Exploring Self-managed Home Care Packages

For many of us, a big part of healthy ageing revolves around maintaining our independence while continuing to enjoy a great quality of life. Fortunately, home care provides a lifeline for those of us seeking to age gracefully in the comfort of our own homes, particularly if we needed extra care and support. 

In this blog, let’s take a look at a certain type of home care package that maybe doesn’t get spoken about as widely as it should: the self-managed variety. But what exactly does it mean to self-manage a home care package, and is it the right choice for you or your loved one?  

Below we’ll answer these questions and more, as we take a look at the world of home care, focusing on self-management, and how it might be a worthwhile option for some older Australians looking to maintain control over their care.

Understanding home care packages

Before we focus on self-management, let’s first take a look at the basics of home care packages more generally. 

The Home Care Packages Program is a government-subsidised program which allows older Australians to access required care services to continue living independently at home. If you are 65 years of age and eligible for this funding, you can connect with a range of personal services to keep you connected with the community, while remaining independent. 

The level of assistance provided by home care packages are tailored to meet individual needs, and encompass a wide range of care services. This can potentially include: 

• Personal care: Assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. 

• Household support: Cleaning, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and gardening. 

• Nursing care: A wide range of nursing support, including medication management and broader health monitoring.  

• Allied health services: Help organising and accessing other specialised therapies, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy.  

• Social engagement: Assistance to participate in social activities, including around the community, in order to maintain a healthy social life. 

• Mobility and transport support: Support that can include the use of mobility aids or arranging of transportation to medical appointments. 

To see if you or a loved one is eligible for a home care package, you will first need to get assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Assessments carried out by this government body are free and will effectively determine the level of care and support you or your loved one requires.  

Once assessed, and if it is deemed you are eligible to access a home care package, you can then apply for the government subsidy. It is during this time that a home care provider can offer a helping hand, taking you through the process and overseeing the application process. For more information, take a look at this step-by-step guide on how to access home care packages and the available support. 

There are four package levels – Level 1 (basic care needs), Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 (high-level care needs). The funding provided is designed to cover the cost of these services, but recipients have choices when it comes to how these services are delivered.  

To learn more about home care, read this blog.  

What are self-managed home care packages?

Self-managing a home package involves taking on a more active role in the planning and administration of the care services you or a loved one receives. This gives you a higher degree of control and flexibility compared to opting for a home care provider to oversee your package on your behalf. 

There are several key components of self-managing a home care package, including: 

Budgeting: Self-management of your home care package means you have complete control over your care budget. So instead of your chosen home care provider managing your funds, it’s left to you to make all the financial decisions about how your budget is allocated across the different services you want to access.

Choice: You have the freedom to choose your service providers, meaning you can completely personalise how you are receiving the care you need and who provides it. 

Flexibility: You are the only one in control of tailoring your services to suit your schedule and preferences. This means you can adjust timing and frequency of the care services you receive, all to suit your needs.

Direct engagement: Naturally, with self-managed home care packages, it’s left to you to directly contact services providers to organise your care. From a positive point of view, this means you are across all communication as it’s up to you to manage all correspondence and scheduling.

Monitoring: Self-managing your home care means you take on the responsibility of tracking and reporting how your packaged funds are being used. This means you need to keep tabs on finances and expenses to ensure the services you are receiving align with your care plan and budget.

Support: You can still receive support and guidance while self-managing your home care. There are even some organisations that can help you look after things like budgeting and financial management, as well as navigating the complexities of home care more generally.

Deciding whether self-management right for you

While self-managing a home care package may suit some older Australians, it may not be suitable for everyone – especially considering the significant time and planning requirements. To help you or your loved one decide whether it aligns with your goals and circumstances, consider the below questions:

What level of independence to you want? If you value a high level of control over your home care package, a self-managed option may be the best fit. 

How comfortable are you in making decisions around the care you are receiving and the associated budget? Self-managing your package does require a degree of active decision-making and budgeting skills.

Do you have the support systems on-hand to help you? If you choose to self-manage, you may need help, particularly with the added responsibilities. 

What level of engagement do you want? Some people value being in complete dialogue with their service providers, while others would rather have their chosen home care provider do all the ‘heavy lifting’ to guide and oversee their care. 

Your answers to these questions will help you decide whether a self-managed home care package is right for you. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether you prefer a more hands-off approach (while still having your needs and wants considered by your chosen home care provider) or instead value being the sole, key decision-maker at the centre of your care journey.

How to get started with self-management

If you or your loved one has decided to opt for a self-managed home care package, here is how you can get started: 

• Let your provider know. Especially if you’re currently receiving home care through a provider, talk to them about your decision to self-manage. They can help guide you through the process, what it takes to transition, potential options, and how they can help you in that process. 

• You’ll need to set up a dedicated bank account for your home care package funds, which can be used to manage your care expenses. 

• After finding a home care provider to help you self-manage your package, the next step is working with them to create a comprehensive care plan that outlines your health and wellbeing needs and goals. This will be a great resource to help you budget and organise your care services. 

• Research and select service providers that suit your requirements. Remember that you always can change providers in the future if you need. 

• Ensure you keep accurate records of all transactions and receipts.  

• Keep across your care services and budgeting as well as the aged care system more generally, including any key updates to regulations that may affect your self-management approach. 

In summary

Self-managing a home care package in Australia can be an empowering choice for some older individuals who wish to age in place with independence and dignity. It can offer control, personalisation, and flexibility in your care journey. However, it’s essential to carefully assess your readiness for all the heightened administrative responsibilities that come with this option. 

It’s also important to remember that choosing the right home care provider can still give you control and flexibility in the way you utilise and draw on your home care package. If you’re interested in finding out more, reach out to us to discuss how you can take on a more active role in your home care. 

At Respect, we provide complete management of your care packages, including requirements, legislation, and ongoing responsibilities – meaning we do all the hard work for you, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the care services you deserve. 

Remember that you don’t have to make this decision alone. You can seek guidance and support from aged care professionals, advocacy groups, and your service provider if you decide to embark on the self-management path. Ultimately, the choice between self-management and provider-managed care should align with your goals, preferences, and circumstances.   

Whichever path you choose, home care packages are designed to enhance your quality of life and help you live well in your own home for as long as possible. And by choosing the right health provider, you will still be afforded a significant degree of autonomy and control over your care, while not being expected to self-manage. 

We’re here to support you

At Respect, we’re passionate about supporting older Australians to ensure the next phase of their lives are filled with purpose and possibilities. 

So while Respect does not currently offer self-managed home care options, we do provide a commitment to all of our clients, to support each and every one of them with the highest level of person-centred care.  

Ready to receive hassle-free in-home care support? Grab our free report for a step-by-step guide to accessing a Home Care Package (HCP), understanding costs, switching providers and a must-have handy home care checklist. We provide home care services across Sydney, including home care in Bankstown, Hammondville, Campbelltown, and South West Sydney, and Tasmania. 

Got questions or like to receive more support? Please reach our care at home advisors or call us on 1300 144 144 and choose “home care” as a service option.