Can I Manage My Own Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages are designed to help older Australians live as independently as possible, regardless of their challenges. 

They offer flexible options tailored to your particular needs. This flexibility extends to managing your package.

If you're wondering, "Can I manage my own Home Care Package?" you've come to the right place.

Yes, you can manage your Home Care Package. Whether it's the best option for you depends on your preferences and priorities. 

This article will tell you what self-management entails. It will give you all the information you need to make the right decision for your care.

How Can Home Care Packages Be Managed?

When it comes to Home Care Packages, there are three management options:

1. Fully-managed care (provider-managed care)
2. Part-managed care (mixed-managed care)
3. Self-managed care (consumer-managed care)

Fully managed Home Care Packages can also be referred to as provider-managed care. In this scenario, the package provider takes care of everything for you. 

This includes finding your cleaners, gardeners, and health professionals. The provider is responsible for coordinating these services. They also manage the budget on behalf of the recipient. 

With part-managed care, you can choose to manage certain aspects of your Home Care Package. You can choose your service providers and support workers. But you can leave fund management to your home care provider.

Self-management offers the most flexibility. All the choices and administration are your responsibility. You get to choose your support workers. You will also be responsible for scheduling and budgeting.

How Can I Self-Manage My Home Care Package?

Self-managed Home Care Packages may include the following tasks:

1. Developing a care plan
2. Choosing service providers and other support workers
3. Negotiating service agreements
4. Managing your Home Care Package funding
5. Processing invoices and keeping records

Self-managed Home Care Packages don't mean you have to do everything alone. You will still have regular contact with your providers to make sure you are getting the care you need.

It just means you will be more active in organising the day-to-day tasks included in your package.

You don't have to completely self-manage your package if you don't want to. You can choose the tasks you want to manage and hire someone to administer the rest. 

Your service provider is still obligated to help you with self-management. This includes teaching you to self-manage your package and access your HCP funds.

Remember that self-management may not be for everyone. It's okay to seek support or explore other management options. 

Advantages of Self-Management

There are many benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package. Here are some of them:

• Budget control
• Increased independence
• Flexibility and customisation
• Choice of service providers
• Direct communication
• Increased transparency

Self-management provides you with more control over your HCP budget. You can divide funds based on your priorities. Then, you will be able to adjust your spending according to changing needs.

You can save money on the management fees service providers charge. This can sometimes amount to 35% of your funding package.

Keeping as much independence as possible via self-management ensures you do just that.

Self-management allows you to have a higher level of autonomy. In other words, you can make more decisions about your care. 

You also have the flexibility to customise your care plans. You will be able to better suit your unique needs and preferences.

You can select your preferred service providers. This ensures you receive care from professionals you trust and are comfortable with.

Self-managing individuals have direct communication with their chosen service providers. This fosters a more personalised and collaborative relationship. 

Self-management can lead to increased transparency in financial matters. You can have a clearer understanding of how your funds are allocated and spent.

Disadvantages of Self-Management

Self-management is not for everyone. Here are some cons of self-management:

• Administrative responsibilities
• Time and effort
• Risk of overspending
• Decision-making burden
• Limited provider support
• Risk of financial mistakes
• Required knowledge and experience

Self-management comes with many administrative tasks. This includes budgeting, record-keeping, and understanding funding regulations. 

If you're not comfortable or familiar with financial management, this could be challenging.

Managing a Home Care Package can be time-consuming. You need to invest time and effort in researching and coordinating your services. You also have to speak with providers and handle a lot of paperwork.

If you don't manage your budget carefully, you can overspend or underspend. The funds you may need may not be available when you need them most. 

You may receive limited administrative support from your service providers. This lack of support could be challenging for those who need help with administration.

You might make financial mistakes or oversights. This could result in incorrect budgeting, missed payments, or non-compliance with funding regulations.

Successful self-management requires a certain level of knowledge. You need experience to navigate the aged care system. 

You also need to understand funding regulations and manage your care budget. If you don't have these skills, you may face many challenges along the way. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do self-managed Home Care Packages work?

A self-manageable Home Care Package allows you to select and hire your own service providers directly. You also have a more active role in your Home Care Package budget. 

What can Home Care Package funds be used for?

You can use your Home Care Package funds for care services. These services are intended to help you live more comfortably at home. 

They include:

• Personal care
• Medical care
• Help with household chores
• Companionship
• Meal preparation
• Home modifications
• Dementia care
• Travel support
• Occupational therapy
• 24/7 support
• Allied Health Services

What does a home care manager do?

Your home care manager will meet with you to discuss your care plan and options. Together, you will come up with a comprehensive care plan. Your package funds will be allocated for the health services you need. 

They will keep checking up on you as often as you want them to. They will also do an annual re-assessment of your care plan. This ensures that your plan meets your changing needs. 

They can have many other responsibilities. For example, ensuring your service meets quality requirements and organising your care. They also manage your payments, charges, and services.

What is the difference between CHSP and Home Care Packages?

The CHSP is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

It's designed for older people with basic and low-level needs. It offers entry-level support services such as help with daily tasks, meals, and social activities.

Home Care Packages are better suited for those with more complex or long-term needs. 

Can I cancel my Home Care Package?

Yes, you have the option to cancel your Home Care Package. You can also change providers if you're not happy with your current one. 

To terminate your current home care agreement, simply notify your current care providers that you no longer want their services. 

Managing Your Home Care Package

Whether or not you choose to manage your package by yourself, you can count on our support. 

Haisey Home Care offers high-quality aged care services to elderly Australians. If you're looking for a provider-managed package, we've got you covered. If you want to self-manage your package, we're here for anything you might need. 

Contact us if you have any questions.