Is a Cleaner Just a Luxury – or a Smart Way to Stay Independent?
Let’s be honest, cleaning gets harder as we get older. Mopping the kitchen leaves you with a sore back for days. And don’t even get started on trying to clean the shower.
You’re wondering: Could your Home Care Package help you get a cleaner?
It’s a question we hear a lot and the answer is of course you can and you should!
While Home Care Packages are super flexible, there are still some rules around what you can and can’t spend your funding on.
So, where does cleaning fit in? Is it covered, or is it off the list? Let’s get into it.
First things first: What’s a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is a government-funded program designed to help older Australians live independently and safely in their own homes. It’s tailored to your unique needs – whether that’s personal care, home help, or staying socially connected.
There are four package levels, from basic to high-level support, and each comes with a set amount of funding. But how you use that funding depends on your care goals and needs, as outlined in your care plan.
What can you spend your Home Care Package on?
The golden rule? Your funding must be used to support your health, safety, and independence at home.
That means spending it on things that help you stay well and thrive in your own space.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s usually covered:
- Personal care: Bathing, dressing, grooming
- Domestic help: Cleaning, laundry, meal prep
- Health services: Nursing, physio, podiatry, etc.
- Home modifications: Grab rails, ramps, shower chairs
- Transport: To appointments, shops or community activities
What’s not covered?
Even though the funding is flexible, there are a few hard no’s:
- Everyday living costs: Think rent, bills or groceries
- Luxury items: Sorry, spa baths and five-star holidays don’t make the cut
- Unrelated purchases: Like TVs, laptops or purely decorative items
- Double-dipping: If it’s already covered by Medicare or another scheme
Basically, the spend needs to make sense for your care and wellbeing.
So, can your Home Care Package cover a cleaner?
Yes – absolutely. And not just because it makes life easier (though it definitely does).
Cleaning support is one of the most commonly used services in a Home Care Package. Here’s why:
- It reduces the risk of falls or injuries (think mopping slippery floors or reaching up high)
- It prevents health issues caused by dust or mould
- It preserves your energy for things that actually matter to you – like cooking, socialising or walking the dog
- It helps you stay independent longer – without needing to move into care
In short, getting help with cleaning isn’t about being fancy. It’s about being smart. And safe.
How to make the most of your Home Care Package
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to get your cleaning services sorted:
- Know your care plan: Cleaning should be listed as a goal or need – it helps to be specific (e.g. “I need help vacuuming weekly due to arthritis”)
- Talk to your provider: They’ll help organise it and ensure it’s an approved use of your funding
- Think long-term: Maybe you don’t need help today, but could you down the track? Future-you will thank you for planning ahead.
Need help finding a provider that supports cleaning and more?
CareAbout helps connect you with trusted Home Care providers who know how to get the most out of your funding. That includes cleaning, meal prep, personal care, and everything in between.
Best of all? Our service is completely free for you.
👉 Talk to one of our friendly Care Advisers on 13 13 00 and find out how to get the support you deserve.
