For many older Australians, a Home Care Package (HCP) represents more than just a government-funded program — it’s a gateway to maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life at home. Yet despite the intent of these packages, many aren’t aware that they could be receiving more care, more support, and more value from their existing package.

Whether you’re managing your own package or assisting a loved one, understanding how to fully leverage what’s available can make a significant difference to day-to-day life. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to — and more.

Table of Contents

Home Care Packages are structured across four levels to match the varying degrees of care required — from Level 1 for basic support through to Level 4 for complex needs. These packages can fund a wide variety of services, including:

Personal care (such as help with showering or dressing)

Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)

Transport to appointments or social activities

Nursing and allied health (physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy)

Gardening and home maintenance

Technology to help you stay safe and connected

However, just being approved for a package isn’t the end of the journey — how those funds are managed, spent, and reviewed over time is where the opportunity to maximise care really lies.

1. Unspent Funds Are Building Up

One of the most common signs you’re not getting the full benefit is a growing balance of unspent funds. If money is sitting unused, it’s a missed opportunity to improve your wellbeing. These funds could be going towards additional services to make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

2. Too Much Spent on Administration Fees

Every provider charges administration and case management fees, but these vary greatly. Some providers charge significantly higher fees than others, leaving less money available for your care. If a large chunk of your package is eaten up in management costs, you might not be getting good value.

3. Your Services Haven’t Kept Up With Your Needs

Needs change — sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly. If you’re still receiving the same services you did a year ago despite changes in your health or lifestyle, your package may not be working as hard for you as it could.

4. Poor Communication With Your Provider

Your provider should be a partner in your care, checking in regularly to ensure your plan is meeting your goals. If you rarely hear from them, it’s possible they aren’t proactively managing your package to its fullest potential.

5. Limited or Inflexible Service Options

You should have choice and control over your services. If you’re being told ‘no’ too often or feel your options are too limited, you might not be with the right provider.

“Understanding how
to fully leverage what’s
available can make
a significant
difference

Review Your Care Plan Regularly

Your care plan isn’t set in stone. It should evolve as your needs and circumstances do. Schedule regular reviews with your provider to ensure your package continues to reflect your current health, lifestyle, and goals.

Know What You Can Ask For

Many people don’t realise how flexible Home Care Packages can be. Beyond basic care and domestic help, funds can often cover allied health therapies, assistive technology, social support, even help with pets or home modifications. Ask your provider to explain all available options.

Compare Providers and Fees

Not all providers offer the same value or flexibility. Some offer lower fees, more responsive care management, and better communication. Start by having a conversation with your existing provider to find out what more they can do for you. If you suspect you could be getting better service or more care, you always have the freedom to explore your options.

Request Transparent Reporting

You’re entitled to clear, detailed statements showing exactly where your funds are going. If the breakdown seems confusing or disproportionate, ask for an explanation. Providers should be transparent about fees, services delivered, and your remaining balance.

If you or your loved one needs extra support, you may be eligible for home care package supplements designed to provide additional assistance for specific health conditions. This assistance includes:

Dementia and cognition supplement

Veteran’s supplement

Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) funding

Oxygen supplement

Enteral feeding funding

Viability supplement for rural and remote care recipients

Financial hardship supplement

“Some providers charge
significantly higher fees
than others, leaving less
money available for
your care

If you suspect you could be getting more from your Home Care Package, here are some key questions to ask:

How much of my package is spent on care services vs. administration fees?

Are there services I’m entitled to that I’m not currently receiving?

How can we adapt my care plan to better support my current lifestyle?

Can we use funds for services or equipment that might improve my independence?

How flexible are you with changing or adding services as my needs evolve?

Your Home Care Package is more than a financial resource — it’s your pathway to living well, your way. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, explore alternatives, and push for services that make life more comfortable, connected, and enjoyable.

From 1 Nov 2025, Support at Home will replace the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Program. It’s important to find out what these changes mean for your care options.

Aged Care Decisions can help you find the right Home Care Provider.

Our unique software, combined with the expertise of our Placement Specialists, matches your care needs, location, budget, and personal preferences with suitable Home Care Package Providers. We take the hassle out of the search — and our service is completely free.

Aged Care Decisions
Ph: 1300 775 870
or visit agedcaredecisions.com.au

Maria Fotia
01/09/2025 at 3:57 pm

Would like information on changing service providers…..in particular plan manager

Rose (Beate Goodall)
01/09/2025 at 4:07 pm

Hi there. I am Rose, on self managed HCP Level 1.
Interesting to read about the services the HCP will provide. – I’ve tried cleaning fortnitely. (2hr limit insisted by provider, only needed 1 hr) – Support Work, eg shopping, 3hrs. weekly. – Gardening, limit 2 hrs, ea. 3 month, when I still had most of my funding in place. – That didn’t last long, because the provider upted their prices without informing me; consequently, my funding ended – overspend. – I cancelled everything forthwith. Level 1 funding is very limited & does not provide all the services which are mentioned & I need. Therefore, my Case Manger has applied for new assessment in order to receive a higher Level of funding. That was some time ago & no news so far! I am nearly 90 & in need of more services.
Kind regards, Rose.

1. Ray
  02/09/2025 at 9:55 pm
  
  Rose – Ring My Aged Care immediately – Ask if your Case Manager has requested a Review of your package i.e. Re-Assessment of your needs, if not ask for one immediately. It may take some time for the Assessment process, but the longer it is deferred the further you are down the list. And keep ringing my aged care every week or so chasing up your assessment, it’s all about YOU. Don’t be afraid, go forward and seek, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they used to say. Persist and good luck with everything, there are so many elderly people in your situation. Take care
  
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