Home care package funds can be used for minor home modifications, as long as they meet your genuine care needs. This usually involves modifications that help with limited mobility, such as grab rails or temporary ramps.

Home modifications must address your genuine care needs, and not add permanent value to the home. These modifications must not exceed what is essential for safety, and so are typically handled on a case by case basis.

For more information, see our guide on home care package inclusions and exclusions.

Home care package funds can only be used to address a person’s care needs, to keep them safe, healthy, independent, and connected with their community inside their own home. Home care funds cannot be used to pay for the costs of a funeral as it does not meet these criteria.

All nationally registered Home Care Package Providers work under the same framework when determining if they are able to provide a specific service. The Australian Government regulates Home Care Package Providers to ensure their compliance with this framework.

While specific providers may offer certain incentives or deals, such as Trilogy Care’s 5% off allied health cover with Plena Healthcare, they will all cover the same services.

Check out our guide on what home care package funds can be used for to see how a home care package can help you!

Eligible care recipients can have their provider claim for supplements that will be added to their Home Care Package subsidy budget. Available supplements are:

• The Dementia and Cognition Supplement in Home Care
• The Veterans’ Supplement in Home Care
• Oxygen Supplement
• Enteral Feeding Supplement
• Viability Supplement in Home Care
• Hardship Supplement

Care, services, and purchases that are already available through publicly funded programs cannot be covered through a Home Care Package. Hearing aids are already subsidised through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, so cannot be covered through a Home Care Package.

The preparation and delivery component of meals can be covered by your Home Care Package. However, the raw food ingredient component of meals will not be covered, except in the case of enteral feeding.

For example, Trilogy Care calculates that 70% of the cost of Lite n’ Easy’s meal delivery service can be covered by your Home Care Package, with you having to pay for the remaining 30% for raw ingredients. Takeaway food, such as food from restaurants or food outlets is not covered under your Home Care Package

Some respite services can be covered through your Home Care Package, provided it is not already subsidised through other government programs. Eligibility for respite care is determined during your ACAT assessment. Using the Home Care Package budget for respite care is handled on a case by case basis, so it is best to get in contact with your Care Manager or call Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190.