Key Takeaways at a Glance
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Core Categories: Funds are generally spent on Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Nursing, Social Support, Home Maintenance, and Respite.
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Goal-Oriented: Expenses must align with the care goals outlined in your Care Plan. If it helps you stay healthy and independent at home, it is likely eligible.
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Strict Exclusions: You cannot spend funds on food, rent, mortgages, gambling, holidays, or entertainment tickets.
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Home vs. Lifestyle: You can pay for a cleaner or a gardener (Home Maintenance), but you cannot pay for home renovations that aren’t care-related (e.g., a new kitchen).
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Flexibility: You can adjust your budget mix. One month you might prioritise transport to appointments; the next you might need more nursing care.
As we age, each of us may require a little extra help to maintain our quality of life and live happily and healthily. Although it’s an option, for many seniors, moving into a nursing home or aged care facility is not the preferred choice. At Care For Family, we understand the importance of living independently and continuing to enjoy the life you’ve built. That’s why we’re here to shed light on Aged Care Packages (also known as Home Care Packages), offering guidance on what you can spend them on to make your golden years as fulfilling as possible.
Understanding Aged Care Packages
The primary aim of Aged Care Packages is to provide senior Australians with personalised care and services tailored to their unique needs and preferences. They grant you the freedom to choose the in-home care and support that aligns with your lifestyle and requirements.
You might also be interested in reading our blog post Can You Have A Home Care Package And NDIS Plan?
What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
Aged Care Packages are designed to provide seniors with the support they need as they get older, while staying in the comfort of their own homes. These packages offer flexibility and a wide range of services to enhance your quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of what you can spend your Aged Care Package on:
Domestic Assistance
For some older Australians, living at home independently requires only a little support with everyday tasks like cleaning, laundry, changing bedding, or getting around the house. Your Aged Care Package can help with these tasks and other domestic assistance around the home.
Nursing Care
Most Aged Care Packages include regular visits from skilled nursing professionals. These nurses can assist you with various aspects of your health, including medication management, wound care, and support for chronic conditions, including vision degeneration or diabetes. Additionally, you may receive visits from specialist providers, such as podiatrists or occupational therapists, tailored to your specific needs.
Personal Care
As mobility may decline with age, personal care becomes a crucial part of your Aged Care Package. This includes assistance with daily tasks like showering and personal grooming. In addition, if maintaining independence in eating is a concern, your package can cover support with meal preparation and using eating utensils.
Respite Care
This valuable service allows your regular caregiver to take a break while a temporary caregiver steps in. Whether it’s for a short vacation or managing other responsibilities, respite care ensures consistent support.
Live-in Care
For those requiring continuous care that family members may be unable to provide, Aged Care Packages can contribute to this cost. It’s important to note that costs will vary between providers. Care For Family offers full-time live-in care for older Australians who require support around the clock.
Home Maintenance
Maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment is essential for your well-being. Your Aged Care Package extends its assistance to ensure your home remains a haven. Here’s what’s included:
- Basic chores
- Home modifications
- Accessibility equipment
- Gardening and housekeeping
Social Care
Remaining socially active and connected to your community is vital for a fulfilling lifestyle. Aged Care Packages acknowledge this and offer funding for various social care services:
- Transport
- Community activities
- Companion care
It’s important to know that each Aged Care Package level includes different levels of services. You can adjust the level of your Home Care/Aged Care Package as your needs change, and incorporate different levels and types of services as you age.
For more information on the types of services included in your Aged Care Package, visit the My Aged Care website or get in touch with us at Care For Family.
You can also read our helpful blog post that outlines how the various levels of Home Care Packages work and what support you can get with each one: Home Care Packages Level 1 – 4
Excluded Services
While Aged Care Packages offer comprehensive support, there are certain expenses that are not covered by the funding. Generally speaking, the services you choose must address your care needs and goals, as outlined in your Care Plan. Some of the things excluded from your Aged Care Plan include:
- General income
- Purchase of food
- Payment for permanent accommodation (home purchase, mortgage payments, or rent)
- Payment for fees or charges for other government-funded or jointly-funded care
- Home modifications that are not directly related to your care needs
- Travel and accommodation for holidays
- Entertainment activities, such as club memberships or tickets to events
- Gambling activities
- Payment for services and items already covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (glasses and hearing aids are good examples of this)
You might also be wondering whether you can have a Home Care Package and NDIS plan at the same time. For more information on that, we’ve created a useful guide that you can read here. We’ve also put together some useful information about How to Choose A Home Care Package Provider.
What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package on with Care For Family?
Understanding Aged Care Packages can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help. We offer comprehensive care services that cater to all levels of aged care needs, from a couple of hours of domestic assistance each week, to 24-hour care. Feel free to reach out to Care For Family if you have any questions or need guidance on how to make the most of your Aged Care Package.
Frequently answered questions (FAQs)
1. Can I pay my relatives to care for me with the package?
Generally, no. Package funds must be used to pay for professional services from approved providers or contracted workers, not informal care from family.
2. Does the package cover my electricity bill?
No. General household bills like electricity, gas, and water are excluded and must be paid from your personal income.
3. Can I use the funds for a holiday?
No. Travel and accommodation for holidays are excluded. However, you can use funds for a support worker to accompany you on a trip to provide care.
4. Does it cover hearing aids or glasses?
Not usually. If an item is already funded by the government (e.g., Medicare or public hospital schemes), you cannot use package funds for it.
5. Can I use the package for “Meals on Wheels”?
You can use the package to pay for the preparation and delivery cost of the meal, but you must pay for the cost of the food ingredients yourself.
