What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On?
What Can I Spend
My Aged Care Package On?
- 7 min read
A Quick Snapshot
What can I get for my funding?
Questions to ask a potential provider.
What you can and can’t spend your funding on.
How to make the most of your funding.
You’ve been assessed. You’ve received your letter confirming your Support at Home funding. And now you know how much funding you have available. Which is when the next question comes into play.
What can I actually get for it?
The answer depends on your assessed needs, your support plan and the Support at Home rules. But there’s also another important decision to make.
You now need to choose a provider.
And this is worth taking some time over. Different providers can offer different services, prices and levels of support.
Some providers outsource some of their services.
The provider you choose can make a real difference to how much of your funding ends up paying for the things that actually help you.
Before you choose a provider, understand what your funding can do.
Support at Home funding isn’t a general-purpose spending account. It’s government funding to help with approved support related to your needs, health, safety and independence.
Depending on your circumstances, this can include:
- Personal care and help with everyday activities
- Nursing and other clinical care
- Physiotherapy and other allied health
- Cleaning, laundry and some gardening
- Meal preparation and approved meal services
- Transport and social support
- Respite
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Approved home modifications
It generally does NOT cover ordinary living expenses
Such as your rent or mortgage, household bills, groceries, clothing, holidays, entertainment, your car or normal running costs. So knowing your funding amount is only part of the story.
You also need to understand what you’re getting for that funding
Your provider matters
Your funding comes from the government. But the provider you choose will help you turn that funding into actual support.
That’s why it’s worth asking a few questions before you sign up.
What services do you provide?
Do they offer the types of care and support you are likely to need — now and as your needs change?
What will I actually have available to spend?
Providers can have different fees and charges, including care management and package management costs.
What happens if I need something I don’t currently receive?
Your needs can change. A good provider should be able to help you review your support rather than simply telling you what’s on your original list.
What happens if I need something I don’t
currently receive?
Your needs can change. A good provider should be able to help you review your support rather than simply telling you what’s on your original list.
Can you help me understand my options?
You shouldn’t need to become an expert in Support at Home just to use your funding.
What can your funding pay for?
Here’s where the funding can become much more practical.
Care and help at home
Personal care can include help with showering, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting and moving safely around your home.
Domestic assistance can include cleaning and laundry, with some gardening and home maintenance where they relate to your needs.
Staying healthy and independent
Funding can potentially cover nursing, physiotherapy and other allied health services where they’re approved for your needs.
Sometimes the best use of your funding isn’t more help with everyday tasks.
It may be getting the right professional support to help you stay mobile, manage a health issue or remain independent for longer.
Equipment and home modifications
The right equipment can sometimes make a bigger difference than another regular service. This may include things such as walking aids, shower chairs, personal alarms or other Assistive Technology.
Approved home modifications can include grab rails, ramps and bathroom modifications.
Don’t buy expensive equipment or start a modification before checking.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications have specific funding arrangements. Your provider can help you understand what is required before you spend your own money.
How do you make the most of your funding?
Start by looking at what you actually need help with, rather than simply trying to spend your allocation. Your circumstances may change over time. If they do, your support may need to change too. And remember: the cheapest provider isn’t necessarily the provider that gives you the most value.
That’s where My Guardian can help.
You’ve done the assessment. Now let’s make your funding work for you.
Call My Guardian and talk it through with us.
Frequently asked questions
Are all providers the same?
Does My Guardian charge for advice?
How long has My Guardian being providing aged care services?
Is Support at Home like Home Care packages?
Can I buy groceries with my funding?
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You’ve been assessed. You’ve received your letter confirming your Support at Home funding.
Aged Care fees can feel complicated, especially when you’re trying to understand.
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