Funding Aged Care
Which government funding option is right for you?
Continuing to live at home comes with a whole range of benefits. You get to enjoy the comfort of the home you love, relaxing in your garden, being close to friends and family, plus you’ll remain connected to your local community you’ve known for years.
We understand that sometimes you may need some extra help to continue living comfortably and confidently in your own home. Did you know that you may be eligible for government support to help pay for the services you need to stay at home?
Perhaps you’d just like little help around the house like cleaning and preparing meals, gardening, showering, transport to attend appointments or go shopping or while you get back on your feet after an injury or being in hospital. Or, maybe you require more co-ordinated assistance to help you stay safely and independently at home. Whatever your needs, we can help you find the best solution to your individual circumstances.
The two types of government funding
Depending on your needs, there are two types of government help and support packages you could apply for:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme for short-term help
- A Home Care Package for long-term help and support
To make it easier to see which one you need to apply for, we’ve highlighted the main differences below. Take a look, and if you have any questions, please get in touch. We’re more than happy to lend a hand.
Comparing your options
Home Care Package
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
What is the package for?
Home Care Package
If you’re looking for long-term help to allow you to stay independent in your own home as long as possible, a Home Care Package might be right for you.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
If you’re just after short-term help or some assistance with daily tasks around the home, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme lets you access the support you need when you need it.
Who is eligible?
Home Care Package
There are no minimum age requirements for this package, however it is not available to visitors to Australia or people requiring temporary or short term care.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- People 65 years or older, or;
- 50 years or older and identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person or;
- 50 years or older and on a low income, homeless or at risk of homelessness.
What kinds of services are available?
Home Care Package
Depending on the level of support you need, KinCare will work with you to create a care plan that is tailored to your individual needs. With your Home Care Package, you will have access to services such as:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Nutrition and meal preparation
- Continence management
- Mobility and dexterity assistance
- Nursing, allied health and other clinical services
- Transport and assistance getting around in your community
- Provision of equipment and aids.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme lets you choose the services you need when you need them. This might just mean some help getting back on your feet after a trip to hospital or after an injury or accessing services such as:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Meal preparation
- Social support
- Flexible respite
- Allied Health / Physiotherapy
How do I apply?
Home Care Package
Your first step is to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Your first step is to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Can KinCare help me apply for government funding?
Home Care Package
Yes. We can help you with the application process. Then once you have your funding, we’ll help devise a care plan to best suit your needs.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Yes. We can help you with the application process. Then once you have your funding, we’ll work with you to create a care plan based on your needs.
Do I get to choose my services?
Home Care Package
KinCare will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored meet your needs now. If things change in the future, we can work with you to adjust your plan based on your needs.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
You can choose from a set menu of services based on when you need them. You can dip in and out of the programme as your needs change.
Will I need to contribute to the cost of my package?
Home Care Package
The funding you receive varies depending on the level of your Home Care Package and is paid direct to your service provider. Where your personal circumstances allow, you will be expected to contribute to the cost of your care.
The amount you will need to contribute is based on your income and will be determined by the Department of Human Services.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The subsidy programme does not necessarily fund the full cost of the service. So each person may pay a small contribution.
Your KinCare Customer Care Manager will discuss the cost of the service at your initial consultation, before services start. Special consideration is available to people experiencing financial difficulty.
Need help getting started?
Not sure which type of government funding is right for you? Our experienced Customer Care Managers are here to help. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Contact us