Navigating the details of a home care package can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the process. Homecare My Way aims to make it simple and stress-free. Your home care package can be personalised to help you maintain independence and quality of life in your home.
To help you understand home care package inclusions and exclusions, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide.
What can home care package funds be used for?
Home care package services are grouped into three main categories: care services, support services, and clinical services. These services are designed to meet your needs and goals, ensuring you get the most out of your home care package.
Care services
Care services help with daily personal and mobility needs to help you live comfortably and safely. These include:
- Mobility assistance — This includes walking aids like crutches and walkers for transfer in and out of bed.
- Personal services — This includes assistance with showering, grooming, dressing, toileting and hygiene.
- Nutrition and meal prep — Meal preparation, help with special diets (e.g., cultural or health-related needs) and feeding assistance are available.
- Continence management — From disposable pads to urinary drainage appliances, we’ll ensure you have the tools and support to manage continence effectively.
Support services
Support services aim to simplify everyday life, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
- Domestic assistance — This includes cleaning, laundry (e.g., machine washing or arranging dry cleaning) and ironing services to keep your home tidy and functional.
- Gardening and home maintenance — Services include light gardening and minor home modifications (like installing grab rails) to maintain safety and accessibility.
- Social support — You’ll be encouraged and assisted in participating in social and community activities that promote your interests and lifestyle.
- Home administration — Assistance with managing household paperwork, paying bills and adapting tasks for declining eyesight.
Clinical services
Clinical services ensure you have access to the medical and clinical support you need as part of your care plan.
- Nursing and therapy services — You’ll have access to speech therapy and podiatry physiotherapy services.
- Hearing and vision services — This includes referrals to specialists and practical support with devices like hearing aids or vision aids.
- Health-related referrals — If needed, we’ll connect you with health practitioners or other service providers who align with your care goals.
Home care package inclusions and exclusions
Understanding what services and items are included and excluded is vital when choosing or managing a home care package. Below, we’ve outlined the inclusions and exclusions to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Inclusions – what your home care package can cover
Home care packages are designed to help you with daily living, improving safety and ensuring wellbeing. Here’s what your package can include:
Daily living assistance
- Personal hygiene — Help with bathing, showering, grooming, dressing and undressing.
- Mobility support — Assistance with getting in and out of bed, using walking aids and moving around safely.
- Nutrition and meal preparation — Help with preparing meals, adhering to dietary requirements (health-related, cultural or religious) and feeding support if required.
- Home administration — Aid in managing household paperwork, paying bills and helping with tasks for those with worsening eyesight.
Safety modifications for the home
Minor changes are included to improve accessibility and reduce hazards:
- Easy-access taps
- Bath and shower rails for safety
- Non-slip flooring to prevent falls
Community engagement
You’ll receive encouragement and support to stay socially active, including:
- Transportation to community or social events
- Assistance with attending group activities or appointments
- Help to participate in hobbies and community programs
Aids and equipment
You’ll be provided with tools and devices to maintain safety and independence:
- Walkers, crutches, wheelchairs and similar devices
- Commode chairs, urinals and shower stools
- Pressure-relieving mattresses, bed rails and slide sheets
- Disposable pads, urinary drainage appliances and related aids
Domestic assistance
Services will include keeping your home clean and functional, like:
- General cleaning, laundry and ironing
- Dry cleaning arrangements, if required
- Light gardening, such as trimming shrubs and mowing lawns for safe access
Clinical services
Health-related services are included to ensure wellbeing:
- Nursing care — Support with medication management, wound care and monitoring chronic conditions.
- Allied health services — Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and speech therapy.
- Hearing and vision support — Referrals or assistance with devices like hearing aids or glasses.
Social support
Services also include promoting interaction and mental wellbeing, including:
- Coordinating and arranging visits or activities
- Encouragement to engage in hobbies or group interests
Exclusions — what your home care package does not cover
Your package focuses on essential care-related needs. However, some services are excluded to maintain this focus. Common exclusions include:
Extensive gardening services
These include complex gardening tasks not related to safety, like:
- Landscaping, tree removal or planting decorative gardens
- Maintaining raised garden beds, water features or rock gardens
Luxury or non-essential services
These are items or services unrelated to health or safety, including:
- Beauty services — Manicures, pedicures and hairdressing.
- Leisure activities — Gym memberships, pool access or entertainment subscriptions unless prescribed for health reasons.
General household costs
Routine living expenses are not covered:
- Rent, mortgage payments or home insurance
- Utility bills like electricity, water or gas
- Repairs or maintenance of general home systems
Major renovations or modifications
Only minor safety-related modifications are included. Exclusions cover:
- Repainting your home or aesthetic changes
- Adding rooms or structural extensions
- Replacing flooring unless it addresses mobility or safety concerns
Private transport and travel costs
While transportation for appointments is included, personal transport costs are not:
- Petrol, vehicle repairs or registration fees
- Holiday travel or accommodation expenses
Medications and health services covered elsewhere
Items or services funded by other programs are not included, including:
- Prescription medications and vitamins
- Ambulance coverage or hospital fees
- Gap payments for private health insurance or surgeries
Why are certain services excluded?
Home care packages are designed to ensure funds are used effectively and responsibly. Exclusions are in place to maintain a clear focus on essential, care-related needs. Here’s why:
- Health-first approach — Services must address specific health, mobility or safety needs. For example, installing grab rails is covered, but aesthetic home improvements are not.
- Avoiding redundancy — Other programs or personal insurance policies already cover many excluded items, such as prescription medications or ambulance services.
- Prioritising essentials — Luxury or leisure-related services, like beauty treatments or entertainment subscriptions, are not essential to your wellbeing.
How to navigate exclusions
If you encounter an unclear exclusion or feel your situation is unique, Homecare My Way is here to help. Our care advisors can clarify what is and isn’t covered under your package. If a service you’re looking for isn’t included, we can discuss alternative solutions or other forms of assistance.
For a detailed list of exclusions, refer to our home care services list or call us at 1300 422 123. Our team is always happy to help you understand your package and find the best solutions for your needs.
How to maximise your home care package
Making the most of your home care package means carefully planning and choosing the right services for your needs. Here’s how you can maximise your support:
- Work closely with your care advisor — Once your care plan is prepared, review it with your care advisor to ensure it aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle. Regular updates will help keep your plan relevant as your needs evolve.
- Choose services that matter most — Focus on services that directly enhance your quality of life. For example, if mobility is a priority, opt for physiotherapy or walking aids.
- Stay informed — If you need clarification on whether a specific service is included, feel free to contact us. We’re here to ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of your package.
Self-management adds an extra layer of personalisation, empowering you to have greater control over your care while still benefiting from expert advice and support when needed. For more information on how to explore self-management, give us a call.
Explore our range of home care package options at Homecare My Way
By understanding home care package inclusions and exclusions and knowing what home care package funds can be used for, you’ll be better equipped to make the most of your support.
We’re always here to chat if you have any questions or need help tailoring your home care package. We’re happy to work with you to find the right solutions for your needs.
