrounding areas, local assessment teams will visit your home to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.

Handy tip: We recommend inviting a support person to be present at the assessment. This can be anyone you want, such as a family member, friend or carer.

After completing your assessment, you will either learn the outcome immediately or be contacted by the assessment organisation within 2-6 weeks.

You will then be placed on the National Priority System (NPS) to wait for your Home Care Package to be assigned to you. You will receive a referral code when your package is assigned to you.

After your assessment, you'll receive a letter from My Aged Care explaining:

✔️ Whether you're approved for a Home Care Package

✔️ What level of care you qualify for (Level 1–4)

✔️ Your expected wait time for funding

It’s important to note that there can be waiting times for packages, but you can access interim support services while you wait.

Step 4: Work out the cost

Depending on your personal situation, you may be required to contribute to the cost of your care as many services.

To learn more, you can complete a Financial Assessment either online at My Aged Care, by downloading and completing the Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA457), or by calling 1800 200 422.

Our friendly team of experts can also help you to understand more about contributions.

 Step 5: Research and Select a Home Care Provider

Once you’re approved, you can start looking for a provider to deliver your care. Choosing the right provider is key to getting the support that best meets your needs.

When researching home care providers on the Mid North Coast, consider:

✅ The services they offer (personal care, meal prep, transport, etc.)

✅ Their reputation and reviews

✅ Fees and costs involved

Tip: Omnicare provides personalised, high-quality home care services in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Wauchope, and across the Mid North Coast. We’d love to help you navigate the process and get the support you need.

Step 6: Accept Your Home Care Package and let’s get you started!

When your package is assigned, My Aged Care will send you a letter confirming:

📬 Your unique referral code

📬 The level of funding you’ve received

Once you’ve chosen a provider, they’ll work with you to create a tailored care plan. This plan outlines:

✔️ The services you’ll receive

✔️ How often you’ll receive support

✔️ Any additional care needs

Your Home Care Package is flexible, so if your needs change, your care plan can be adjusted.

Now that your package is set up, you can begin enjoying the support that helps you stay independent, safe, and comfortable at home. Your provider will regularly check in to ensure you’re happy with the care you receive.

Need Help Applying for a Home Care Package?

At Omnicare, we understand that the home care application process can feel overwhelming. Our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way—from understanding eligibility to setting up your care plan.

If you need help with applying for a Home Care Package on the Mid North Coast, including Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Wauchope, reach out to Omnicare today.

Let’s make home care simple and stress-free, so you or your loved one can continue living life to the fullest.