Home Care Package Restrictions
Your Home Care Package can be used for a huge range of great services to help you stay safe at home! However, there are some services that are restricted. Find out what they are.
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Home Care Package Restrictions: At A Glance
- The rule: Funding can only be used for services that directly help you live safely at home and align with your care plan
- Not covered: Cars, televisions, rent or mortgage payments, gambling, entertainment, groceries, alcohol, or holidays
- Medications: Prescription medications are not covered — these are funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- Meals vs groceries: Meal preparation services (a worker helping you cook) are covered, but buying groceries is not
- Your care plan decides: If a service addresses your assessed care needs and goals, it is likely covered — ask your provider
- Unsure what’s included? CareAbout can help you understand your funding — call 13 13 00 for free advice
Do you know what’s included and what isn’t included in your Home Care Package? The basic rule of thumb with Home Care Package funding is that you can use the money for any service or product that will directly assist you to keep living safely in your home.
Sometimes people believe that they can use their Home Care Package on anything they choose – including holidays, paying bills or buying their groceries.
What’s important to know is that there are guidelines which state what you can and can’t spend the funds in a Home Care Package on. A good rule of thumb is that the services needs to address your care needs and goals as documented in your Care Plan.
What can’t I use a Home Care Package for?
Some of the things you can’t use your Home Care Package for are:
- Buying a car or other vehicle
- A new TV
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Gambling or entertainment
- Groceries
- Alcohol or prescription medications
- Holidays
Read more about: What Can Home Care Package Funds Be Used For?
Other Government schemes and benefits
If something is covered by another Government scheme, such as Medicare, you cannot use your Home Care Package to pay for it.
What can I use my Home Care Package for?
Home Care Packages are designed to assist you with your day to day living tasks, so that you can remain in your own home for as long as possible.
Home Care Package services include things such as:
- Vacuuming, cleaning, laundry
- Gardening and basic household maintenance
- Personal care such as help showering and dressing
- Medication management
- Installation of handrails and other safety devices
- Equipment such as walking frames
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Respite care
Can I buy a fridge with my Home Care Package?
Typical household expenditures, like buying a fridge, a computer or a TV, are generally not covered by Home Care Package funding. However, if a fridge is crucial for storing medications or specific dietary needs due to health conditions, it may be classified as a necessary health-related expense. Discuss this with your care provider to determine if such a purchase can be included under your package, ensuring it aligns with your personalised care plan.
Is Home Care enough support for your loved one?
Most older Australians prefer to delay or remove the need to move into an Aged Care Home, though this isn’t always a possibility. Thankfully there are some fantastic, quality Aged Care Homes in Australia. If you or a loved one is looking to move into a Nursing Home in Australia, CareAbout is here to help. Learn more.
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Make sure you are getting everything you need from your Home Care Package. If you have any questions, or are unsure whether a certain provider is a good fit for you, give us a call and get expert help at ZERO cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can’t I spend my Home Care Package on?
You cannot use Home Care Package funds for buying a car, a television, rent or mortgage payments, gambling, entertainment, groceries, alcohol, prescription medications, or holidays. Funds must be used for services that directly address your care needs and goals.
Can I use my package to pay for food?
You cannot use your package for regular grocery shopping. However, meal preparation services — where a support worker helps you prepare meals at home — are an approved service under your care plan.
Can I spend my funding on anything I choose?
No. All spending must align with your approved care plan and directly help you live safely at home. Your provider manages your budget and ensures funds are used appropriately according to government guidelines.
What happens if I try to use funds for something not covered?
Your provider is responsible for ensuring funds are spent according to guidelines. They will not approve spending that falls outside your care plan. If you are unsure whether something is covered, ask your provider or call CareAbout on 13 13 00 for guidance.
Are there different rules under Support at Home compared to Home Care Packages?
The basic principle remains the same — funding must be used for services that address your assessed care needs. Under Support at Home, services are grouped into three categories (Clinical, Independence, Everyday Living) with clearer guidelines on what is and is not covered.
