Home Care Package Inclusions and Exclusions Explained
When it comes to staying happy, healthy, and independent at home as we get older, a little extra support can go a long way. That’s where Home Care Packages come in, giving you access to a range of services tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
But if you’ve ever wondered exactly what a Home Care Package covers, and just as importantly, what it doesn’t, you’re not alone. It can feel a little confusing at first!
At My Guardian, we believe in making things simple and clear. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the inclusions and exclusions of Home Care Packages, so you can plan your support with confidence and focus on living life your way.
What Is Included in Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages are designed to help you get the support you need to live safely and comfortably at home, without having to move into residential care.
The types of care and support covered under a Home Care Package can include:
- Personal care (like bathing, dressing, and grooming)
- Clinical services (such as nursing care)
- Therapy services (like physiotherapy or occupational therapy)
- Allied health services (including podiatry, dietetics, or speech therapy)
- Respite care (to give family carers a well-earned break)
- Wound care
- 24-hour care (if ongoing supervision is needed)
- Other specialised clinical support
Each Home Care Package is personalised. Your specific services will depend on your individual health, lifestyle, and goals. Some seniors might need more assistance with daily personal care, while others may be looking for more help getting outdoors or staying active in the community.
And it’s not just healthcare support, Home Care Packages can also assist with everyday tasks around the house, such as:
- Preparing meals
- Light gardening and yard work
- Making minor home modifications for safety
- General house cleaning and tidying
The aim is to create a care plan that fits you, helping you live as independently and happily at home as possible.
No. | Service | Description |
1 | Personal Care | Assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility. |
2 | Clinical Services | Access to nursing care, medication management, and other medical support at home. |
3 | Therapy Services | Services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to maintain or improve independence. |
4 | Allied Health Services | Access to allied health professionals like dietitians, podiatrists, and counsellors. |
5 | Respite Care | Temporary care to provide a break for family caregivers. |
6 | Wound Care | Management and treatment of wounds to promote healing and prevent infections. |
7 | 24-Hour Care | Around-the-clock care for individuals needing continuous support and supervision. |
These services offer essential support and care to older Australians, helping them stay independent and manage daily tasks around the home.
With the help of Home Care Package (HCP) services, many seniors can continue living comfortably in their own homes, maintaining their routines and lifestyle.
When you sign up for a Home Care Package, you gain access to a wide range of health practitioners — including specialised nurses, occupational therapists, and allied health professionals who are there to support your wellbeing.
Allied health services that may be included are:
- Speech therapy
- Hearing and vision support
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry care
- Other therapeutic services tailored to individual needs
What Is Excluded from Home Care Packages?
While Home Care Packages cover a wide range of services to support your independence, there are some important limitations you need to know about.
In general, your Home Care Package can’t be used to cover everyday living expenses — things you would normally pay for out of your own income.
Here’s a list of what can’t be covered under a Home Care Package:
- General living costs (like groceries or daily expenses)
- Food and meals (unless part of meal preparation support)
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Heating and cooling costs
- Mortgage payments or rent
- Entertainment activities or sporting events
- Club memberships
- Medications and medical services covered by Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Holidays or travel costs
- Emergency call systems (unless related to care needs)
You also can’t use your Home Care Package funds to purchase big-ticket items like cars or general household appliances.
Funds must be used directly for services or supports that assist you in your day-to-day living and help you stay safe and independent at home.
It’s also important to know that your Home Care Package won’t cover your HCP fees, like the basic daily fee or income-tested care fee.
To avoid any confusion, it’s a good idea to sit down with your provider early on and discuss exactly what’s included — and what’s not — when creating your care plan. That way, your services can be properly tailored to meet your current and changing needs over time.
Exceptions to Home Care Package Exclusions
While there are strict rules about what Home Care Package funds can’t cover, there are also some important exceptions to know about.
For example, while you generally can’t use your funds to pay for food, if you have specific dietary needs, such as requiring enteral feeding, or need help with meal preparation as part of your care, support services can be included.
Similarly, even though your Home Care Package can’t be used to pay rent or mortgage costs, you can use it for necessary home modifications and maintenance to help you stay safe and independent. This might include mobility and safety equipment like:
- Bed rails
- Slide sheets
- Pressure-relieving mattresses
- Walking frames
- Easy-access taps
- Raised garden beds
- Hearing aids and hearing aid batteries
While medications and medical appointments (covered by Medicare or the PBS) are excluded, your Home Care Package can cover essential continence aids and urinary drainage appliances.
The key is that any funded service or item must directly support your daily living needs and help you maintain your health, safety, and independence at home.
Another example is around entertainment activities. While you can’t use Home Care Package funds to buy cinema tickets or attend sporting events for leisure, some community activities may be supported, especially if they help you stay socially connected and engaged with your community.
Ultimately, what is and isn’t included in your Home Care Package will depend on your individual care needs, your Home Care Package level, and the policies of your chosen provider.
It’s important to work closely with your provider to make sure your care plan reflects the services that truly support your wellbeing and independence.
How Do Home Care Package Funds Work?
Home Care Packages are funded by the Australian Government to help older Australians stay independent at home. When you apply for a Home Care Package, you’re essentially applying for government support.
If you’re eligible, you’ll go through an assessment with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Once approved, you’ll be assigned a Home Care Package level that matches your care needs.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages:
- Level 1 – for basic care needs
- Level 2 – for low-level care needs
- Level 3 – for intermediate care needs
- Level 4 – for high, complex care needs
After your level is assigned, you may need to wait a few months before your funding becomes available.
The next important step is choosing a registered home care provider, like My Guardian, to manage your services. You have the freedom to choose the provider that best suits your needs and preferences.
Once you’ve chosen your provider, the government will allocate your Home Care Package funds directly to them.
These funds are divided into different categories, based on your assessed care needs and the services agreed upon in your care plan.
The great thing about Home Care Package funding is that it’s flexible. You can tailor the services you receive to match your lifestyle, goals, and changing needs over time.
Your approved provider will work closely with you to coordinate and deliver these services, ensuring you get the right support at the right time, all while you continue to live comfortably at home.
How My Guardian Supports You
At My Guardian, we believe every senior deserves personalised, compassionate support to live safely and happily at home. As a trusted Home Care Package provider, we offer a wide range of tailored services, from personal care and nursing support to allied health and home maintenance, all designed to fit your unique lifestyle and needs.
Our dedicated care team works closely with you and your family to create a flexible care plan that can evolve as your needs change. Whether you need a little extra help with daily tasks, assistance managing your health, or specialised 24-hour care, My Guardian is here to make sure you always feel supported, respected, and empowered. With a focus on dignity, independence, and choice, we’re proud to be part of your journey to living well at home.
