We all deserve to be comfortable and content as we age. If you’re living at home but finding some household chores and life tasks a bit challenging these days, a Home Care Package could be a great option for you.
So, what can I spend my Home Care Package on?
A Home Care Package provides coordinated, subsidised home care services to help senior Australians live their best lives at home, for as long as they can.
They are coordinated by Government organisation My Aged Care – www.myagedcare.gov.au.
This article about Home Care Package Guidelines – Aged Care Decisions gives a comprehensive overview of eligibility, applications and assessments, package levels, and payments required under the Australian Government-funded Home Care Package Program.
Let’s run through the basics:
Frequently asked questions about Home Care Packages
How can I get a home care package?
To receive a Home Care Package, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility. You can do this with My Aged Care’s online eligibility checker.
Step 2: Complete an Aged Care Assessment: ACAT Assessment | Aged Care Assessment | Aged Care Decisions
Step 3: Complete an Income Assessment: Aged Care Income Assessment | Aged Care Decisions
Step 4: Wait for your Home Care Package to be approved. This can take 1-3 months.
Step 5: Wait for your Home Care Package to be assigned. This can take 3-12 months, depending on your location and package level. When your Home Care Package is ASSIGNED, you will receive a confirmation letter and referral code.
Step 6: Find and appoint a Home Care Package Provider to create a schedule of home care services to suit your specific needs.
Where will I find a Home Care Package Provider?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can help you. We provide a 100% FREE aged care matching service for thousands of Australian families.
Our-custom built software takes your care needs, location, budget, and personal preferences. It then uses this information to match you with suitable, available Home Care Package Providers.
We will email you a Home Care Provider Options Report that makes comparing available providers easy. Our matching process takes about half an hour, over the phone, with zero stress, and at zero cost to you.
Start comparing your Home Care Package Provider options by connecting with us now.
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What can Home Care Package funds be used for?
Home Care Package funds can be used to pay for services and products that directly help you to keep living comfortably, and safely, in your home. Here is a summary of Home Care Package inclusions and exclusions:
Your Home Care Package funds can be spent on:
Personal Care – such as having a carer help with bathing, toileting, personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, managing medication and assisting with mobility.
Home modifications and aids – including the installation of shower chairs, safety rails, ramps, lifting devices and comfort enhancers such as tri-pillows and pressure-relieving mattresses.
Assistance with daily living tasks – such as reading mail, paying bills, cleaning glasses, maintaining hearing aids (and other aids), and organising social activities, appointments, and transport.
Purchase of mobility aids – including crutches, walkers, walking frames, walking sticks and wheelchairs.
Nutrition & hydration – including shopping, meal preparation and assistance with eating.
Nursing services – such as changing dressings, helping to manage continence, and allied health and therapy services including speech therapy, podiatry, occupational or physiotherapy services.
Household chores – including cleaning, housework, laundry, pet care and garden maintenance.
General wellbeing – including emotional support, companionship, and support to take part in social and community activities.
Clinical services – such as hearing and vision services.
Follow the link below for a detailed summary of what your Home Care Package can be used for:
What can my home care package funds be used for? – (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Which expenses are excluded from Home Care Package funding?
Can you spend your Home Care Package on a fridge or new TV? The short answer is ‘no’. A Home Care Package is not ‘extra income’ to spend on everyday items that aren’t directly related to your care needs.
You cannot use Home Care Package funds for:
- Food, and general shopping, not related to your care needs.
- Rent or mortgage payments.
- Paying for fees and charges applicable to other government funded care.
- Home modifications not directly related to your care needs.
- Holiday travel and accommodation.
- Entertainment, including club memberships and tickets to events.
- Gambling
- Payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
What if my needs change?
Your needs are likely to change over time. If you require more help at home to live comfortably, you may be eligible for a higher-level Home Care Package. If this is the case, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your options.
If you’re unhappy with the services you’re receiving, changing Home Care Package Providers is easy, and free. Here’s some more information about switching providers: Change home care providers at no cost – Aged Care Decisions
What if I don’t need home care services anymore?
If you’re transitioning into an aged care residence, moving closer to family, or you simply don’t need home care services anymore, you can cease services by advising your Home Care Package Provider in writing.
Any unused government funds will be returned to the Government, and any unused fees you may have paid will be returned to you or your estate.
How do I find the most suitable home care providers in my area?
There are more than 900 registered home care providers in Australia, all designing aged care service packages according to government guidelines. Which one will be best for you?
At Aged Care Decisions we help thousands of Australian seniors find and engage the Home Care Package Provider that best suit their individual needs.
Our professional Placement Specialists use our custom-built software to make the process quick, easy, and stress-free, at ZERO cost to you.
Connect with us now to receive a tailored, interactive Options Report, shortlisting Home Care Package Providers for you to review, consider and compare.
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