What services does a Home Care Package include?
It can be tricky to determine what can and can’t be paid for with Home Care Package funding. Sponsor Feros Care is here to help.
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Key points
The Department of Health and Aged Care recently released an updated version of the Home Care Package guidelines.
There have been some changes to services that can no longer be included in a Home Care Package, such as pet care, beauty therapy and hairdressing.
However, your individual circumstances will always be taken into consideration.
The Department of Health and Aged Care recently released an updated version of the Home Care Package guidelines. The updates include some changes to services that can no longer be included in a Home Care Package, such as pet care, beauty therapy and hairdressing.
Feros Care can help to clarify what’s included, what’s excluded, and how a Wellbeing Manager can work with you to determine what is an approved expense under the guidelines.
It’s important to note that your individual circumstances will always be taken into consideration. The intention of the Home Care Package program is to keep you living safely in your own home for longer, and your care needs can always be discussed with your Wellbeing Manager.
There are some expenses that are generally excluded, even if they may be related to your needs and goals, as they’re not aligned to the intent and scope of the HCP Program.
All of the below examples are considered day-to-day expenses, and will usually be paid for with your personal income rather than your Home Care Package funding:
- Home insurance, rates, water, sewage, gas and electricity costs.
- General pest management.
- General home repairs and maintenance.
- Pet care.
- Beauty services and hairdressing.
- Gym or pool memberships.
- Household furniture.
- Vehicle related costs, including insurance and repairs.
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There are some further excluded items due to each state or territory having their own program or scheme to help with the cost of prescription glasses and dental work.
The Australian Government also funds the Hearing Services Program (HSP) to help eligible concession card holders access hearing aids.
Any home modifications must be related to your ageing-related care needs. However, reasonable maintenance to keep the home and garden safe, and for adequate security, is always included; for example, removal of a garden bed may be necessary if it’s for safety reasons, such as obstructing a pathway.
Your Home Care Package can fund transport and personal assistance for shopping, visiting health practitioners and attending social activities.
Click here to find out more about inclusions and exclusions for each category, including specific examples.
Unsure about what can and can’t be funded through your Home Care Package? Your Wellbeing Manager can work with you or your representative to determine if the service, support or purchase you’re interested in:
Is directly linked to your identified care needs and goals.
Is important for your health and wellbeing.
Is necessary for you to support safety in your home.
Can be delivered within your available package budget.
Would be considered an acceptable use of government funds.
Where an item is not explicitly included or excluded, your Wellbeing Manager can work through a decision-making tool to help with determination of the outcome.
What we care most about is helping people live healthier, happier, better-connected lives. Since 1990, we’ve been making it happen, both for older Australians and people with disability.
Our aged care and disability support services can help you in many ways. Whether you need home care, residential and respite care, some clever technology to make life easier, assistance in accessing community activities or one of our growing number of allied health and wellness solutions.
