Welcome back! I regularly get asked about what people can use their Home Care Package for and unfortunately like many things in aged care, the answer isn't straightforward. Today we discuss the 'spirit' of the Home Care Package, the many goods & services you can use your Home Care Package for and what items are specifically excluded.

Underlying all Home Care Package spending is that goods & services must be in line with your individual  care needs - this means that just because John down the street got a dishwasher, doesn't mean you can have one too. We discuss this in greater detail throughout the episode.

The key goods and services are:

1. Bathing, hygiene & grooming
2. Nursing services
3. Podiatry, Physiotherapy & other therapies
4. Meals and food preparation
5. Help with impairments or continence
6. Cleaning, laundry and other chores
7. Home or garden maintenance
8. Changes to my home
9. Aids to stay independent
10. Transport
11. Social outings, groups and visitors

Some of the key exclusions are:

• Items normally purchased out of general income
• Food
• Payment of permanent accommodation including rental or mortgage repayments
• Payment of Home Care fees
• Fees/charges of other Government funded programs including MBS & PBS
• Home modifications not related to care needs
• Travel & accommodation for holidays
• Entertainment e.g. sporting event or concert tickets
• Gambling activities

Listen in to today's episode for more details about each of these inclusions and exclusions. 

As always, you can get in touch with me via my website - www.thetruthaboutageing.com.au, on Instagram @thetruthaboutageing and on Facebook @thetruthaboutageingpodcast. 

I hope you're all having a beautiful week - talk soon!