What Can I Spend My Home Care Package (HCP) On?

Welcome to Ozcare. We are an experienced home care package provider servicing over 3,500 home care packages each year. If you’ve been approved for a home care package, you are probably wondering what you can spend it on. We are here to help you get the most value out of your package.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home care packages are designed to offer support and assistance to Australians over the age of 65 who require help with daily tasks. Funded by the Australian Government, these packages support seniors to live independently and comfortably at home for as long as possible.

You must meet specific criteria to be eligible for a home care package. You can check your eligibility and apply at My Aged Care. If eligible, you will receive an in-person assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to determine your level of need. Your physical, medical, and social needs will be taken into consideration to identify the appropriate level of care required.

There are four levels of home care packages, from Level 1 (basic care needs) to Level 4 (high-level care needs). Each level provides varying amounts of funding to support you to access the services and assistance that you feel will benefit you. Services can include support such as domestic assistance like cleaning and laundry, nursing services, respite care, transport, home modifications, and social support. Services are provided by approved aged care providers like Ozcare.

It’s important to note that home care packages do not cover all care costs. Depending on your financial situation, you may need to contribute towards the cost of your care, determined by an income and assets assessment conducted by the Department of Human Services.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions about home care packages, please reach out to us on 1800 Ozcare (1800 723 881). A helpful Ozcare staff member can guide you through the process and help you understand the services and support available through a home care package.

Approved Services and Support

Are you unsure about what your home care package funds can be used for? Ozcare offers a diverse range of approved services and support to help you live your best life at home.

In-home personal care such as help with showering and getting dressed and domestic assistance like cleaning, vacuuming and making beds are essential services covered by your care package. Our dedicated care teams can help with daily activities like getting ready for the day, meal preparation, and light housekeeping, ensuring you and your home are well taken care of.

Home nursing, allied health and dementia services can also be covered by your package. This includes specialist nursing care, medication management, allied health support such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy and dementia advisory and support services. Our experienced healthcare professionals can help you to manage your health conditions and improve your overall well-being.

At any age, social support and community engagement are central to maintaining a sense of belonging and connection. Your care package can provide access to social activities and programmes that promote interaction and engagement. From community outings to attending group activities in our day respite centres, our care teams can help you stay connected and enjoy a fulfilling social life.

Use Ozcare’s online Home Care Package Calculator to choose suitable services and see fees to understand how a home care package with Ozcare could work for you.

Excluded Services and Items

Some services and items are not covered by home care packages. It is important to be aware of excluded services and items so you can make informed decisions and manage your finances effectively.

Generally, the following services and items are not covered:

General home repairs and maintenance
General pest management
Pet care
Household furniture
Ingredients for meals
Vehicle related costs
Funeral plans or costs
Personal care services such as hairdressing and beauty treatments
Entertainment and recreational activities like movie tickets or gym memberships
Home insurance, rates, water, sewage, gas and electricity costs
Whitegoods and electrical appliances
Medication and pharmaceutical expenses
Toiletries and personal care products
Luxury items such as high-end electronics or expensive furniture
Home modifications or upgrades beyond what is necessary for your safety and well-being
Services or items not directly related to your care or well-being
Services or items that are funded through other government or community funding arrangements

Ozcare recommends that you review your care package carefully to understand what is covered and what you need to pay for. If you choose Ozcare as your home care package provider you will receive a dedicated care manager, who will work with you to understand your needs, help you identify what your package can and can’t pay for, and design a package of care that is tailored to suit you while delivering value.

Managing Your Home Care Package Budget

Managing your home care package budget will help you maximise the benefits and services you receive. Here are some tips to help you manage your budget effectively.

How to allocate home care package funds efficiently:

Identify your needs and priorities. Determine the services or supports you require and how much they will cost. You can use Ozcare’s Home Care Package Calculator to create a budget estimate for your home care package.

Tips for maximising the value of your package:

Understand the different services and support options that can be provided through your home care package. Research different service providers to make an informed decision. Consider seeking professional advice if necessary. Ensure your package is regularly reviewed so that it continues to meet your needs. Adjust your budget or reallocate funds if your circumstances change. On a home care package with Ozcare you will be assigned a dedicated care manager to oversee your home care package

Working with a care provider to manage your budget:

Communicate openly with your care provider. Discuss your budget constraints and explore ways to optimise your package. Home care packages have been designed to encourage you to have the choice about what’s important to you, the type of care you want to receive and how you want to receive it.

Ozcare can provide expert guidance on cost-effective options and help you make informed decisions. Ozcare will also provide regular invoices and statements to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Ozcare can help guide you through the assessment process with My Aged Care to start a Home Care Package. Once you are assigned a package, you will be given a dedicated Care Manager to support you to select a range of services and supports to help you live your best life.

Working closely with your dedicated Ozcare Care Manager will help you create a flexible care plan that maximises your package benefits. Additionally, your dedicated care manager will help you with goal setting, support to manage your budget, ongoing advice and after-hours assistance.

We are here to walk with you, in your home and community. Visit home care packages to learn more.