Home Care Packages Guidelines Explained: What Can Funds Be Used For?

If you or someone you love is on a Home Care Package (HCP), you probably already know it can be a huge help. But here’s the catch — the rules around what you can and can’t use the funds for aren’t always crystal clear. You might hear one thing from your provider and another from someone else. And that just leads to frustration, delays, and sometimes paying out of pocket for things that could have been covered, or worse, assuming something is covered when it isn’t.

This guide won’t bury you in policy-speak. Instead, we’re going to walk through exactly what your Home Care Package funds can (and can’t) be used for — in simple terms.

First, here’s a quick refresher: What’s a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is government-funded support to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. That could mean help with showering, or having your lawn mowed. But it’s also broader than that. You can use it for nursing, transport, allied health services — as long as it’s directly related to supporting your independence, safety, and wellbeing at home.

There are four levels of HCPs, ranging from basic to high care needs. The higher your level, the more services you can get — and the more funding you receive each year.

So, what can you spend your Home Care Package funds on?

Let’s start with the stuff that’s clearly allowed. These are things that are directly related to your care, daily living, safety, and quality of life.

✅ Help around the house

• Laundry
• Changing bed linen
• Washing dishes

✅ Personal care

• Help with bathing, dressing, grooming, and going to the toilet
• Shaving and oral care
• Help getting in and out of bed.

✅ Meal support

• Meal preparation in your home
  
• Assistance with eating if needed
• Special dietary planning (e.g., for diabetes or allergies)

You can’t claim the cost of groceries, but you can pay for someone to help you plan and prepare meals.

✅ Transport

• Trips to medical appointments
• Transport to and from social outings or the local shops (if it supports your wellbeing)

Just note: your package can cover mileage for your carer or a transport service, but not things like petrol vouchers or car registration.

✅ Nursing and allied health

• Wound care
• Medication management
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry
• Mental health support
• Continence management

If your provider doesn’t offer these services in-house, they can bring in a trusted third-party provider and pay for them from your package funds.

✅ Equipment and aids (if clinically justified)

• Shower chairs
• Raised toilet seats
• Walking frames
• Pressure-relief cushions or mattresses

These usually need a health professional’s recommendation. And you can’t buy luxury items — it has to meet a direct care need.

✅ Social support

• Visits to keep you company
• Help joining local activities or interest groups.
• Support workers will accompany you to events or shopping trips.

Loneliness affects your health, and Home Care Packages recognise that. Just be ready to explain how the activity supports your well-being.

So, what can’t you use your funds for?

This is where things get a little tricky. Some items might seem reasonable — until you see them on the “excluded” list. Here are some examples where your Home Care Package can’t be used:

❌ Rent, mortgage, or home renovations not related to care

You can’t use the funds to:

• Pay your rent
• Cover mortgage repayments
• Renovate your kitchen or install a pool

Even if you think a home upgrade will make life easier, it’s only covered if it’s clearly tied to care or safety (e.g., a grab rail in the shower, not a full bathroom reno).

❌ Daily living expenses

You can’t use the funds for:

• Groceries
• Entertainment subscriptions (like Netflix)
• Phone or internet bills
• Gym memberships (unless recommended as part of a health plan)

Just remember, the government expects you to cover your day-to-day costs like anyone else would.

❌ Holidays and non-care travel

Want to take a trip to the Gold Coast? That’s fantastic, but your HCP won’t pay for the flights or accommodation. Travel support only applies to medically or socially necessary trips that support your care needs.

❌ Gifts or cash to others

This includes giving a carer a tip, gifting a friend, or donating to charity. Your funds are strictly for your own care and well-being

❌ Items already funded through Medicare or the PBS

You can’t double-dip. That means:

• Doctor visits (Medicare covers this)
• Medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Hospital care

If you need equipment or support that’s part of another scheme (like the NDIS or DVA), you might not be able to claim it under HCP.

Grey areas (and how to handle them)

Some things sit in a grey area — not clearly allowed or denied. For example:

• Garden maintenance
• House modifications
• Technology like tablets or smart devices

Can these be claimed? Sometimes, yes — but it depends on:

• Your care plan
• Whether there’s a clinical or functional reason
• The value vs benefit

If your occupational therapist recommends a tablet to help you manage appointments or communicate with family, that might be allowed. But buying the latest iPad “just because” won’t fly.

Here’s the rule of thumb: If it supports your health, independence, or safety at home — and it’s in your care plan — it’s probably okay.

Always get written confirmation from your provider before spending HCP funds on a non-obvious item.

A few common questions

Can I hire a family member to provide services?

No — not unless they are an approved provider with appropriate qualifications. The idea is to keep your support professional, fair, and accountable.

Can I change how my funds are used?

Yes. Your needs might change over time. Talk to your care provider — they can update your care plan and shift how the funds are allocated.

What if I don’t spend all my funds?

Unused funds roll over, but there’s no benefit to stockpiling them. It’s better to use them consistently to improve your quality of life.

Final thoughts

Your Home Care Package is meant to help you live a safer, healthier, more independent life at home. It’s not just for physical care — it’s also there to reduce stress, support mental wellbeing, and help you stay socially connected.

But the rules matter. Spend it the right way, and you’ll stretch every dollar to its full value. Misuse it, and you might run into compliance issues or miss out on the support you really need.

When in doubt? Ask. Good Home Care providers will always help you figure out what’s allowed — and how to get the most out of your package.

Frequently Asked Questions