2 June 2024
Home Care Packages Program Inclusions and Exclusions
The Home Care Packages (HCP) Program is designed to provide coordinated care and services to help older Australians with complex, age-related care needs live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible. However, it’s essential to understand the inclusions and exclusions of the program to ensure appropriate utilisation of funds and services. The Department of Health and Aged Care has worked closely with the aged care sector and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to clarify what can and cannot be covered under the HCP Program.
Policy Intent and Eligibility
The HCP Program’s primary intent is to support older individuals over 65 years of age (or First Nations people over 50) with age-related functional decline. Exceptions to the age cut-offs include younger people with disabilities not supported by other programs, individuals on a low income, and those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for First Nations people). It’s important to note that the HCP Program is not a general income support program.
Inclusions and Exclusions Framework
Approved HCP providers are expected to use the Inclusions and Exclusions Framework outlined in Part 9 of the HCP Provider Manual when making decisions about what can or cannot be included as part of a care recipient’s package. This framework supports providers in taking a flexible and responsive approach while working with care recipients to ensure that funding is used appropriately and transparently.
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Assessing, Recommending, and Prescribing Services
A range of health professionals, including Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs), General Practitioners (GPs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and registered allied health professionals, can prescribe or recommend services, supports, or items to be included in a HCP. It’s essential that these recommendations fall within the scope of the health professional’s area of practice and align with the care recipient’s assessed care needs and goals outlined in their care plan.
Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT)
GEAT is available under the HCP Program to assist care recipients in coping with functional limitations and maintaining their independence safely. Examples of eligible GEAT items include shower chairs, dressing aids, specialised eating utensils, continence aids, mobility aids, personal alarms, and assistive technology specific to frailty or functional/postural decline.
Allied Health and Specialist Services
Allied health services, such as podiatry, physiotherapy, chiropractic, and hydrotherapy, are included under the HCP Program if they are required due to age-related functional decline, delivered by accredited providers, and not concurrently funded by another government program.
Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements
Services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), including PBS medications and non-PBS medications, are excluded under the HCP Program. However, specialised foods prescribed by a treating health professional for age-related conditions, such as dysphagia or cognitive impairment, can be included.
Home Maintenance and Modifications
Minor home maintenance services, such as changing light bulbs or unblocking toilets, may be provided if the care recipient was previously able to carry out the activity themselves but can no longer do so safely. Home modifications to improve safety, accessibility, and independence, such as widening doorways or installing an ambulant toilet, can be funded under the HCP Program if clinically justified and agreed upon in the care recipient’s care plan.
Cleaning
Cleaning services to keep the home safe and liveable, such as dusting, vacuuming, and laundry, are included under the HCP Program. More specialised cleaning, such as soft furnishings soiled due to severe and permanent incontinence or one-off decluttering for safety reasons, may also be covered.
Transport
HCP package funds can be used to pay for taxi vouchers or fuel cards (in rural and remote areas) for aged care-related transport needs, such as visiting health practitioners or attending social activities. However, private transport costs like vehicle registration, repairs, insurance, and petrol, as well as local public transit fares, are excluded.
I think what family members need from us is reliability, trusted staff – so, so important when we’re in people’s homes delivering services - and to be honest I think they want us to take the hassle out of the aged care system, help guide and support them and care for their families as their needs change.
Tracey, National Operations Manager, Alpha Support at Home
FAQs Related to HCP Program
A Home Care Package, funded by the Commonwealth Government, is a great way for you to access services and supports tailored to suit your individual needs. Alpha Support at Home can work with you to develop a personalised plan designed to enable you to continue living independently in the comfort of your own home. If you find yourself in need of more than just basic assistance, a Home Care Package is an ideal solution, offering a comprehensive approach with an extensive range of services, aids, and equipment to support you.
To maximise the potential of your Home Care Package, a care coordinator will work with you to understand and develop an array of support and services specifically designed to meet your unique requirements.
Alpha Support at Home offers support for all levels of Home Care Packages to cater to a wide spectrum of needs:
- Level 1: For those needing basic assistance.
- Level 2: For low-level care needs.
- Level 3: For those requiring intermediate level care.
- Level 4: For those with high level care needs requiring comprehensive support.
To discuss your individual needs and requirements, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to assist you in determining the most suitable level of care and support to meet your needs. Call us on 1300 023 676.
The Australian government has an assessment process that will determine if you are eligible for funding to provide support at home under a Home Care Package. Services and support may be available if you are 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
As a starting point, you can use the eligibility checker tool on the My Aged Care website to establish your or your loved one’s eligibility.
Starting the in-home care process can be daunting and confusing. If you’d like some help in navigating the services available and how they meet your or your loved one’s needs, we can help. Call us on 1300 023 676 or enquire here.
Home Care Packages (HCPs) can greatly assist you in living independently in your home. However, funding may vary based on the level of care required. Below is a simplified breakdown of what each Home Care Package level provides you.
For those with basic home care needs, Level 1 provides you with approximately $856 of funding each month. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is approximately $10,271 annually.
If you have low-level care needs, Level 2 provides you with approximately $1,505 of funding per month. As a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding available for you is approximately $18,064 annually.
Level 3 caters to individuals with intermediate care needs and provides you with approximately $3,276 of funding per month. If you’re a single, full age pensioner, the maximum funding for this level is approximately $39,310 annually.
The highest package, Level 4, is designed for those with high-level care needs. It offers extensive and tailored services, including more clinical care such as nursing and allied health services. This level provides you with approximately $4,966 of funding per month. As a single, full age pensioner, you can receive up to approximately $59,594 in funding annually.
The total amount of a Home Care Package is made up of what:
- the Australian Government pays (the subsidy)
- and what you may need to pay (your home care fees).
The subsidy the Australian Government pays will be different for each level of Home Care Package. This amount is paid to the Home Care Provider you choose for the care and services delivered to you.
If you can afford it, you’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care and services .
Your share is comprised of three fee categories:
- Basic Daily Fee (up to $12.75 as of 20th March 2024)
Depending on your Home Care Package level, your service provider might request this daily fee. Currently Alpha Support at Home does not charge Home Care Clients this fee.
- Income-Tested Care Fee (up to $36.60 per day as of 20th March 2024)
This fee is determined by an official income evaluation conducted by Services Australia. Some individuals may need to pay this fee. The amount you're required to pay is dependent on your income, and there are both yearly and lifetime maximums for this fee.
- Additional Fees
These are any additional costs you've agreed to for extra care or services that your Home Care Package doesn't typically cover. For a more comprehensive understanding of the fees, caps, and how to utilise your package funds, our team is always here to assist on 1300 023 676. You can also see the breakdown of fees applicable for each Package level in our Care Package Price Guide.
We understand that sometimes you might need support urgently. To accommodate this, we offer a fee-for-service program for home care. This means you can access the services you need, right when you need them, without having to wait for government funding or approval. Simply pay for the specific services you need, as and when you require them. This way, you can begin receiving the necessary care and support in your home without any delay.
Reach out to us right away and let us assist you through this journey. Call us on 1300 023 676.
If you think you’ll have difficulty paying the required fees, you can talk to us. If needed, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. Each case is considered on an individual basis.
To apply for financial hardship assistance, you or your representative need to complete an application form and submit the completed form to Services Australia. You can get a copy of the form from the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/sa462 or by calling 1800 227 475 (free call).
A Home Care Agreement is an agreement between you and your Home Care Provider. It details the services you want and the Provider will provide. Organising the Home Care Agreement comes after you have received your Home Care Package. Your services cannot commence without it.
Developing your Home Care Agreement is something you do in partnership with your Provider.
After you've selected Alpha Support at Home as your Home Care Provider, we will collaborate with you to formulate a plan of care to support you living independently. This will lay the groundwork for your Home Care Agreement, detailing:
- The manner in which your services will be provided
- The team responsible for their provision
- The associated costs
It is important to remember that you and Alpha Support at Home are entering into this agreement as equal partners, and any changes must be agreed to by both parties. If any physical or medical issues hinder you f rom entering the Home Care Agreement, a representative can step in to complete the agreement on your behalf.
Understanding the distinction between being “approved” and “assigned” in a Home Care Package is crucial in navigating your way through the home care process. Many find these terms confusing but grasping their individual implications will make the process much more transparent.
Firstly, let’s tackle the difference between approval and assignment.
“Approval” for a Home Care Package signifies that you have been deemed eligible by My Aged Care to receive a package. However, it doesn’t automatically mean you have a package ready to use. In other words, you have been given the green light to receive a Home Care Package, but it will only be provided to you when one becomes available. Consider this approval as the first step towards receiving your package.
After approval, you’re added to the national queue, essentially a waiting list. Like any queue, you have to wait your turn. Once you reach the front of this line, and a Home Care Package becomes available, the package is then “assigned” to you. This assignment indicates that you now have a Home Care Package specifically allocated to you, which you can utilise.
Understanding where you stand in this process based on your individual circumstances is critical for managing your expectations and planning your care and support accordingly. Call us on 1300 023 676 if you would like some help with this.
At any time, whilst awaiting to achieve the “Approval”, you may engage Alpha Support at Home to provide care and support on a fee for service basis.
Alpha Support at Home is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment, and we welcome your feedback in order to improve our services. Please complete the form below to provide any compliments, comments, and complaints.
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