The government-funded Home Care Packages provide support and assistance to eligible older Australians who wish to continue living independently in their homes. These packages offer funding for a range of services, such as personal care, domestic assistance, and transport services, as well as funding for home modifications and assistive technology. To access a Home Care Package, you need to be assessed by My Aged Care to see if you’re eligible and what you’re eligible for.
While the benefits of a Home Care Package are clear, many people may be surprised by some of the things that can be included. Here, we will explore some of the most surprising things you can receive under a Home Care Package.
Non-traditional pain relief or supplements
If you’re suffering with pain that can’t be treated with traditional medicine, you may like to try alternative therapies such as acupuncture. You can you use your Home Care Package to fund this. You may also wish to use supplements to boost your health and these can also be funded by your Home Care Package.
Pet care
Pets can help to improve the quality of our lives by decreasing loneliness and boosting mood. For this reason, a Home Care Package can be used to fund pet care services. This can include assistance with feeding and walking your furry friends, as well as grooming and veterinary appointments.
Social outings
While this isn’t common in our RetireAustralia villages, many older Australians may feel isolated and lonely, particularly if they have limited mobility or live alone. Home Care Packages can provide funding for social outings, such as trips to the cinema, museum, or a local park, as well as transport to and from these events.
For Bartonvale Lodge Retirement Village resident, Klaus, he was able to re-connect to his culture through social activities at the German Club paid for through his Home Care Package.
“I can now go shopping and for drives to the beach,” says Klaus. “I had forgotten how to speak German after my parents passed away, and now I can read it and understand what they are saying when I go to the German Club.”
Allied health services
To help keep you moving and pain free, a Home Care Package can give you access to allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry.
Mobility equipment
It’s important to remain independent and social as we get older, to ensure this is possible you’re able to access mobility equipment on a Home Care Package. This could include walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, ramps and lifts.
Home modifications
As we age, it can become more difficult to move around our homes safely. Home Care Packages can provide funding for home modifications, such as the installation of grab rails, ramps, and shower seats. This can help to reduce the risk of falls and increase independence and confidence in the home.
Language translation services
For older Australians who speak a language other than English, communication can be a barrier to accessing the support they need. Home Care Packages can provide funding for language translation services, so that you can communicate effectively with your care provider and other healthcare professionals.
Technology assistance
As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it can be challenging for some older people to keep up. Home Care Packages can provide funding for technology assistance, such as setting up and using a computer or tablet, accessing online services, and using assistive technology devices.
Assistance with technology is just one of the things that could be funded by your Home Care Package.
Music and art therapy
Music and art therapy have been shown to have a range of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and promoting social interaction. Your Home Care Package can provide funding for music and art therapy sessions, so you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of these activities from the comfort of your own home.
These are just some of the things that are available under your Home Care Package. Speak to the RetireAustralia Home Care team to find out what could be available specifically for you so that you can live independently in your home for as long as possible.
RetireAustralia Home Care
RetireAustralia Home Care is available in many of our villages and offers residents the same trust, familiarity, and feeling of ‘home’ that they already have about their village. Care is flexible and tailored to exactly what you need, when you need it. It can be funded privately or through an approved government-funded Home Care Package. We can even help you navigate Home Care Package approval through My Aged Care, the government assistance platform.
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