Home Care Packages are government-funded programs in Australia designed to help older individuals remain independent in their homes for as long as possible.
These packages provide a range of services tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Home Care Package levels are determined based on an assessment of the person’s needs by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment considers the level of support required for daily living and personal care.
Support services you can get with your Home Care Package include cleaning, gardening, and personal care assistance. They also cover assistive technology, known as Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT), which includes devices and equipment to enhance safety and mobility. Daily living aids, like shower chairs or bed rails, can also be funded through these packages.
There are 4 levels of Home Care Packages, each catering to different care needs.
- Level 1 supports basic care needs, providing a small amount of assistance.
- Level 2 is for low-level care needs, offering a broader range of services.
- Level 3 supports intermediate care needs, with more comprehensive assistance.
- Level 4 is for high-level care needs, providing the most extensive support for individuals with significant requirements.
Each level corresponds to an increased funding amount, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to maintain their independence and well-being.
Care and services you can use with your Home Care Package funds
The Home Care Package (HCP) is designed to help you remain living independently and safely in your own home. The funding can be used to pay for care, services and goods that align with your specific care needs.
Depending on your HCP level and needs, you can spend your home care package fund on the following:
- Personal care (such as bathing, maintaining personal hygiene)
- Nursing care
- Therapies to maintain movement and mobility (such as podiatry, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy)
- Meal preparation
- Chores around the house (such as cleaning, laundry, and general housework) Support with social activities to help the person stay engaged with their community
- Transport support
- Home or garden maintenance
- Support managing particular conditions to help you live independently at home.
For more information, My Aged Care provides a thorough overview of services.
The full list of home care services is provided in the Quality of Care Principles 2014 on the Federal Register of Legislation website, Schedule 3 – Care and services for home care services.
What you can purchase with your Home Care Package
Your Home Care Package can also be used to buy goods, equipment and assistive technology to assist you in your everyday life, such as:
- Mobility aids, like walkers and wheelers
- Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
- Bathroom equipment, like grab bars and non-slip mats
- Kitchen aids, like ergonomic knives, easy-grip containers, and touch-sensitive or voice-activated devices
Depending on your level of Home Care Package and your needs, these products can range from specialised eating utensils to mobility aids and safety equipment.
Find out more in our guide to Home Care Package consumables.
What's not included in the Home Care Package
While Home Care Packages are flexible and are designed to be spent on supporting your needs, there are some things that are not covered by Home Care Package funding.
These include:
- Food (except as part of enteral feeding requirements)
- General household items
- Rent or accommodation
- Home modifications that are not related to your needs
- Holiday travel expenses
- Entertainment activities such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events
Home Care Package supplements
Dementia and Cognition Supplement
The Dementia and Cognition Supplement provides an additional 10% in funding for recipients for home care recipients with moderate to severe levels of cognitive impairment associated with dementia or other conditions. This supplement is available across all 4 levels of Home Care Packages, ensuring that individuals with cognitive challenges receive the extra support they need.
The funding can be used for specialised services such as tailored cognitive therapies, enhanced supervision to ensure safety, personalised activities designed to stimulate memory and cognition, and training for carers on managing cognitive disorders.
These supports are crucial in enhancing the quality of life and maintaining the independence of individuals with dementia.
Veterans’ Supplement
The Veterans’ Supplement provides an additional 10% in funding for veterans with service-related mental health conditions, complementing the regular Home Care Package funding. This extra support is designed to address the unique needs of veterans, ensuring they receive comprehensive care.
The funding can be used for services such as psychological counselling to address trauma, stress management programs to enhance coping skills, and therapeutic activities like art or music therapy. Additionally, it can cover support for social engagement to reduce isolation and improve mental well-being.
This supplement ensures veterans have access to tailored care that enhances their quality of life.
How Mable can support with your Home Care Package fund
Find the right fit
Flexible scheduling
Simplified management
Peace of mind
Rest assured, knowing that Mable’s support workers are qualified, insured, and background-checked, providing you with the peace of mind that your safety and well-being are prioritised.
If you want to understand more about Home Care Packages and how they work, explore our comprehensive guide to Home Care Packages.
FAQs
What costs are associated with a Home Care Package?
Home Care Packages involve several costs, including basic daily fees, which cover the everyday services provided. There are also income-tested care fees that depend on your financial situation.
Additionally, some providers may charge a management fee for administering the package. These costs can vary significantly between providers, so it's important to understand the full breakdown before committing.
To learn more about these fees, check out our guide on Home Care Package fees and charges.
How do I know if I'm eligible for a Home Care Package?
Eligibility for a Home Care Package depends primarily on age and need. You must be an older person who requires support to stay at home or a younger person with a disability, dementia, or other care needs not met through other services. Typically, you must be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to confirm your eligibility.
For more detailed information, read our guide on Home Care Package eligibility.
