How to self-manage a home care package

What is a home care package?

A home care package is a government-funded program that helps older Australians stay independent in their homes. These packages can cover services such as cleaning, gardening, personal care and even Allied Health support like physiotherapy.

Self-managing a home care package means you take control of the way your funds are used. You decide which services you need, who provides them and how they fit into your life.

At Homecare My Way, we offer two flexible care options to help make self-management easier:

• Self-Management — You’ll handle the day-to-day decisions for your services, including scheduling and management. We’ll check up on you regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly and remains compliant.

• Self-Management Plus – For those who want a little more support, we’re here to help with ongoing management tasks while you stay in charge of the big decisions.

What does it mean to self-manage a home care package?

Self-managing your package means you’re in the driver’s seat. You get to make key decisions about your care and how your funding is used. Here’s what that involves:

• Finding, hiring and setting up suppliers — You’ll find and hire the people or companies you want to provide your services. These could include cleaners, gardeners, nurses or therapists.

• Managing your day-to-day schedule — You’ll organise when and how services are delivered. Whether it’s a weekly cleaning session or a physiotherapy appointment, you create a routine that works for you.

• Regular check-ins with Homecare My Way — We’ll check in regularly to see how things are going and make sure you’re getting the most out of your package. You’re never alone in the process; we’re always here to assist if you need help or advice.

• Managing your budget — We’ll ensure your budget is used in the best way to meet your needs.

This might sound like a lot, but Homecare My Way makes it easy. We’re here to guide you through each step and offer tools and support to keep everything running smoothly.

Why choose to self-manage?

There are many great reasons to consider self-managing your home care package:

• You’re in control — You choose the services and suppliers that best suit your needs. Whether it’s a cleaner you’ve trusted for years or a local gardener who knows your backyard, the choice is yours.

• It’s cost-effective — Self-managing often comes with lower fees. In fact, Homecare My Way offers some of the lowest fees, so more of your funding goes directly towards the care and services you actually need.

• It’s flexible — Your needs might change over time. Self-management lets you adapt your plan whenever you need to.

Many clients love the freedom and flexibility self-management provides:

• “We switched to Homecare My Way and it’s been such a positive change. The fees are lower and Dad’s so happy with the services. It’s the best decision we’ve made.” — Nick Cheng

• “I was worried about finding a carer on short notice after a cancellation, but Homecare My Way helped straight away. They understood my situation and sent a wonderful carer quickly.” — Susie Maisel

How to self-manage a home care package

Getting started with self-managing your home care package might feel overwhelming, but it’s easier than you think. Here are the main steps:

1. Think about your needs — Take some time to figure out what kind of help you need. Do you need help with cleaning, personal care or gardening? Maybe you need physiotherapy or nursing support. Homecare My Way’s Customer Care Managers will help identify the services you’ll need and what your personal goals are.
2. Discuss your care plan — Your Customer Care Manager will go over your care plan, help determine the services you need and set up a budget. This ensures you make the most of your funding while meeting your care needs.
3. Find your suppliers — Choose the people or companies you want to provide your care. They could be professionals you already know or new suppliers you’ve researched. Once you’ve chosen them, Homecare My Way will handle the compliance checks to make sure everything’s up to standard.
4. Manage day-to-day operations — Once everything’s set up, you’re in charge of scheduling and managing your care. But don’t worry, Homecare My Way is always here to help if you have questions or need support.

What if challenges come up?

Even with self-management, challenges can come up, but we’re here to help:

• Compliance requirements – Keeping up with the rules and regulations can feel overwhelming. Homecare My Way takes care of compliance checks for your suppliers and your plan, ensuring they meet government standards.

• Using the client portal — Our client portal makes managing your package easy. You can track services, view important documents and stay on top of schedules. It’s a simple way to keep everything in one place and ensure your care runs smoothly.

• Finding a reliable supplier — Choosing the right supplier can be tricky, but we do thorough checks to ensure everyone meets high standards.

• Handling unexpected issues — Problems like cancellations or schedule changes can happen. Our Customer Care Managers are always ready to help you quickly sort out any issues and keep your care on track.

With our support, you’ll have the tools and resources to tackle any challenges confidently.

Is self-management right for everyone?

If you’re wondering, “Can I self-manage a home care package?” here are some key questions to help you figure out whether it is the right option for you:

• Do you value independence? Self-management is perfect for those who want a say in how their care is delivered. If you enjoy being in control and making decisions about your care, this option might be a great fit.

• Are you organised? Managing your care package requires some organisational skills. You’ll need to handle tasks like scheduling services, keeping records and staying on top of your budget. Homecare My Way will be there to assist you and provide the support you need to stay on track here should you choose to self-manage your care package.

• Are you comfortable making decisions? Self-management involves making important decisions about your care needs and choosing the right suppliers. If you’re confident in your decision-making abilities, you’re well-suited for this approach.

• Is your health stable? If your health conditions are generally stable and don’t require frequent changes to your care plan, self-management may work well for you. For more complex or rapidly changing needs, additional support might be better.

If you’re still unsure, Homecare My Way’s Care Advisors can help you evaluate your situation and decide whether self-management is the right choice for you.

Choose self-management with Homecare My Way

So, can you self-manage a home care package? Yes, you can with Homecare My Way. At Homecare My Way, we believe everyone deserves care that’s tailored to their unique needs. Our two self-management care options give you the flexibility, control and support to live life your way. 

If you’re considering switching providers, we’ll help make sure the process is simple and stress-free. When you’re ready to take charge of your home care package, we’d love to help you get started.