What is included and excluded in Home Care Package?
The Home Care Package (HCP) Program provides care and services to seniors who need assistance and safety in their daily lives. Once a home assessment is carried out and the HCP is approved, the older adult is able to access the benefits of the program.
However, little is known about what the HCP program includes and excludes. Required by the department, HCP providers to use the Inclusions and Exclusions framework when making decisions for the care recipient. It is therefore essential to understand what care services can be supported and ensure that funding is used appropriately and transparently.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care provides the HCP Program Operational Manual: A Guide for Home Care Providers. It is a document that outlines frequently asked questions about what a HCP involves. Here is a summary of common questions:
1. Is re-assessment required every time a person’s needs change?
While receiving care services through the HCP, a person’s needs may change. For instance, a person may experience challenges due to a fall or mobility decline. In these cases, the care manager or a health professional may recognise the need for additional support and a higher package level.
With an increased need for support, a reassessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) may be required. However, if new needs can be met within the available funding, reassessment is unnecessary.
2. Who can prescribe or recommend services?
There is a range of health professionals who can prescribe or recommend appropriate services, supports and items to care recipients. They may include:
- An assessor (e.g. ACAT)
- A medical specialist or General Practitioner
- A Registered Nurse
- A registered allied health professional (e.g. occupational therapist, physiotherapist, podiatrist etc.)
A health professional will assess a person’s needs and can prescribe for the service within the scope of their own area of practice.
3. What items can be funded under the program?
Whether the item of subject is for short-term or ongoing support, if deemed to be eligible, it can be funded under the HCP Program. Some categories of items include:
- Personal services (e.g. self-care aids, dressing aids)
- Nutrition and diet (e.g. eating utensils, meal plans)
- Continence management (e.g. commode chairs, urinary pads, washing machine)
- Mobility and dexterity (e.g. crutches, walking frames, mobility scooters)
- Safety (e.g. personal alarms, sensor mats)
- Appliances
Most household appliances are typically excluded from the HCP. However, there are exceptions under specific circumstances, such as:
- Items designed for frailty (e.g. tipping kettle)
- When hygiene and safety is impacted and support is required (e.g. a pressure relieving mattress for those in need of support for mobility and dexterity)
4. Are mental and other health services covered?
Many health services can be covered under the HCP Program if support is required for aged related functional decline and is delivered by an accredited provider.
Upon a GP’s referral, psychology services can be funded under the HCP. This is only possible if Medicare support has been exhausted first.
Allied health services such as podiatry, physiotherapy, chiropractic and hydrotherapy are included within the funded program. Remedial massage and acupuncture can also be covered if there is an assessed care need for the service.
5. Are medications, vitamins and supplements funded under the HCP?
Medications covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are classified as items already funded by the Australian Government. These items are therefore excluded from the HCP Program. Non-PBS medication is also not permitted to be subsidised with the current HCP Program.
However, state and territory governments assist those who struggle financially and cannot afford the cost of medicines. Assistance can be sought by making an application to the drug and therapeutics committee of a local public hospital.
As for vitamins and nutrition supplements, those categorised as medicines (e.g. fish oil, magnesium) are excluded from funding. However, some items that are classified as specialised foods (e.g. Fortisip and Souvenaid) may be included if prescribed by a treating health professional.
6. In what cases can home modifications be funded by a HCP?
Home modifications may include gardening, plumbing, and electrical works. Capital items related to the person’s ageing care needs and goals may be funded under a HCP. This can be justified through a clinical assessment and liaison between a health professional and builder. It is important to note that the HCP Program is not obliged to fund all recommendations of a clinician. The HCP providers need to confirm and discuss the available budget with the care recipient.
7. What types of cleaning services are covered?
Cleaning to maintain a safe and liveable home environment is included under the HCP Program. This may include vacuuming, mopping, making beds, ironing and laundry.
Specialised cleaning is usually excluded, but may be included if:
- The care recipient has permanent and severe incontinence and needs soft furnishings
- The care recipient’s safety is jeopardised due to chronic hoarding and is under remedial treatment.
8. Is transport cost also covered?
Transport costs, like taxi vouchers, may be covered with HCP funds if:
- The individual has aged care related transport needs
- The individual requires personal assistance to shop, visit health practitioners or attend social activities
- The circumstance is deemed reasonable and consistent with their care plan.
To find more details about inclusions and exclusions of the HCP Program, read a complete manual provided by the government.
All this information may be overwhelming to process.
Living Waters Aged Care is here to guide you through your HCP and support the life you envision. Please contact us to get started.
