When you receive your Support at Home plan (previously called a Home Care Package), you may be unclear as what you can spend it on.
The budget is paid to the provider directly by the government and you’ll get it allocated quarterly, which covers 3 months of the year. How much funding you get from the government is based on your ongoing classification (levels 1-8).
Up to $1000 or 10% of your quarterly budget can be carried over.
Different to the previous Home Care Packages, if you have complex needs, you may also be allocated an additional budget for three short term "pathways"- Restorative Care, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme and End-of-Life Pathway.
Here is a longer list of what you can spend your budget on.
Clinical supports
Including help with self-care and daily living, nursing care (including wound care), occupational therapy, and podiatry, psychology, music therapy, acupuncture, remedial massage, help with showering, taking medications, transport, and respite care.
Does not include general expenses, such as hairdressing or waxing, pharmaceuticals,
costs of medication or managing conditions that aren't directly related to age or disability, such as acute mental health.
Independence and everyday living
This covers general cleaning, light gardening, mowing and pruning shopping, some home maintenance and repairs or meal preparation or delivery.
Does not include general expenses, such as professional cleaning services, pest control, dry cleaning, pet care, your shopping ingredient costs or takeaway food.
Assistive Technology and Home modifications (AT-HM)
Thiere is now separate, additional funding for older people to access assistive technology and home modifications. The funds do not accrue over time and will be available for 12 months so make sure you use it!
Your need for this and budget allocation/ funding tier (low, medium or high) will be determined at the time of your initial aged care assessment.
Approved funding is provided separately from your ongoing support services budget and may cover:
Assistive technology including
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equipment to help you move around such as wheelchairs, walking frames, or walking sticks
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toileting supports like bedpans and commodes
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bathing equipment, including shower chairs and bath boards
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alternative and augmentative communication products
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products used for preparing and eating food, such as adaptive cutting boards, or modified cutlery.
Home modifications including
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lever tap sets or lever door handles
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grab rails in your shower or bathroom
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internal and external handrails
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ramps and stair lifts
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non-slip materials and mats for floors and stairs.
The full list of eligible products, equipment and home modifications can be found here.
Restorative Care Pathway
If approved for this separate service, you will get a support plan and $6,000 budget for a 16-week period.
Work with your provider to identify areas that need work for eg:
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work around your house to fix a trip hazard
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short term physiotherapy
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taking group exercise strengthening classes to help support you physically and socially.
End-of-Life Pathway
For an older person who has been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live, this helps provide services such as urgent support and funding for personal care, help around the house, and general nursing.
