Imagine being able to stay in the comfort of your own home as you age, with all the support you need to live your life to the fullest. That’s the promise of a Home Care Package (HCP). Designed to adapt to your individual needs, the four levels of home care package ensure that whether you need a little help around the house or comprehensive health support, you can receive the right level of assistance.
If you’re wondering how, you or your loved ones can take advantage of these government-funded packages, you’re in the right place.
Home Care Package funds are designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the services that best fit your unique needs and lifestyle. Whether you need a little help around the house, specialised medical care, or just someone to keep you company, these funds can be a game-changer.
Let’s dive into the many ways HCP funds can be used to make your home life as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible.
What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
Home Care Package (HPC) funds are remarkably versatile, allowing for a wide range of services to be customised to the individual’s needs. Here are the various categories of support and services that can be covered by these funds.
Personal Care Services
Personal care services are essential for daily living, particularly for those who struggle with routine activities due to age, disability, or health conditions. You can use HCP funds for these services, which include assistance with bathing and showering, which ensures that you maintain your personal hygiene with dignity.
Dressing and grooming support helps you keep looking and feeling your best. Assistance with toileting ensures comfort and cleanliness, and mobility support aids in moving safely around the home, whether it’s getting out of your bed, transferring to a chair, or navigating stairs.
Household Assistance
Maintaining a clean and organised home can become increasingly challenging. Household assistance services are designed to keep the living environment safe and pleasant. These include cleaning and laundry services, which handle regular tasks like dusting, vacuuming, and washing clothes.
Dishwashing services keep the kitchen clean and hygienic, while home organisation helps with tidying up and arranging living spaces. Using HCP funds services relieves the burden of household chores, allowing individuals to live comfortably in a well-maintained home.
Can I buy a washing machine with my aged care package?
No, you generally cannot buy a washing machine with your aged care package. Household appliances like washing machines are typically considered personal expenses and are not covered under the guidelines of an aged care package.
If you have concerns about laundry as part of your care needs, you may be able to allocate funds for laundry services instead. Always consult your care provider for clarification on allowable expenses.
Experience care that’s as unique as you are! Contact WISE Choice and discover how we can create the perfect home care plan for you.
Meal Preparation and Nutrition
Next, HCP funds can be used for meal preparation and nutritional support. This includes meal planning and preparation assistance, ensuring that individuals enjoy nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. Specialised support is available for those with specific dietary requirements, such as diabetic or low-sodium diets.
Additionally, feeding assistance helps those who have difficulty eating independently, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition. These services are crucial for maintaining good health and energy levels.
Health and Therapy Services
Ongoing health and therapeutic support are essential for managing health conditions and improving quality of life. You can use health services covered by HCP funds, including physiotherapy, to improve mobility and reduce pain through tailored exercises.
Occupational therapy helps you adapt your home and daily activities to maintain independence. Speech therapy supports you if you have communication or swallowing difficulties, enhancing your ability to interact and enjoy meals safely.
Social Support and Companionship
Social support and companionship services provide opportunities for meaningful interaction. This includes having someone to chat with, share meals, or engage in hobbies and activities, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Additionally, social outings offer assistance in getting out and about, whether it’s attending community events, visiting friends, or participating in recreational activities. Using these services, you can foster a sense of community and belonging, enhancing your overall quality of life.
Transport Services
Mobility can be a significant barrier to independence, especially for those who don’t drive or have mobility issues. Transport services funded by HCP can help you with this challenge. They provide rides to essential appointments, such as medical visits and shopping trips, ensuring individuals can access necessary services and supplies.
Transport support also extends to social and recreational activities, allowing individuals to stay connected and participate in their community. Reliable transport services are crucial for maintaining independence and social engagement.
Equipment and Assistive Technology
Staying independent at home often requires specialised equipment or technology. Home Care Package funds can be used to acquire mobility aids, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or scooters, which help individuals move around safely.
Home modifications, like installing handrails or ramps, make the home environment more accessible and safer. Assistive devices, including hearing aids, visual aids, or communication devices, support daily living activities and enhance independence.
Can I get a mobility scooter from my aged care package?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a mobility scooter through your Home Care Package, depending on your individual needs and circumstances. As a Home Care Package recipient, you can use your allocated funds to purchase or rent a mobility scooter if it is deemed necessary to support your mobility and independence.
To acquire a mobility scooter through your Home Care Package, you would need to discuss your requirements with your Home Care Provider. They will assess your needs, help you choose the right scooter, and connect you with suppliers in your area. This ensures the scooter fits your mobility and safety needs perfectly.
Also Read: Must Have Aged Care Equipment to Help Elderly at Home
Nursing Services
For individuals with medical care needs, professional nursing services provide crucial health care at home. You can use HCP funds for nursing services like wound care, where nurses manage and dress wounds to promote healing and prevent complications.
Moreover, medication management ensures that you take your medications correctly and on time, reducing the risk of adverse effects or missed doses. Health monitoring services regularly check vital signs and manage chronic conditions, such as blood pressure and diabetes.
Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all care. Start your journey to better care today with us and experience personalised support designed to meet your unique needs. Contact us now to create a home care plan that works for you!
Help with Impairments or Continence
Managing impairments or continence issues can significantly impact daily life. Home Care Package level funds can be used for continence aids and support, helping you manage bladder or bowel control with dignity.
For those with impairments, whether visual, hearing, or mobility-related, tailored support strategies and tools are available to enhance daily living. These services ensure that you can manage your conditions effectively and maintain your comfort and dignity.
Home or Garden Maintenance
A well-maintained home and garden contribute to a safe and pleasant living environment. Through home care package funds, you can cover minor repairs around the house, ensuring that it remains secure and functional.
Yard work services, such as mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, maintaining the garden, and keeping the outdoor area tidy and enjoyable. Home safety checks identify and address potential hazards, creating a secure living space.
Do home care package funds accumulate?
Yes, unused home care package funds can accumulate. If you don’t use all the funds allocated to you each month, the remaining amount is carried forward and saved in your account. These accumulated funds can be used later for approved care and services. However, they don’t accumulate indefinitely—provider fees and other charges are still deducted. If you change providers or no longer need the package, the unused government contributions are returned to the government.
What items are excluded from the home care package?
- Food Purchases: Except for specific medical needs like enteral feeding, general groceries and meals are not covered.
- Electronics and Home Appliances: Purchasing or upgrading electronics such as TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and other non-essential household appliances are not covered under Home Care Packages.
- Permanent Accommodation Costs: This includes buying a home, paying rent, or mortgage payments. These are considered personal living expenses and are not funded.
- Home Care Fees: Fees already covered by other government funding or joint arrangements are excluded from Home Care Package funds.
- Other Government-Funded Care: Services funded by the Australian Government or jointly funded are not covered by Home Care Packages.
- Non-Care-Related Home Modifications or Assets: Expenses for home improvements unrelated to your care needs are not eligible.
- Travel and Holiday Expenses: Costs for vacations, travel, and accommodation related to leisure activities are not covered.
- Entertainment Activities: Expenses like club memberships, sporting event tickets, and gambling are considered personal expenses and are not funded.
- Medicare or Pharmaceutical Benefits: Services covered under Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are not eligible for Home Care Package funds.
Can I buy a fridge with my home care package?
No, you can’t buy a fridge with your home care package. Home care package funding are intended to provide services and support directly relevant to your care needs, rather than for personal household appliances. Exceptions are rare and require compelling justification based on special care needs, but they are often denied approval.
Can a home care package pay for respite?
Yes, a home care package can be used to pay for respite care, but it depends on your specific circumstances and care needs. Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, ensuring the care recipient continues to receive support. Here’s how it works:
- Eligibility: Respite care must align with your assessed care needs and be included in your care plan.
- Types of Respite: Respite services covered by home care packages may include in-home respite, where a professional caregiver comes to your home, or short-term stays in an aged care facility.
- Funding Limitations: The cost of respite care will be deducted from your home care package funds, so it’s essential to ensure sufficient funds are available within your package level.
- Approval: Respite services need to be organised through your home care provider and approved as part of your care plan.
Summing Up
Home care packages are an investment in your long-term independence and wellbeing, not just a means of surviving. HCP funds give you the flexibility to personalise the services you get, enabling you to design a support network that suits your own requirements and interests.
Your Home Care Package can be customised to fit your unique lifestyle and preferences, ensuring you receive the most out of your care plan. Whether you have basic care needs or high care needs, HCP funds are designed to adapt to your individual situation. With the right support, you can continue to enjoy the familiarity and comfort of your home, surrounded by the assistance, care and services that empower you to live your best life.
Get in touch with us to learn more about the various Home Care Package levels and the services offered. Our committed staff is here to assist you in weighing your alternatives and developing a customised care plan that satisfies your requirements. Allow us to work together to provide the greatest care and improve your quality of life at home.
