Home Care Packages For Seniors

Did you know that if you’re 65 years or older, you could qualify for government funding to receive in-home care services such as domestic assistance, personal care, social support, and more?

The Home Care Packages (HCP) program is a government-subsidised initiative designed to enable senior Australians to access essential services and care to live independently within the comfort of their own home.

Government funds for Home Care Packages cover costs directly related to the person’s care and should not be considered additional income for expenses not directly related to one’s care.

That means you cannot use a Home Care Package for:

• Rent or mortgage payments;
• Fees and charges for other government-funded care;
• Home modifications not directly related to one’s care needs;
• Holiday travel and accommodation;
• Entertainment, including club memberships and tickets to events;
• Gambling;
• Payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; or
• Food and general shopping that are not related to one’s care needs.

Seniors can apply for home modifications if they are directly related to their care needs.

As with government systems, navigating the home care system can be challenging for some, but it starts with connecting with My Aged Care, which you can do by phoning 1800 200 422 or visiting their website or in person at some Services Australia centres.

• Topics:

• Seniors