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What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

4 March, 2024

Home Care Package (HCP) funds can be used to support the unique needs of you or a loved one working in partnership with a home care provider. We explain how.

What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?

What is a Home Care Package?

At Amana Living, we believe the purpose of home care is to give you the confidence to stay at home and to help you do the things you love.

Whether that’s helping you get out to see your friends, supporting you with everyday tasks like showering and dressing, or modifying your house, Amana Living is here for you.

In this article, we explain how Home Care Packages can be used to support the unique needs of you or a loved one working in partnership with a home care provider.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages are packages of care and services subsidised by the Australian Government to help you remain living well at home. These packages are consumer-directed, which means you have control over the types of care and services you receive.

For more information, see our home care packages.

Eligibility for Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages support people who are aged over 65 or over 50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. Factors like health, mobility and personal circumstances are key in determining eligibility.

The online eligibility checker provided by My Aged Care can help you quickly determine whether you meet the Government’s requirements. It will ask about your basic daily activities, support networks and any recent health events that might impact your daily life. Emotions and mental well-being are also part of the equation.

However, to access a Home Care Package, you need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). An Aged Care Assessment Team consists of medical, nursing and allied health professionals who will assess your needs and help you access the appropriate level of support.

You can apply for an ACAT assessment online via the My Aged Care website www.myagedcare.gov.au or call them on 1800 200 422.

If you need help, call our friendly home care team on 1300 26 26 26 who can discuss your needs and explain the assessment process.

Breaking Down the Levels of Home Care Packages

There are four Home Care Package levels:

Level 1: Basic care needs
Level 2: Low-level care needs (see our Level 2 Home Care Package page)
Level 3: Intermediate care needs
Level 4: High-level care needs

For more information, see Home Care Packages Level 1-4 Explained.

Home Care Package Fees

If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, it’s important to understand what fees you may have to pay and how much the Government will contribute.

The total amount of a Home Care Package is made up of:

The Australian Government’s contribution:
- the subsidy and supplements, if eligible
Your contribution (the fees you may be asked to pay):
- your basic daily fee - everyone receiving a Home Care Package can be asked to pay a daily fee which is then added to your total Home Care Package budget.
- your income-tested care fee – you may have to pay an income-tested care fee depending on whether you have been assessed as being able to contribute.
- any additional fees you agree to.

The basic daily fee and income-tested fee are set by the Government and change each year. You can see the current fees here. The additional service fees are set by the home care provider.

Each level comes with associated costs for each service. These fees are detailed in Amana Living's Home Care Package Pricing Schedule.

Services Covered by Home Care Package Funding

Nursing Care and Allied Health

Home Care Packages cater to a range of clinical services by qualified health professionals including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and more. Beyond routine nursing care, the funds can be allocated for equipment plus more specialised medical attention, including wound care, medication management and physiotherapy.

These services also may be important to you if you’re managing chronic conditions, recuperating from surgery or need palliative care. It ensures you can receive professional medical care in the comfort of your home

Personal Care

Home Care Packages can fund personal care services to support you with daily activities such as supervising or helping with bathing, showering, personal hygiene and dressing.

Domestic Assistance

Sometimes it can be challenging to stay on top of your household chores. A home care provider can help keep your home clean, safe and comfortable.

Amana Living’s domestic assistance services include:

mopping, sweeping and vacuuming floors
light dusting and wiping down surfaces
washing, folding, and ironing laundry
making your bed.

Home Maintenance

A secure and well-maintained home environment is vital for your safety and independence. Home Care Package funds can be used for home modifications such as grab rails, ramps or stairlifts to enhance mobility and prevent falls.

Services may also include minor repairs and garden maintenance to reduce the physical demands of keeping a home and fostering a safe and pleasant living space.

Social Support Services

Home Care Package funds can be used to help you see family and friends and stay connected with your community. Known as social support services, they help to combat isolation by facilitating rich social networks and continued participation in cherished community events.

Social Support Services can also be used to help you get out and about, providing transport and assistance with shopping and attending appointments.

Respite Care

Additionally, Home Care Packages may cover respite care which can involve a carer providing during the day for a few hours or overnight care in your home or a temporary stay at a respite care centre. Day clubs also provide respite, offering older people living with dementia an opportunity to socialise.

Respite care is important because it gives the caregiver a chance to relax and recharge, knowing their loved ones are being supported by professionals.

Click the following link to learn more about Amana Living's respite care services.

What's Not Covered by a Home Care Package

Home Care Packages cover a wide range of services but your package cannot be used for:

everyday items typically out of general income
general food costs
permanent accommodation payments or rental assistance
home care fees or other government-funded care types
unrelated home modifications
travel and accommodation for holidays
entertainment activities like club memberships or event tickets
services/items covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Choosing the Right Home Care Provider

There are many Home Care Package providers in WA. When it's time to choose one, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here are specific tips and considerations to help streamline the process.

Assess Your (or Your Loved One's) Needs. Before you start looking for a provider, clearly understand your needs. What level of care is required? Are there specific health concerns that need specialised attention? Make a list of essential services.
Research Providers. Look for providers in your area. Amana Living, for instance, serves the Perth metropolitan area, Peel and Kalgoorlie regions with a range of services.
Compare Services. Not all providers offer the same services. Some may provide basic support like housekeeping and meal preparation, while others offer nursing or dementia care. Ensure the provider you're considering can meet the specific needs you've identified.
Examine Costs and Fees. Each home care provider charges differently for care and services such as personal care, cleaning and nursing. It’s important to ask providers for their fee schedule so you can compare costs, as well as understand the fees they might charge for tasks such as administration which is commonly known as a package management fee. Please see the following link for Amana Living’s Home Care Package fees.
Consider the Provider's Reputation. Research their track record. Read reviews, ask for references, and possibly reach out to current or past clients. Also, consider whether the values of the provider match your own.
Check Accreditation. Ensure the provider is accredited and complies with the Aged Care Quality Standards. Accreditation is a sign of a provider's commitment to quality care and continuous improvement.
Personalise Your Care. The best care is tailored to the individual. Does the provider offer personalised care plans?
Communication and Support. Good communication is crucial. How will the provider keep you informed about the care and services being delivered? What support systems do they have in place for both clients and caregivers?
Provider Flexibility. Life is unpredictable. Evaluate the provider's flexibility in adjusting services or schedules. How easy is it to increase, decrease, or change services as necessary?

Empowered Living Starts Here

Understanding how to use your funding is crucial for maximising the support available to you. This knowledge empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions, ensuring their care needs are met effectively.

For further details and to explore your options, visit Amana Living's Home Care services page, speak to our friendly team by calling 1300 26 26 26 or email us today.

FAQs about Home Care Packages

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package in Australia?

A Home Care Package in Australia is generally for people aged 65 and older or 50 and older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who need support to live independently at home. Eligibility is determined through an assessment process undertaken by ACAT.

What are the four levels of Home Care Packages?

The four levels of Home Care Packages cater to varying care needs, with Level 1 for basic care, Level 2 for low-level care, Level 3 for intermediate care and Level 4 for high-level care needs. The Government provides a different amount for each level to help cover the cost of services required.