Struggling to Understand Aged Care Funding?
Imagine this: Your aging parent has secured a Home Care Package (HCP) to support their independence and allow them to stay in the home they’ve cherished for over 40 years. You’re optimistic about what this funding can provide, but as you start exploring how to use it, the details become overwhelming. What’s included? What’s excluded? How do you make the best choices to ensure their comfort and safety?
Margaret’s Journey: Turning Confusion into Confidence
After a minor fall, Margaret’s family realized her home wasn’t as safe as it once was. Simple tasks, like getting in and out of the shower, became a source of worry.
Her family wanted to install grab rails and modify her bathroom, but they weren’t sure if these changes could be funded through her HCP. Were they eligible? And where should they start?
Enter Summit Health Solutions. An occupational therapist assessed Margaret’s home, identifying areas of concern. The OT provided a detailed report, ensuring the modifications were clinically justified and met HCP guidelines.
Within weeks, grab rails were installed, and her bathroom was updated with non-slip flooring. Margaret felt confident navigating her home again.
Her story is proof: with the right guidance, HCP funding can deliver real, life-changing outcomes.
What’s Included, What’s Excluded, and How to Get it Right
What’s Typically Covered in HCP Funding
HCPs are designed to promote safety, mobility, and independence. The Home Care Package Program covers services and modifications that directly relate to your loved one’s assessed care needs, especially when recommended by an occupational therapist (OT). Here are some common examples:
- Home Modifications: Items like grab rails, ramps, widened doorways, and non-slip bathroom flooring.
- Assistive Equipment: Mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, or bed rails.
- Therapeutic Support: Recommendations for exercises, daily strategies, and equipment trials to ensure suitability.
- Pro Tip: Items must be recommended by a qualified allied health professional, like an occupational therapist. Clinical justification is the key to approval.
Download Your Free Checklist: "What’s Included in HCP Funding"
What’s Excluded from HCP Funding
Not everything qualifies. Here are some common exclusions:
Everyday Living Costs: Rent, groceries, and utility bills are not eligible.
Luxury or Non-Essential Items: Entertainment systems or decorative furniture.
Medical Treatments Covered Elsewhere: Items funded through Medicare or NDIS.
For detailed information, see:
Operational Manual for Home Care Package Consumers
Home Care Packages Program Inclusions and Exclusions – FAQs
Our occupational therapists at Summit Health Solutions ensure that all home modifications and equipment recommendations align with these guidelines to maximize the benefits of your Home Care Package.
How Risk Levels Guide What’s Fundable
To help simplify equipment and modification decisions, items are commonly categorized by risk:
🟢 Low Risk (Green): Simple items like non-slip mats, pill organizers, or grabbers that don’t require a professional assessment.
🟡 Medium Risk (Amber): Adjustable shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and over-bed tables that often need allied health advice.
🔴High Risk (Red): Major home modifications, hospital beds, hoists, and mobility scooters that require a full OT assessment and clinical documentation.
If you're not sure where an item fits, consult your OT—or use our interactive tool here.
Simplify the Process and Focus on What Matters
Navigating HCP funding can feel overwhelming. But by working with an occupational therapist, focusing on clinically justified items, and prioritizing essential modifications, you can make the most of your loved one’s funding.
Every decision you make brings them closer to a safer, more independent life.
Want to understand the OT process? Click here to read our follow-up blog →
Ready to talk with a professional? Contact Summit Health Solutions or
call 1300 315 315.
