10 signs it’s time to be reassessed for higher Home Care Package funding

Increasing your funding and support at home as things change can be just as important – if not more important – than receiving funds in the first place.  

As your health or personal circumstances change, keeping up the right level of support can be the difference between staying well at home and extending years of independent living, or needing to look at more significant support, like residential living. 

In this article we help you identify 10 common signs that your funding may need a top up, and how to apply to ensure you get the help and additional funding you need in a timely way. 

Whether you are on the waitlist for a home care package or already have funding, you can apply to be reassessed. Just remember that waiting periods may apply so it’s always best to start as soon as you notice a change to avoid delays. 

Why it’s worth reviewing your current Home Care Package 

Home care packages are designed to evolve with you, but they’re not automatically updated as your needs change.  

A reassessment allows you to access higher-level support. When Support at Home rolls out, you may also be eligible for additional funding such as the Restorative Care Pathway, End-of-Life Pathway, or home modifications. 

Without a reassessment, you may risk missing out on: 

• Specialist care like speech therapy or physiotherapy 
• Funding for urgent needs like home modifications or nursing support
• Meal services, equipment, or social activities that keep you independent
  

You've had a recent hospital visit or medical event

A hospitalisation often signals a shift in health or function. If you've been discharged from hospital recently, it’s likely your care needs have increased.  

You may now need wound care, help with medication, or assistance with mobility. 

Your mobility has declined

If you find yourself struggling with everyday movements like: 

• Getting out of bed or off the toilet
• Standing up from a chair
• Using stairs or walking without help 

Then it might be time to look into getting reassessed. If you’re reassessed for a higher level home care package, then you might be able to benefit from additional help like physiotherapy, home modifications, or equipment—funded under a higher home care package level. 

You're relying more on family, friends, or neighbours

Maybe you’ve started asking your family member to take you to your appointments because you can’t see your support worker again this week.  

Or, maybe you need help from your neighbour to get the bins in each week.  

If you find yourself asking for more and more help from those around you, it’s a good idea to get a reassessment for your home care package.

You're avoiding activities due to fear of falling

Falls or near misses are one of the biggest red flags for assessors.  

If you’ve started skipping the shower, avoiding stairs, or feeling fearful at home, you may need occupational therapy, safety modifications, or assistive technology. 

Others have noticed changes in your memory or thinking

Sometimes it’s not easy to recognise changes in ourselves—but loved ones, carers, or health professionals may notice that you’re becoming more forgetful, repeating things often, or seeming confused during conversations. 

These changes can be early signs of cognitive decline and may indicate the need for: 

• Dementia-specific care and support
• Help managing medications and daily routines 
• Regular welfare check-ins for peace of mind 

These services are often included in higher-level home care packages or accessed through specialist programs.

You're not as active in your community as you used to be

Social connection is important for everyone, but even more so as we age. 

Being out and about in your local community helps reduce isolation and loneliness. 

If you find that you’re no longer driving anywhere, attending events like you used to, or skipping appointments – then it’s time to get some additional help. 

We can help you reconnect with your community again. Learn more about our home care services.

You’re experiencing weight loss or swallowing issues

Sudden or unexplained weight loss could indicate swallowing difficulties or poor nutrition. 

 A dietitian, meal service, or speech pathologist may be recommended through reassessment.

You're sacrificing essential services to stretch your budget

If you’ve stopped attending physiotherapy, reduced cleaning visits, or delayed important care to pay for groceries or transport—this is a key sign that your funding no longer matches your needs. 

At SAI, you’ll be paired with a care manager who oversees your budget and ensures you have everything you need.  

View our full list of services and what makes us different. 

You’ve had changes in vision or hearing

Even subtle changes in sight or hearing can make everyday life harder—from missing phone calls to misjudging steps or struggling in conversations.  

These sensory changes can impact your safety, independence, and connection with others. 

A reassessment could help you access support like regular health checks, home safety modifications (such as better lighting or visual alerts), and assistive technology like amplified phones or hearing devices

You’ve stopped leaving home

If you’ve stopped going out because you feel unwell, unsafe, or unsupported, you're not alone.  

Staying indoors all the time can take a toll on your mental and physical wellbeing. 

Reassessing your home care package can unlock services like transport assistance, social support visits, telehealth, or in-home care—helping you stay connected, cared for, and confident, even if you're not ready to step out yet. 

How to get reassessed for a home care package 

If your care needs have changed, a reassessment can help ensure you're getting the right level of support. The process is similar to your initial application—an assessor will review how your needs have shifted since your last check-in. 

You can begin by contacting My Aged Care directly or speaking with your current care provider for assistance. 

It’s a good idea to: 

• Speak with your care manager—a great care manager will often notice these changes, but if you’re feeling different or finding things harder, don’t hesitate to raise it yourself. 

• Get referrals or documentation from your GP or other health professionals. Submitting medical evidence of your current situation can help speed up the reassessment process. 

For more information on how to apply, visit our guide on how to apply for a home care package. 

 What happens after reassessment? 

Once your needs are confirmed, you may be: 

• Assigned a higher-level home care package 
• Referred to additional programs like restorative care
• Given access to urgent supports while you wait 

You won’t have your Home Care Package taken away from you, so if you find yourself needing a bit of extra help, it’s definitely worth getting the process started early.