Support at Home Inclusions and Exclusions
- 7 min read
A Quick Snapshot
- The types of care and support your funding can cover.
- What you generally can’t use it for.
- Why your provider and support plan matter.
- How to make the most of your funding.
What can Support at Home funding cover?
Support at Home funding isn’t a general-purpose spending account. It’s government funding to help pay for approved support related to your needs, health, safety and independence.
Depending on your circumstances and support plan, 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 care
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications are also available under Support at Home but have separate funding arrangements and need to be applied for separately.
Support at Home generally doesn’t cover ordinary living expenses. That includes things such as your rent or mortgage, household bills, ordinary groceries, clothing, holidays, entertainment, your car or normal running costs.
Choosing a provider
Different home care providers can offer different services, prices and levels of support.
Some providers outsource some of their services.
The provider you choose can make a difference to how much of your funding is available for the support that actually helps you.
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 these relate to your needs.
Staying healthy and independent
Sometimes the most valuable support isn’t another hour of help around the house.
It may be professional support that helps you stay mobile, manage a health issue or remain independent for longer.
Equipment and home modifications
The right equipment can sometimes make a big difference to your independence and safety.
Depending on your needs and the relevant Support at Home arrangements, this may include items such as walking aids, shower chairs, personal alarms and other Assistive Technology.
Approved home modifications can include things such as grab rails, ramps and bathroom modifications.
Don’t buy expensive equipment or start a home modification before checking.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications have specific funding arrangements. Your provider can help you understand what is approved and what you need to do before spending your own money.
What can't you spend your funding on?
Support at Home funding is designed to pay for approved care, services, equipment and supports, not your everyday cost of living.
Generally, you can’t use your funding for things such as:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Electricity, gas or water bills
- Ordinary groceries and household expenses
- Clothing
- Holidays and general travel
- Entertainment and leisure expenses
- Club memberships
- Your car or normal vehicle costs
- Medical services covered by Medicare or the PBS
- Items that aren’t related to your assessed care needs
There can be exceptions where an item or service is directly related to your assessed needs and is permitted under the Support at Home rules.
If you’re unsure, ask before you spend.
Your provider can explain whether a particular service, item or modification can be funded and what approval may be required.
Your provider matters
Can you explain how my funding works?
You shouldn’t have to become an expert in Support at Home just to use your funding.
Your funding comes from the Australian Government. But your aged care provider helps turn that funding into actual care and support.
What services do you provide?
Do they offer the types of aged care services and support you’re likely to need, now, and as your needs change?
What will I actually have available for support?
Providers can have different fees and charges, including care management and package management costs.
What happens if my needs change?
How to make the most of your funding.
1. Start with what you actually need.
Think about the things that would make everyday life safer, easier or more independent, rather than simply trying to spend your allocation.
2. Think ahead.
3. Understand the fees.
4. Ask questions.
A good provider should be prepared to explain your funding, services, fees and options in plain English.
Choose a provider that can grow with you.
You may need more or different support in the future. It’s worth knowing what your provider can offer if your circumstances change.
How My Guardian can help
If you’ve received your Support at Home funding notification but haven’t chosen a provider yet, talk to My Guardian. We’ll explain what your funding can potentially cover, the services we provide and how our fees work.
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
Can I spend my Support at Home funding on groceries?
Generally, no. Ordinary groceries are an everyday living expense. Some approved meal-related support may be covered where it relates to your assessed needs.
Can I buy equipment with my funding?
Some Assistive Technology and equipment can be funded, depending on your needs and the applicable Support at Home arrangements. These have separate funding arrangements, so check with your provider before buying anything.
Are all Support at Home providers the same?
No. Providers can offer different services, fees and levels of support.
Can My Guardian explain what my funding can cover?
Yes. My Guardian can explain the services we provide, how your funding can be used and how our fees work.
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Explore related topics
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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