Another common question from those who contact us about our home care packages is what can the funds be used for.
Typically, these funds are used for a variety of home care services that allow you to live independently.
But we thought it would be worth creating an article about what these funds can and cannot be used for.
However, before we do that, it’s worth discussing what a home care package is, who is eligible for one, and how they work.
What is a Home Care Package?
In short, it affords many elderly Australian’s the ability to look after themselves in the comfort of their own home.
Funding through these packages is typically based on what the customer needs and they have the ability to choose the provider as well.
The various levels of care available will also determine the number of home care services available to you or your loved one.
Who is Eligible?
An individual’s eligibility for a home care package is determined via an assessment conducted with a qualified provider.
If the assessment determines that it would be suitable for you or your loved one, then conversations can begin to determine the level of home care services you need.
From there, you will then be approved for one of the four levels of care which is dependent on how much assistance you need to live independently.
If you or your loved one needs regular or ongoing support beyond what government-funded home care services can provide, then an aged care package may be a more suitable option.
They will certainly appeal to those who require occasional home care services.
How Does is it Work?
As previously mentioned, there are four different levels that can be accessed within a home care package.
Once your needs and requirements have been assessed, you’ll be approved for one of these levels which is dependent on how much support is required to allow you to keep living independently.
Each service level includes a specific amount of funding from the government which gets paid to the home care package provider of your choosing.
– Level 1 – Basic Level of Care – $346.22* each fortnight paid by the government
– Level 2 – Low Level of Care – $609* each fortnight paid by the government
– Level 3 – Intermediate Level of Care – $1,325.24* each fortnight paid by the government
– Level 4 – High Level of Care – $2,009* each fortnight paid by the government
* denotes fees as of July 2021
It’s worth noting that you too might be asked to contribute a portion of the cost of your home care package.
This will be dependent on your income and will be determined during the assessment period.
What Can The Funds Be Used For?
Each level within a home care package includes a variety of home care services that are available to you based on your specific needs.
These services include nursing care, respite, gardening, transportation, medical management, allied health, and much more.
What’s Not Included?
Typically, anything that you would normally buy using your own money won’t be included in your home care package.
Examples of this are your groceries, rent, specific social activities, any holidays, and fees that are already funded by the government i.e. Medicare.
If you would like to find out more about how we can support you in living independently, please contact us to leave an enquiry or call us on (03) 8720 1338.