What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On? 2024 Updated

Aged Care Packages in Australia is a scheme for older adults over 65 who want to be as independent as possible but still need the supportive care required.

In this blog, we will go through what you need to know about using such packages to increase the quality of life in your twilight years, what can your Home Care Package be used for, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What is a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is a Government-subsidised program that supports providing care services for older Australians to enable them to continue living independently at home for as long as possible. These packages offer a range of services that suit the needs of the person, promoting well-being and independence.

Who can receive a home care package?

Usually, this package is targeted at elderly Australians who require assistance with the activities of daily living to enable them to continue to live fully engaged in their home and community in relative safety and good health. An assessment from the ACAT is conducted to be eligible for a Home Care Package. The assessment considers health status, mobility, and capacity to perform daily activities.

What is a Home Care Package?

The Home Care Packages are designed with four levels of organised support, structured around the amount of funding and service support level provided. The ACAT is responsible for assessing the package levels—that is, evaluating the results and recommendations to people from the results of the ACAT assessment to determine the package level. Although the individual is funded, they can purchase several services through the available approved providers for the best services.

How to Apply for a Home Care Package?

To access a Home Care Package based on your support, you will need an ACAT assessment, which should be arranged through My Aged Care, the government entry point for aged care services. If, following your ACAT assessment, you are approved, then you will receive a subsequent program letter of approval issued by an Aged Care Assessment Team.

Packages available at varying levels of homecare

The Home Care Package program has four packages; however, the funding is characterised according to the support they offer.

1. Level 1: Basic needs of care

2. Level 2: Low-level care needs

3. Level 3: Intermediate care needs

4. Level 4: High-level needs care

What can funds from a home care package be used on?

Home Care Package funding has diverse services that will improve the quality of life and independence of older people. Such might include:

Personal Care Services and Supports

Help with daily care tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and personal grooming.

Social Activities

Support in participation within the community and relationships to lower one’s level of loneliness and enhance mental health.

Nursing and Allied Health Care

Occupational and physiotherapy, like occupational therapists and workplace physiotherapists.

Nutrition and Meal Preparation

Helping to plan, prepare, and deliver meals to users while maintaining a healthy, disease-specific diet.

Contenance Management

Products and assistance that manage continence problems.

Maintaining Skin Integrity

Services for disease prevention and treatment, including careful care of the skin with the goal of maintaining its health and cleanliness.

Transition of Care from Community to Residential Aged Care

Other ways in which you can access useful Home Care Package funding include::

• Renting a scooter: Mobility will be an added advantage.
• Enrolling in osteo-aerobics: Exercise programs.
• Purchase of innovative technologies: Technology to guarantee safety while maintaining independence at home.
• Review of Home Medication: Ensuring Effective Medicine Management.
• Dog walking services: Ensuring that pets are taken care of.
• Adaptive clothing: Increased ease in dressing.
• Health supplements: Boost overall health
• Chores and housekeeping: Helps you with everyday tasks at home.
• Podiatric services: Care of the feet.
• Belonging: Social contact and mutual support.

What is not covered in a Home Care Package?

• – Permanent residential care payment
• – Things which a person would normally purchase themselves (for example: groceries, rent)
• – Services that be accessed through other government programs

Costs and Fees for Home-Care Packages

Home care packages may include the following costs and fees:

• Basic daily fee: A small daily payment
• Income-tested care fee: An additional fee based on your income
• Surcharge: Agreed upon with your service provider for additional services

How does a Home Care Package budget work?

The Home Care Package budget is managed by the provider on behalf of and in partnership with the care receiver. The following budget is an itemised list of the government funding available and the contribution of the consumer to ensure that funds are spent with the best effect to support the care needs:

How Much Does the Government Contribute?

Example for package level dependent contribution from the government:

Level 1: Approximately $9,000 (Annually)

Level 2: Approximately $15,750 (Annually)

Level 3: Approximately $34,250 (Annually)

Level 4: Approximately $52,000 (Annually)

What Kind of Charges Might You Pay?

In addition to this, the participants might have to make essential daily fee contributions, as well as an income-tested care fee based on their income.

Conclusion

By wisely utilising the aged care funding, Australian seniors may afford to stay in their homes and enhance their living standards with care. Therefore, if you or someone close to you needs a Home Care Package, the first step is to arrange an assessment with ACAT through My Aged Care to get help and look into the many services and support you can access.

Helpful resources For those who want to make career in Aged Care

• Pathway to a Rewarding Career in Aged Care and Disability Support
• Certificate III in Individual Support: Your Path to Making a Difference
• CHC33021 – Certificate III in Individual Support in Melbourne
• Certificate III in Individual Support: Skills, Specialisations, Course Structure, and Career Opportunities