Pricing

The cost of services depends on the type of care you need. We apply a standard 17% fee for self-managed care and a 20% fee for fully managed care. During your initial free care assessment and consultation, our Care Manager will collaborate with you to create a personalized care plan and provide an estimated cost for the required services.

We’ve developed proprietary software that helps streamline our administrative processes. This allows us to reduce overhead costs, meaning we don’t need to charge excessive fees. The savings are passed directly back to you. To discover how we maintain low prices while ensuring top-quality services, click here.

No, you are not locked into a contract. We offer flexible services, allowing you to receive care as needed, on your chosen days and times. We do require you to sign an agreement outlining the delivery of your services, which is a legal requirement under The Aged Care Act. You can cancel your agreement at any time, with no penalties or exit fees.

No, we do not charge a daily basic fee.

Income-tested fees are contributions requested by the government from individuals who are able to afford them, ensuring the sustainability of the care system for all Australians. These fees vary based on personal income levels and are capped on both an annual and lifetime basis.
Not everyone will need to pay these fees, but if you do, the amount is directed toward your care. While Services Australia determines the income-tested fee amounts, your home care provider collects the fees on their behalf. To find out if you may be required to pay, you can use the fee estimator on the My Aged Care website. Learn more about income-tested care fees.

Once your Home Care Package is approved, you’ll submit your income and asset details to Services Australia for their assessment. If you qualify for income-tested fees, you’ll be notified by both them and your home care provider. This notification will include the date from which the fees apply, which is typically backdated to when your package was approved. The assessment process usually takes between 6-12 weeks.

At The Carlisle Seniors Centre, we’ll notify you as soon as we receive the information and will arrange for payments to begin at your preferred frequency (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly) through direct debit. Alternatively, you can choose monthly invoicing, and we will send an invoice at the start of each month. If a back payment is necessary, we’ll confirm how you’d like to pay, either as a lump sum or through a payment plan.

Note: Income-tested fees go directly toward your care and are not charged by your provider; they simply collect them on behalf of Services Australia.

The decision to maintain your CHSP funding is at the discretion of your CHSP provider. However, for social support, CHSP funding is typically still available, as outlined by My Aged Care:

“Clients transitioning from the CHSP to a Level 1-4 Home Care Package may continue attending their current CHSP social support group, ensuring continuity of social relationships. This applies to those attending a pre-existing CHSP social support group service.”

Every Home Care Package requires an approved provider (like The Carlisle Seniors Centre) to manage your care. The provider ensures that your care and spending align with the package requirements, including creating and adjusting your budget. (Note: The government has strict guidelines on how Home Care Package funds can be used. For details, consult your Care Manager or refer to the Home Care Packages manual via My Aged Care.)

With a fully managed plan, the provider handles everything for you, including budgeting, care coordination, hiring and training staff, scheduling, and adjusting your plan as needed. In contrast, with a self-managed plan, you are responsible for managing all these tasks: ensuring carers have the necessary compliance documents (like insurance and police checks), handling administrative work, and managing any staff replacements.

Regardless of whether you choose self-managed care or a fully managed plan, you’ll always have control over your support workers, schedule, and spending.