The Home Care Packages Programme is a package of home care services designed for those with more complex care needs, who may still wish to remain living independently in the comfort of their homes. You can estimate your total contribution and fees here.Â, You can allocate the funds in your package however you choose, and different providers charge differently for the same services. The list is endless – you have flexibility and choice – so be creative and persistent in getting what you want. The CARES Act requires that the payments from the Coronavirus Relief Fund only be used to cover expenses that— 1. are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19); You can contact your home care package provider to enquire as to whether a CPAP mask refund is available in your package, and request that your HCP provider organises this on your behalf. You can use your Home Care Package funds for modifications to your home to make it safe for you to remain living in it. Funds can be spent on most things that relates to your care and wellbeing. A professional gardener to help maintain your garden, or a support worker who provides companionship and does the gardening with you. A Home Care Package can be used to get help with domestic chores like shopping, cleaning and personal care or specialised medical assisitance such as nursing, podiatry and physiotherapy. Even if your child or relative wants to continue  providing personal care and companionship to you, they’ll need a break sometimes — and your funding can be used for respite care. Services need to fit within your package budget and be listed in your care plan. A nurse can help you manage medications, provide skin and wound care, or provide ongoing care for a chronic condition like vision degeneration or diabetes. The Federal Government’s introduced “Increasing Choice in Home Care” measures. What you can't use your package for. This meant that they could move any unspent package funds with them to their new provider. payment of fees or charges for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government. So your grocery purchases aren’t included (but special food purchases for enteral feeding requirements are included). About the Home Care Package Program. Each Home Care Package level receives a set amount of funding from the government that can be used to pay for care and support services. A home care package is a coordinated package of care and services, designed to help you live independently in your own home for as long as you can. Home Care Package funds aren’t paid to you directly. These include payment for services covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Clients can suspend their Home Care Package if they take temporary leave. It does require you or a family member to oversee all the administrative tasks and to work directly with the providers of each service you use. Home Care Packages are in-home care & home care services that are funded (either in part or in full) by the Australian Government to help you live in the comfort of your own home while recieving care. This money can be used to buy hours of care or other support that suits your needs. You can also use the subsidy for upgrades and modifications to your home if they’re necessary to keep it safe and accessible (such as adding ramps if you need a wheelchair). Companionship while attending your favourite activities. And payment for items already covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Michaelé February 7, 2020 Alzheimer's & Dementia, Seniors' Health Leave a Comment. A support worker helping you prepare meals, cooking for you or assisting with recipe planning. Instead, you choose an approved Home Care Package provider to administer the funds on your behalf and give you ‘case management’ support and advice. But, before you can access a Government funded Home Care Package, you must have an Aged Care assessment, also known as an ACAT or ACAS assessment. Managing Injuries This includes: Using the package funds as a source of income for yourself Sometimes, they still receive the full home care subsidy for up to 28 days in a financial year. Peter's home package was with insurance company Australian Unity, one of the country's biggest homecare providers. You can also get a variety of services with companion care, in which one carer comes regularly to your home to help with errands, transportation, social activities, and light housework.Â, A Level 3 package provides intermediate-level care. would be considered an acceptable use of government funds. If your initial assessment indicates that a Home Care Package will be the best fit for you, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will come to your home to determine which level of service you need. You can also get help with eating, including meal preparation and using eating utensils.Â, Many seniors have family members who help with personal care before they receive their Home Care Package. Other items that support activities of daily living. It covers the full cost of your care (in your own home or a care home), including: healthcare; personal care, such as help getting washed and dressed; care home fees, including accommodation costs In respite care, a temporary caregiver will replace your usual companion for a short time so they can go on vacation or have more time to take care of other needs. There are four levels of Home Care Packages. Your home care provider will help you develop a care plan that includes services tailored to your specific needs. Home care package funds can be used for services to keep you independent and safe in your home, as well as a wide range of clinical services to keep you well. Your eligibility will be determined through an assessment by a qualified healthcare provider, and you can sign up for an assessment through My Aged Care. If you’re not able to drive, then your package can pay for transport, especially transport to essential activities like GP visits. It’s for a person who needs ongoing support and help, but whose needs are less complex than someone who needs Level 4 care.Â, Here’s a sample of the types of services that a Level 3 package could fund:Â, Although you have choices when selecting the services you need and the provider you prefer, there are some services that don’t qualify for funding from your Home Care Package. A Home Care Package should not be used for, and does not replace, care and services that can be accessed through other health programs that you might be eligible for. There are also package supplements available for specific care needs: The Dementia and Cognition Supplement provides 10% additional funding for home care recipients with “moderate to severe levels of cognitive impairment associated with dementia or other conditions.“ This is available with any of the four levels of Home Care Packages. You can also get visits from a specialist provider such as a podiatrist or an occupational therapist. Home modifications unrelated to your mobility and safety. Basic chores and home maintenance, such as cleaning and gardening, can all be funded by your Home Care Package. payment of home care fees. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Sometimes this statement can be stretched a little, and Home Care Package funds end up being used for things that are possibly crossing the line a little! After hospital care e.g. General household appliances not related to your care needs. Your home care package can be used for a comprehensive range of support services, such as: So let’s break these down with some examples of how the home care package funds can be used. Or you may need support for health conditions such as dementia and memory loss. drop off and pick up), or a support worker who attends appointments with you, including a translator. What Is the Difference Between CHSP and Home Care Packages, Regular house cleaning and safety maintenance, Daily visit from a skilled carer who can assist with nutrition, toileting, personal grooming, and medications, Regular visits by a Registered Nurse who oversees chronic conditions and provides any needed clinical care. Daily bills and expenses such as gas and electricity. Home Care funding is consumer-directed, which means you can choose the provider you want and the care you need to continue a vibrant, independent life in your home. The different levels and options available enable you to choose the exact services that are best for you. Paying your mortgage or rent doesn’t qualify (but home modifications that are necessary for accessibility likely do). (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); What can home care package funds be used for? You can pay for Respite with your Home Care Package funds, but you need to be aware that there are guidelines: You need to have the funds available in your package to fund this. The ACAT team will approve you for one of four different levels of care, depending on how much help you need for independent living.Â, Home Care is for people who need more complex or ongoing support than is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. 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