How to make the most of your Home Care Package (HCP)

This includes its level (1-4), budget, and the services it covers. Know what your package of funds can and can’t be used for.

Create a personalised care plan that addresses your specific assessed care needs and goals. Maintain continual communication with your Home Care Package provider to address any concerns, changes, or questions promptly.

This may seem like a given, but, in practice, some individuals hesitate to voice their preferences. Actively engage in the decision-making process and ensure that the services are tailored to your specific well-being, as much as it is needed.

Understand the costs that MAY be payable by you. Although HCP services are subsidised, individuals might need to contribute to the cost of their care depending on their income and assets. Seek financial advice if necessary.

Your HCP level determines how much you can spend each month. Your Service Provider must ensure that you have enough funding to cover the cost of the services they organise, and they must provide you with a detailed pricing schedule, including administrative costs. Make sure you are receiving a monthly statement from them.

Unspent monthly funds are carried over from month to month and, under certain conditions, can be allocated to purchase Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) from third-party providers, or for home modifications. GEAT must be directly linked to the individual’s age related care needs and goals and approved by the Service Provider. Providers can advise on what funding is available in the person’s package budget, how much to allocate for GEAT and discuss options if urgent needs arise.

Your HCP may cover Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) items, such as:

• Shower chairs and dressing aids
• Specialised eating utensils
• Personal monitoring devices
• Mechanical devices for lifting, bed rails, slide sheets, hospital-style beds
• Modified appliances
• Wheelchairs and mobility scooters
• Medical grade footwear

You may be eligible for home modifications such as widening doorways for wheelchair access, removing shower hobs and installing an ambulant toilet. Modifications ensure that homes are adapted to changing needs. You can discuss this with your Service Provider.

By staying organised, you can ensure you are getting the most out of your package.

You can access services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry to improve your quality of life. Explore allied health and nursing services with Wesley Mission Queensland.

Participate in social activities and outings to combat isolation and loneliness. Explore social and community support services with Wesley Mission Queensland.

This is a crucial part of a person's well-being. Poor mental health can also affect motivation to exercise, eat well, self-care and stay socially active. Explore psychology, counselling and social work services with Wesley Mission Queensland.

Utilise respite care services to provide a break for your primary caregiver or family, while you have fun and meet new people. Explore respite care with Wesley Mission Queensland.

Access services like showering, dressing, and grooming assistance to maintain your independence. Engage in services like cleaning and gardening to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Maintenance and garden services help preserve the structural integrity of the home and foster an outdoor haven. Explore home care services with Wesley Mission Queensland.

Meal preparation at your home or meal delivery services are great options to ensure a balanced and nutritious diet. Meals on Wheels is a well-known not-for-profit organisation that caters specifically for seniors. Explore meal preparation support with Wesley Mission Queensland.

This can include reminders and assistance with administering medications.

Use your HCP to arrange transportation for medical appointments, shopping, and social outings. You can also request taxi vouchers. Explore transport services with Wesley Mission Queensland.

The Australian Government funds a range of home care supplements for seniors with specific care needs. These can be applied for by the Service Provider on a client’s behalf. The benefit goes straight to your pool of funds. These include Dementia and cognition support, Veteran’s supplement, CAPS funding, Oxygen supplement, Enteral feeding funding, Viability supplement for rural and remote seniors, and Financial hardship supplement.

You are permitted to take temporary leave from your home care package for any reason, such as for a hospital stay followed by transition care, residential respite, or social leave. The suspension of home care services can affect the subsidy amount the Australian Government pays you on their behalf and the fees that you pay. Your Service Provider can provide information on Temporary Leave.

This will ensure your package aligns with your evolving requirements. You can adjust services, switch providers and be reassessed for a higher-level package.

If you have any questions or doubts, your Service Care provider is your first point of contact. Remember to communicate openly with them, stay proactive in adjusting your care plan as your needs evolve, and take full advantage of the available services to maintain your independence and well-being. Your Home Care Package is designed to empower you, so make the most of it by actively participating in your care journey.