What are some common things that cannot be funded by a Home Care Package?

While Home Care Packages offer support to help you live independently at home, they are not designed to cover everything. Understanding the following points can help you plan your finances and avoid any surprises down the track:

• Your package is not meant to cover common everyday living expenses, regardless of age or care needs. This excludes the costs of running a household, for example, your rent or mortgage payments, utility bills like electricity, gas, and water, and general household expenses.
• Similarly, your regular grocery shopping isn't covered; while your package might fund someone to help you do the shopping, the actual food and household items you purchase will not be covered.
• Medical and health costs that are already covered by other government programs, like Medicare or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, are also excluded. Regular GP visits, specialist appointments, hospital stays, and most prescription medications continue to be covered under these existing schemes rather than your Home Care Package.
• Your package generally won’t cover costs associated with entertainment and leisure activities. Costs like club memberships, tickets to movies or sporting events, or holiday expenses are typically excluded. 
• Luxury items and services are another category that is generally excluded. The package is designed to meet needs rather than wants, focusing on essential support rather than premium services or items.

Exclusions that concern your home

While minor modifications for safety and accessibility (like grab rails or ramps) can be included, major home renovations or structural changes are typically excluded. The key question is whether the modification directly addresses a care need or primarily improves the property's value (which would not be covered).

It's also worth noting that if you're receiving support through other government programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), your Home Care Package won't cover the same services.

Important note: While your package funds pay for the Home Care Package fees themselves, your basic daily fee and any income-tested care fee are contributions you make toward your package rather than expenses covered by it.