What does a Home Care package cost?

The basic fee you will be asked to contribute depends on your income and personal circumstances. If you are on the basic rate of pension, your maximum contribution will be 17.5 per cent of the single pension. If you are on a higher income you may be asked to contribute a higher amount.

There are limits on the amount of fees that are income-tested:

• Full pensioners pay no income-tested care fees. They can be asked to pay a basic fee.
• For part-pensioners, and people with equivalent incomes, income-tested fees are capped at $5,000 a year.
• Self-funded retirees have an income-tested fee capped at $10,000 a year.

The annual caps are calculated by the Government. There is also a lifetime cap for income-tested care fees up to a total of $60,000.

The Department of Social Services website www.myagedcare.gov.au has further details on the cost including how to estimate a fee. They can also be contacted on 1800 200 422.

What if I don't want to wait?

Royal Freemasons also offer Private in-home services, which can be available right away. In this service, you have full control over the services you will receive and it will be fully funded by you. Private services are available to individuals of all ages who may need help after recovering from a surgery, a health event or your primary family carer is having a holiday.