Home Care subsidies – what’s available?

You may be able to access a variety of Support at Home supplements in addition to your current in-home care services.

Sometimes, your standard Support at Home funding isn’t enough to cover all your needs. Thankfully, there are several additional sources of government funding available for specific conditions or circumstances. To access these supplements and confirm eligibility, you’ll need to be assessed. Your current provider can help you organise this, or your GP can refer you for subsidised clinical and allied-health services through Medicare or other government programs.

1. Dementia and cognition supplement

Those whose cognition is moderately or severely affected by dementia (or a related condition) may be eligible for an additional 11.5 percent of their current Support at Home funding. Eligibility is determined by a score of 10 or higher on the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale (PAS). Details about this process can be found in the Psychogeriatric Assessment Scale User Guide.

For further information and details about how to apply, click here.

2. CAPs funding

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) provides a yearly payment to help cover the cost of continence products. To qualify, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living with permanent or severe incontinence.

To apply, complete the CAPS application form with a qualified health professional such as a GP, registered nurse or physiotherapist.

3. Financial hardship assistance

If you’re struggling to meet your contribution payments or care costs due to circumstances beyond your control, you may qualify for financial hardship assistance. If approved, the government will pay some or all of your Support at Home participant contributions or fees for a specified period. Each case is individually assessed by Services Australia.

Read more about financial hardship assistance here.

4. Oxygen supplement

If you have an ongoing clinical need for oxygen, the oxygen supplement can help cover the cost of equipment and ongoing supply. To be eligible, your need must be continuous and not for short-term or emergency use.

Your provider will handle the application process, and a medical practitioner must certify your oxygen requirements and confirm the ongoing need for treatment.

For further details and to apply, click here.

5. Enteral feeding funding

Additional funding is available for those who rely on enteral (tube) feeding. Your provider must apply and include:

• Written certification from a medical practitioner confirming the need for enteral feeding
• Details of the specific feeding requirements
• Written certification from a doctor or dietitian that the formula is nutritionally complete

*Funding cannot be claimed for intermittent or supplementary enteral feeding when given alongside regular oral intake.

6. Veteran’s supplement

This supplement provides an additional 11.5 percent funding on top of the Support at Home allocation for veterans who have a mental health condition deemed related to their service.

If a veteran qualifies for both the Veterans’ Supplement and the Dementia and Cognition Supplement, only the Veterans’ Supplement is paid.

7. Viability supplement

This supplement supports people living in rural and remote areas by helping providers offset the higher cost of delivering services to these locations. Ask your provider if you qualify for the viability supplement.

8. Supplements available through your GP

Your GP can help you access extra supports outside Support at Home. They can arrange half-price taxis for eligible patients and create a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan (formerly Enhanced Primary Care), giving you up to five Medicare-subsidised sessions per year with allied health professionals such as physiotherapists or podiatrists.

9. Transition Care

Have you heard of Transition Care? This program provides up to 12 weeks of in-home support funded by the hospital to help patients recover after a hospital stay. You must apply while you or your loved one is still in hospital, as eligibility ends once you are discharged.

Speak to a friendly advisor

To learn more, speak to a CareAbout expert on 13 13 00. We can also liaise with your provider to help apply for eligible Support at Home supplements on your behalf.

With CareAbout, Support at Home is just a click away!

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