What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On? (HCP options)
Australia’s aged care system offers senior citizens a wide range of services, from basic support to enable them to remain independent at home, to living in a residential aged care facility with access to full-time care depending on the level of care they need. In 2018-2019 alone, the Australian Government spent $19.9 billion on aged care programs.
If you're an Australian over the age of 65, you may be eligible for an aged care package. So what can you spend your package on? This guide will tell you all about the different items and services you can access with your funds. From home modifications to healthcare services, there are plenty of options available to help you improve your quality of life as you age.
What is a My Aged Care Package?
An Aged Care Package is a range of services and support that the Australian government provides to the elderly. It can include assistance with everyday living, health care, accommodation and equipment such as walking frames or personal alarms. It can also include personal care, home help, domestic assistance, transport, social activities, and meals. These different government-funded aged care services are made available to seniors who are eligible.
Types of My Aged Care Packages Available
There are two types of programs or packages you can avail of under the Australian Government's My Aged Care and it all depends on the level of need you may require:
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for entry-level care
If you are able to manage on your own but may need assistance with some of your tasks, you could be eligible for subsidised support services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
This program is designed to assist those who need a low level of support in order to maintain their independence. It is recommended for seniors who only require one or two services.
Home Care Packages - for more complex care needs
Home Care Packages are designed to accommodate those with greater care needs. If you find that you have multiple care needs and need more support services on a continuing basis, you could be eligible for a Home Care Package.
The type and amount of support you receive will be determined after your Aged Care Assessment.
Types of Aged Care Services You Can Access
Aged care services for seniors in Australia include:
Care in your home
Home care, also known as in-home support or home support, assists with domestic tasks, personal care, and social activities. This is an option for older people who are still able to live independently.
Residential care in aged care homes
Residential care, also known as nursing homes or aged care homes, provides accommodation and personal care as well as access to health services, 24-hour supervision, and meals.
Short-term care (such as after-hospital and respite care)
Short-term care can be for a few days or weeks and is designed to support people recovering from an illness or injury, or for those whose carers or loved ones go on a short break or leave. This type of care is usually provided in an aged care home.
How to know if you are eligible for Aged Care Services
Eligibility for Aged Care services is based on numerous factors like your health, how you’re managing at home, and if there is any support you are currently receiving. You may be eligible for aged care services if you have:
recently noticed a change in your ability to do things or remember things,
been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
experienced a change in family care arrangements
experienced a recent fall or hospital admission,
and are:
65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
There will be an assessment process to determine your eligibility which will look at your individual circumstances.
Read: How to get a Government Funded Personal Alarm (CHSP, NDIS, HCP, DVA)
My Aged Care Support Available for the Elderly
Aged care is the support provided to older people who need help in their own homes or who can no longer live at home. It can include:
Help with everyday living
This can include help with things like house chores, shopping, preparing meals and going to social outings.
Equipment
This includes equipment that can help with health and mobility like personal alarms, walking frames, and wheelchairs.
Accommodation
If living at home is no longer the best option, you can choose to move into an aged care home. This can be a permanent move or for a short time while you convalesce from an illness.
Home modifications
This can involve making changes to your home so that it’s easier for you to move around, stay safe, and do the things you need to do every day. This is for when you need handrails or ramps installed in your home.
Personal care
This can involve help with things like bathing, dressing, and going to the toilet.
Health care
This can involve help with things like seeing the doctor, getting your medicines, and going to hospital appointments.
How the My Aged Care Program Helps Senior Citizens
Aged care can help you stay healthy, independent, and connected to your community. It can also give you peace of mind, knowing that help is available to you once you need it. Here are some specific benefits of the Aged Care programs for the elderly.
Stay connected to your community
Aged care can help you stay connected to your community. It can provide you with transport to social outings, help you stay involved in activities, and put you in touch with other people your age.
Stay independent
Aged care can help you stay independent by providing you with the support you need to live independently at home. This could include help with housework, personal care, and health care.
Take care of your health and safety
Aged care can help you take care of your health. It can provide you with transport to medical appointments, help you manage your medications, and give you access to health services. Aged care can also help you stay safe in your home by providing equipment and home modifications.
How much does a My Aged Care Package cost
How much you pay for aged care services can depend on these variables:
the type of help you need,
the provider you choose,
your financial situation, and
the services you receive.
However, the government will pay a part of or can pay all of your costs, making it more accessible for you.
It is important to note that different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. In order to make the best decision for your budget and care needs, it is important to understand how all provider costs and fees work together. Comparing providers will help you choose the one that meets your specific needs.
Depending on which aged care service you need, you might have to get your income and assets assessed to determine your capacity to pay for your aged care package.
How Do My Aged Care Packages Work?
If you’re eligible for a My Aged Care Package, you’ll be assigned a care coordinator who will work with you to develop a care plan. This care plan will outline the services and support you need to live independently at home.
Your care plan will be reviewed regularly and can be updated as your needs change. You can receive services from a range of providers, including government-funded organisations, private companies and not-for-profit groups.
What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
The guidelines for what you can avail are pretty broad. They have drastically changed over the years but the main focus now is giving clients the freedom to make their own care choices and decide which services they need to uplift their current living conditions. Depending on the level of care assigned after the assessment, services may include any of the following:
Medical care
Companionship
Meal preparation
Grooming and personal needs
Shopping and ordering goods online (relevant to care needs)
Dementia care
Travel support
Podiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy counselling, speech therapy, some vision aids, companion pet
Home care – cleaning of the house (essential areas), laundry, making beds
Professional laundering, spring cleaning, therapeutic bed mattress
Transport to appointments, such as medical or even hairdresser (escorted by a care worker)
Basic cooking classes, meal delivery, diabetic magazine subscription
Basic garden maintenance
Medication prompts, personal alarm monitoring
Carer to help create photo memory books, go for a stroll in the park, out for coffee, walk the dog
Social activities and programs (Club memberships, Support Groups, etc.)
Exercise programs and classes (such as hydrotherapy, yoga, massage, gym, personal trainer, treadmill, etc)
What can't I use my Aged Care Package for?
However, there are still limitations to what you can spend your My Aged Care Package on:
Day-to-day bills
Food
Rent or mortgage payments
Gambling activities and other vices
Holidays
Entertainment activities
Items already covered by Medicare or Pharmaceutical Benefits
Programs already funded or subsidised by the Australian Government
Get a Tunstall Personal Alarm with your My Aged Care Package
Tunstall Healthcare's range of personal alarms can help you or your loved one live independently in your own home for longer, without compromising safety and peace of mind.
These devices offer 24/7 monitoring so you can rest assured knowing that help is available whenever and wherever needed. Certain Tunstall personal alarms can offer automatic fall detection and GPS location so your emergency contacts can know your whereabouts and condition at all times. Emergency services can also be dispatched when needed.
We are committed and dedicated to giving our clients and care providers personal alarm packages that help support a better quality of life. If you want to learn more about our personal alarms and how you can get funding, please contact Tunstall today.
My Aged Care FAQs
Can I get Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP) services at the same time?
Generally, no. It makes sure that assistance reaches as many care recipients as possible given the government's budget allocation for the program.
If you're receiving CHSP services and your needs increase, you'll be assessed for an HCP.
How do I spend my My Aged Care package?
Your package gives you a specific amount of funding and it depends on you on how you can budget that amount while choosing a specific set of services or assistance that addresses your most pressing needs from many different providers available.
How do I find the available My Aged Providers I can choose from?
The My Aged Care website has a Find a Provider tool that lets you compare providers by location, type of service and cost.
You can also ask your care coordinator for help in finding services that suit your needs.
What if I want to change providers?
If you're not happy with the services you're receiving, you can talk to your care coordinator about changing providers.
