Home Care Package Changes 2024 - What's New?

The Home Care Package program has been around for some time. The government introduced Home Care Packages with the Aged Care Act in 1997. 

Having said that, the government strives to improve the program all the time. 

The goal is to make elderly Australians as healthy, happy, and comfortable as possible.

Many minor changes have been put into place. For instance, there are no more exit fees. 

Some bigger novelties are on the horizon as well. We're talking about the Support at Home Program. This program is set to replace Home Care Packages and other programs in a couple of years.

In this Home Care Package Changes 2024 guide, we'll give you a quick overview of what's new in this program.

Are There Any Changes to Home Care Packages in 2024?

These are some of the changes to Home Care Packages made by My Aged Care:

1. Home Care Packages will become the Support at Home Program.
2. Home Care providers now have set limits on how much they can charge for Home Care Package management.
3. There are no more exit fees.
4. HCP providers aren't allowed to charge extra costs for third-party goods or services.
5. If you don't receive services other than care management, HCP providers won't be able to charge package management fees in a month (except for the first month of care).

HCP providers aren't allowed to charge more than 20% of the assigned Home Care Package to care management. 

Any provider who imposes excessive charges will have to reduce their prices. This also applies to any other fees mentioned above.

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For more information about Home Care Package changes in 2024, please visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.

The goals of these Home Care Package changes include:

• Making aged care more accessible to older Australians and their families
• Eliminating hidden costs
• Improving the client's ability to compare prices between providers
• Making the entire pricing process more transparent

The Support at Home Program

The Australian Government plans to introduce the Support at Home Program. 

This change is a part of the aged care system's reform. It will replace:

1. The Home Care Package Program
2. The Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme
3. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) 

This new program is being developed according to the needs of older Australians. It's also done in consultation with community stakeholders.

There isn't much information about the Support at Home Program yet. We do know that it will include new assessment tools.

The new program will begin in July 2025. 

Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme will continue until 30 June 2025. 

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition into the Support at Home Program in July 2027.

What Won't Change?

There have been some changes to Home Care Packages lately. But there are some factors that will remain the same for now. 

These include:

• Eligibility
• The application process
• The types of services provided

When it comes to eligibility, these services will still be available to older Australians.

The age limit continues to be 65 or older (50 for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people). 

Younger people with disabilities will also still be able to apply. 

The application process doesn't have any changes either. 

You still need to undergo an income assessment and get tested by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). 

After the assessment, you will go through a waiting period. When My Aged Care contacts you, you will be able to choose a provider.

The services provided still include basic health needs. This includes personal care, meal preparations, home modifications, and so on.

Choose the Right Provider

Haisey Home Care is an approved provider that offers quality services to those who need it most. 

Unlike other providers, we have never offered an exit fee or hidden fees to begin with. That's because we're focused on providing our clients with the support they need to live comfortably in the safety of their homes. 

Reach out to us if you have any questions. 

You can also book a free in-home consultation.