5 Things You Need To Know About Home Care Packages

Receiving care in your own home benefits both you and the government. The support provided through Home Care Packages is generous and well worth utilising. However, it’s important to understand several vital things to make the most out of your Home Care Package. Let’s have a look at these top 5 things you must know.

1. Home Care Packages Expire!

If you’ve had your Home Care Package allocated that means the Package has now been funded by the government. You have 56 days to choose a Home Care Package provider or you will lose your Package. Unfortunately, if you lose your government-funded Home Care Package you will go back onto the national waiting list and you may have to wait 12-18 months to get your Home Care Package funded again.

So, make sure you use it – or lose it!

2. You Can Switch Your Home Care Provider

Did you know that you can change the provider who delivers your care? The My Aged Care Home Care Package amount is attached to you, not the care provider. Therefore, if for any reason you’re unhappy you can choose another care provider to deliver your services.

People switch Home Care providers for many reasons including:

When they’re relocating
Paying too much of their Home Care Package in fees
Paying high hourly fees
Unhappy with constantly changing carers
Not receiving the services as promised
Not getting the services, they need.

3. You Can Wait For 6 Months For Home Care Package Funds

The good news is that centrelink Home Care Packages are a great way to support you to stay safely and confidently in your own home. But, the bad news is that there’s a long wait from the time you are assessed for an Aged Care Home Care Package until the time it is allocated or funded.

Waiting is never fun and this wait can be as long as 6 months (sometimes longer if you aren’t considered high priority). So, if you need help it’s best to get assessed early or even get some help while you’re waiting for a Home Care Package.

4. You Can Pay Half Of Your Home Care Package In Fees!

Unfortunately, that’s right. This is because different Home Care Package providers take different amounts of your Package in fees. Some home care providers charge establishment fees, and others don’t. Since January 2023 Home Care Admin and Package fees are capped at 35%. Providers are not allowed to charge more than that.

Make sure you do your homework and ensure you’re getting the most out of your Package. CareAbout can help find you a Home care package provider who meets your needs and budget.

5. You Can Pay For Your Own Care

Do you need extra help beyond your government-subsidised Home Care Package or are you waiting for your funds to come through? If so, you can choose to pay for Home Care yourself.

Paying for care may mean that you maintain your health and wellbeing and can stay confidently in your own home for longer.

CareAbout is here to help!

If you have any questions, or are unsure whether a certain provider is a good fit for you, give our Care Advisers a call and get expert help at ZERO cost.