How Is My Home Care Package Funding Managed?
Depending on your situation you will have been provided with a Home Care Package ranging from level 1 to 4. The difference between the levels is the amount of support you require to meet your needs and the amount of government contributions provided to deliver these support services.
Your Care Manager will design a care plan and budget with you, in line with your needs, wants and package value. If your care needs change you can be reassessed for a higher-level package or you can work with your Care Manager to reallocate your current package spend to meet your changing needs. You can also choose to privately purchase services in addition to your package. These are often referred to as top-up funds.
Now you have selected a provider and received your care plan and budget, you may be wondering how your funds are managed.
Here are the top five things you need to know:
1. Payments occur after services are delivered
Providers are only paid by the government for the care, services, and goods after they have been delivered to you.
2. Charges must be transparent and agreed
Charges for these services must be reasonable and detailed by your provider in your Home Care Agreement and Care Plan Budget.
3. Unspent funds are accrued
If you spend less on your services than your monthly allocation, your unspent funds will be held in a government home care account for you until you need them. This account is set up for you by Services Australia. You can also change providers at any time and take your unspent funds with you. Some providers will charge you an exit fee, at Aunty Grace we do not.
4. You can't go into a negative balance
You cannot go into a negative account balance. However, you can organise with your provider to privately fund the services you may want above your package allocation.
5. You will be provided with a statement of your account monthly
Your provider can report the balance of funds that are available to you via Services Australia. At Aunty Grace, we will send you your monthly balance at the start of each month, including transactions for the previous month. However, you can call and request your balance at any time.
Home care package funding FAQ:
1. What is a Home Care Package, and how is the funding allocated?
Home Care Packages are a Federal Government funded program that assists older Australians who want to continue living at home. The packages help with daily living activities, health care, and transport. They are allocated depending on your assessed level of care.
The funds are paid directly to your chosen Home Care Provider for ‘services rendered’. Whatever remains unspent each month is held in your special government Home Care Account until you need it.
2. Who manages the Home Care Package funding?
Your Home Care Package funding is managed by your Home Care provider in accordance with your agreed care plan and budget. You can change your care plan and budget at any time in consultation with your Care Manager.
3. Can I change my Home Care provider, and what happens to my funding if I do?
Yes, you can change your Home Care provider at any time but you must give the required notice. Note some providers charge an exit fee – Aunty Grace DOES NOT.
Your current carer must then transfer your funding, including any unspent money in your government Home Care account, to your new provider within 70 days of your last contract day with them.
4. What can Home Care Package funds be used for?
Home Care Package funds can be used for many essential services and equipment, although the specifics do vary depending on the package level. A Level 4 Package for example covers more services than a Level 1.
Essentially, though, Home Care Package funds cover services such as:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Meal preparation and nutrition advice
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Home and garden modifications and maintenance
- Social support and companionship
- Allied health services
- Nursing care – higher level packages
They do NOT cover expenses like rent, mortgage, groceries, holidays, and the like.
5. How do I monitor and keep track of how my Home Care Package funds are being used?
All Home Care providers must keep accurate records of your HCP funds, and supply you with regular statements. You can query anything you aren’t sure of with your Home Care manager. The statements must detail:
- Total funds available in your specified package
- Cost of services and support you’ve received
- Unspent funds carried over
For more information or if you have a statement enquiry, please contact our friendly team.
