At Rural Lifestyle Options Australia, we are committed to supporting older Australians with high-quality and tailored Aged Care Home Care services. As the Australian government rolls out the new 'Support at Home' program, we understand that the changes may raise questions and concerns for our community.

To ensure that our participants and their families are well-informed and prepared for these changes, we have developed a 'Support At Home' Blog Series. It aims to clarify the key aspects of the new program, including how it works, what services are available and how the transition will unfold.

Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information so that our clients can make empowered decisions about their care and continue to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.

Navigating the Service List and Pricing Structure of the Support at Home Program

As you explore the Support at Home program, understanding the services available and their associated costs is key to making the most of the support you or your loved ones need. With a wide range of services, each designed to cater to different needs, it’s important to know what’s available and how the funding structure works.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the Service List under the Support at Home program, break down the pricing structure, and discuss how to effectively use your allocated funding to meet your care requirements.

What’s Included in the Service List?

The Service List under the Support at Home program provides a comprehensive breakdown of the services that can be funded. It’s designed to cover a wide array of care and assistance needs, ranging from basic help with daily tasks to more intensive clinical care.

Here’s a summary of some key categories of services available under the program:

1. Personal Care Services

These services help individuals with tasks related to their daily living and personal hygiene.

The following activities are typically covered:

• Assistance with dressing and personal grooming.

• Bathing and showering support.

• Toileting assistance.

• Mobility support, such as help with moving around the home or accessing transportation.

• Meal preparation or support with feeding.

  
  

Personal care is essential for individuals with mobility challenges, cognitive decline, or those recovering from surgery or illness. These services help maintain dignity and independence while ensuring safety and well-being.

2. Domestic Assistance

Household tasks can become increasingly difficult as people age or experience health issues.

The Support at Home program provides funding for domestic assistance services, including:

• Cleaning and general housekeeping.

• Laundry services (washing, ironing, folding).

• Shopping assistance for food and household supplies.

• Grocery delivery for those who cannot easily go to the store.

  
  

By alleviating the burden of household chores, this category helps individuals maintain a clean and organised living environment, promoting a higher quality of life and well-being.

3. Nursing and Clinical Care

Clinical care is vital for individuals with chronic health conditions, recent surgeries or complex medical needs. The Support at Home program covers:

• Nursing assessments and consultations.

• Medication management and reminders.

• Wound care and other clinical support services.

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation.

  
  

These services are crucial for maintaining health, managing ongoing conditions, and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. A healthcare professional will tailor the care plan based on the individual's medical needs.

4. Allied Health Services

Allied health services support people in recovering from illnesses, improving their quality of life, and enhancing their independence. Services include:

• Occupational therapy to help with mobility, daily living tasks, and cognitive exercises.

• Physiotherapy to improve strength, balance, and mobility.

• Speech therapy to help individuals with speech or swallowing issues.

• Podiatry for foot health and mobility-related issues.

  
  

These services are particularly valuable for individuals recovering from surgery, illness or those who need ongoing rehabilitation to maintain their physical and cognitive function.

5. Social and Emotional Support

Social connection is a key element of maintaining mental health and the Support at Home program recognises the importance of providing emotional and social support to reduce isolation.

Available services include:

• Social support to help with companionship and maintaining connections with family and friends.

• Mental health support for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or emotional distress.

• Counselling services and guidance for those dealing with significant life changes or grief.

These services foster emotional well-being, which is just as important as physical health in aging or caregiving scenarios.

How Is the Pricing Structured?

The pricing structure under the Support at Home program is designed to provide flexible care options within the constraints of your allocated funding. The amount of funding you receive depends on your funding classification (as discussed in our second blog post). Once you’ve been assigned a funding level, you can access a range of services that fit your needs, up to the limit of your available funds.

Here’s a closer look at how the pricing is structured:

1. Service Fees

Each service available under the program has a standard fee associated with it. The fees typically vary depending on:

• The type of service (e.g., personal care vs. clinical care).

• The intensity or duration of the service (e.g., 1-hour visit vs. ongoing care).

• Your location, as travel or distance may impact the cost.

These fees are typically broken down into:

• Hourly rates for services like personal care, cleaning, or allied health support.

• Fixed rates for services that are scheduled for specific times or tasks, such as nursing visits or wound care.

• Service packages for comprehensive care, including a combination of services like cleaning, shopping, and personal care.

2. Allocation of Funds

Under the Support at Home program, the amount of money you have available for services is tied to your funding level.

For example:

• If you are on Level 1 or Level 2, your funding allocation will be lower, so you’ll have to prioritise services that meet your most urgent needs.

• If you are on Level 5 or Level 8, you’ll have more funding available, which allows you to access more comprehensive and frequent services.

Each month, the allocated amount can be used toward any of the available services. You can work with your care provider to budget your funds wisely, ensuring that you make the most of your funding.

3. Co-Contribution

In some cases, you may need to make a co-contribution toward certain services, particularly if your income or assets exceed a particular threshold. This is often referred to as a means-tested contribution.

The co-contribution amount will be assessed during your aged care assessment and may vary depending on your financial situation.

Maximising Your Funding for the Best Value

Understanding how to maximise your available funds can make a big difference in the quality of care you receive. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your Support at Home funding:

• Prioritise essential services: If you have limited funds, focus on services that will have the greatest impact on your health and well-being, such as clinical care, personal assistance, and mobility support.

  
  

• Be strategic about service delivery: Some services, like allied health visits or domestic assistance, can be scheduled in a way that maximises their efficiency. Work with your care provider to arrange a care schedule that fits within your funding limits.

  
  

• Monitor your spending: Keep track of how your funds are being used and make adjustments to ensure you don’t exceed your funding allocation. Your provider can help you stay on track.

Final Thoughts...

The Service List and pricing structure under the Support at Home program offer a wide range of options to meet your unique care needs. By understanding the available services and how to use your allocated funding effectively, you can ensure that you receive the right level of care without overextending your budget.

In our next blog post, we will cover how to choose a service provider and what to expect when entering into a care agreement under the Support at Home program.

Stay tuned for more details and feel free to ask any questions to our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing enquiries@rloa.org.au today!