Home Care Package Inclusions & Exclusions
Find out what's included in your Home Care Package, and what's not.
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Specialised foods
These products are designed to address situations where the intake of energy and nutrients may not be adequate to meet an individual’s requirements and are intended for the dietary management of a disease, disorder or medical condition that cannot be achieved without the use of the item.
Food for special medical purposes - E.g. dysphagia or cognitive impairment
Only formulated supplementary food
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Allied health
Allied health professionals must be registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or self–regulated by another national professional association.
Allied health services such as the following may be included:
Podiatry
Physiotherapy
Chiropractic
Hydrotherapy
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Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT)
Allied health professionals must be registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) or self–regulated by another national professional association.
Allied health services such as the following may be included:
Prescribed GEAT
Bed transfer rails, walking frames, scooters
Under advice GEAT
Toilet frames, shower chairs, kitchen stools, magnifiers, personal alarms
Low risk GEAT
Jar openers, long handled shower sponges, long handled dustpan and brush, sock aids, large print calendar
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Minor home maintenance & regular cleaning
Minor home maintenance services may be provided where the care recipient was previously able to carry out the activity themselves but can no longer do so safely.
Regular cleaning is an inclusion:
Dusting
Vacuuming
Mopping
Making beds
Ironing
Laundry
Exclusions
The following items are not included in the package of care and services:
Use of the package funds as a source of general income for the care recipient
Purchase of food, except as part of enteral feeding requirements
Payment for permanent accommodation, including assistance with home purchase, mortgage payments or rent
Payment of home care fees
Payment of fees or charges for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government
Home modifications or capital items that are not related to the care recipients care needs
Travel and accommodation for holidays
Cost of entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events
Gambling activities
Payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
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Medication, vitamins and supplements
HCP Program does not fund medications of any kind:
Medicare Benefit Scheme (MBS) & Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) covered medications –not duplicate services
Non-PBS medications are excluded
Alternative options for care recipients:
Public hospitals (state & territory funding)
Private health insurance
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Heating and cooling
The program does not cover general income expenses that all Australians are expected to cover regardless of age.
Heating
Cooling
Alternative options for care recipients:
Energy rebate tool www.energy.gov.au/rebates
No interest Loan Scheme
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Natural therapies
Natural or alternative therapies that are not classified as allied health modalities by Ahpra, or a department recognised National Board, are excluded.
More information about the Natural Therapies Review can be found here.
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Home appliances
The program does not cover general income expenses that all Australians are expected to cover regardless of age.
General household appliances and white goods, including television and refrigerators.
Exceptions to this rule:
Items designed for frailty (e.g. tipping kettle)
When hygiene is impacted with severe and permanent incontinence, washing machines and dryers may be considered.
Major home maintenance & specialist cleaning
More extensive home maintenance services (such as those requiring a tradesperson) are typically the responsibility of the homeowner.
More specialised cleaning is excluded except in cases of severe and permanent incontinence or one-off hoarding remediation.
Minor home maintenance services may be provided where the care recipient was previously able to carry out the activity themselves but can no longer do so safely.
Regular cleaning is an inclusion: dusting, vacuuming, mopping, making beds, ironing and laundry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about inclusions and exclusions.
Must meet the following criteria:
- Ageing related care needs
- Safety and accessibility
- Building Code of Australia
- Qualified tradespeople
- Documented, planned and budgeted for in the care plan
Pet care is a general income expense.
- Exceptions may be considered for some costs for assistance dogs: www.healthdirect.gov.au/assistance-dogs
No, HCP does not cover the gap on Commonwealth or state government programs
- Maintaining access pathways through a property
- Lawn mowing
- Weeding established garden beds
- Yard clearance where there are safety and access issues
- Essential pruning
Laptops, phone and similar electronics are typically excluded.
Do exceptions exist?
- Homelessness
- Medication management
- Social isolation
- Pensioner Concession Card holders may access subsidised hearing aids through the Hearing Services Program.
- Hearing aids may be funded under HCP if the client is ineligible for the Hearing Services Program.
Remedial massage can by funded by HCP under the following circumstances:
- there is an assessed care need
- it is required due to age-related (or disability related) decline
- it is delivered by an accredited provider
Experience the Care Made Easy difference today!
Book your FREE in-home consultation, and we'll customise a care plan that meets your needs. Our caring team is ready to provide you with expert guidance and answer any questions you may have. Take the first step towards a happier and healthier life at home.
