A Guide To Private In-Home Care For Seniors

While this may not be a long-term option for everyone, it can be extremely valuable in particular situations. Private care services offer personalised and customised support tailored to your specific needs. That’s why we wanted to use this blog to put together a short guide to private home care. Our hope is that it can help you on your home care journey, and ultimately help you to get the support you need to live independently in your own home.

What is private in home aged care?

Private in-home aged care is assistance provided by private companies to older individuals within their own homes. These services are paid for directly by the individual receiving care, or by their family. It doesn't rely on Australian government subsidy through My Aged Care.

Why would someone need private in-home care?

There are three main situations where someone might need private care rather than relying on funding through a home care package to remain in their own home.

You are waiting for your assessment

If you are waiting for a My Aged Care assessment to see if you're eligible for a government-funded home care package, private care can provide immediate support while you wait. This ensures that you receive the necessary care and assistance without delay.

Your home care package is insufficient to meet your needs

If your current package doesn't fully meet your needs, private home care can supplement the funded services you receive. This can include additional personal care, nursing, or domestic assistance to ensure comprehensive support.

You are ineligible for a home care package

If you do not qualify for government subsidies, private care is an alternative to ensure you receive the care and support you need. This allows you to access necessary services without relying on government funding.

There are several reasons that you may be ineligible for government funding:

Assessment Criteria Not Met:

The My Aged Care team may determine that your needs do not meet the minimum requirements for a subsidised package. This can happen if you are too young to receive funding or if your level of dependency is not considered high enough.

Income and Assets:

Your income and assets might mean that you have to make a larger contribution to the costs of your services. Depending upon your package level, income and assets, it is possible that your government funding may be greatly reduced and there may be little difference between government-subsidised care and private care.

Residency Status:

Government-funded home care packages are typically available only to Australian citizens or permanent residents. If you do not meet the residency requirements, you will be ineligible for these packages.

Who is eligible for private in home aged care?

Private home health care has no eligibility requirements. You do not need to undergo an assessment or meet specific criteria.

While private home health care is commonly used by older Australians, it is not limited by age. It is also available to people with disabilities, those needing temporary care after surgery or illness, and individuals of any age with chronic conditions such as dementia or mobility challenges.

Private in-home care vs home care packages

Both types of care allow you to choose your provider, and you retain the right to switch providers if you're dissatisfied with the service they provide. There are some important differences between these types of care however.

Advantages of home care packages

The key difference between private home care and home care packages is in how they're paid for. For private home care services, you cover the full cost out of your own pocket. By contrast, government-funded care is largely paid for by the government, with some contribution by you. As a result, the major advantage of home care packages is cost. For most people, care services provided through a home care package will be more cost-effective than services funded privately.

Disadvantages of home care packages

Home care packages do have some drawbacks, however. You must apply for an eligibility assessment, and a team will determine the specific types of care and services you qualify for. Additionally, subsidised care packages often come with waiting periods, which can extend to a year or more.

Private care eliminates these inconveniences. You can choose the services you need without seeking approval and select any caregiver or provider you prefer, with no restrictions on your choices. You can start care management immediately and you are not constrained by a tailored care plan.

What in-home care services are covered?

There are no restrictions on what services private care providers can cover. Often service providers can provide support with no lock-in contracts.

The main services generally offered by private home care providers include:

Personal Care:

• Assistance with bathing, showering, and grooming

• Help with dressing and undressing

• Support with toileting and continence management

• Mobility assistance (e.g., getting in and out of bed)

• Help with feeding

Nursing Care:

• Medication management and administration

• Wound care and dressing changes provided by enrolled nurses or registered nurses.

• Chronic disease management (e.g. diabetes, hypertension)

• Post-surgical care and rehabilitation care services

• Palliative and end-of-life care

Domestic Assistance:

• Housekeeping and cleaning

• Laundry and ironing

• Meal planning and preparation

• Grocery shopping and errands

Companionship and Social Support:

• Accompaniment to social outings and activities

• Assistance with hobbies and interests

• Providing conversation and emotional support

• Help with maintaining social connections

Transport Services:

• Assistance with transportation to medical appointments

• Help with getting to social activities and events

• Transportation for running errands and shopping

Specialised Care and Palliative Care:

• Dementia care and Alzheimer’s care

• Mental health support

• Post-hospital care and rehabilitation

• Palliative care and support for terminally ill individuals

• Art therapy, music therapy and pet therapy

  

How much does private home care cost?

The cost of private home care varies based on the services required and the qualifications of the caregiver. For basic tasks, such as house cleaning or meal preparation, costs will be lower, whereas costs for more complex nursing care or other specialist care will be higher.

Costs will also be higher if you require care at night, on weekends, on public holidays, or around-the-clock support.

Self-funded private care

An alternative option to help fund private care is the early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds. In certain cases, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may approve the early release of your superannuation to cover medical expenses, palliative care needs for a terminal illness, or modifications to your home or vehicle due to a severe disability.

To be eligible, you must have one of the following:

• A life-threatening illness or injury

• Acute or chronic pain

• Acute or chronic mental illness

• A physical or mental impairment that temporarily or permanently limits one or more core functional capabilities

For more information, visit the ATO website.

Insurance funded care

If you have private insurance, your in-home health care costs may be covered by your policy.

Private insurance policies often include cover that will pay for at least part of the cost of in-home care services. This can cover home nursing care, palliative care, occupational therapy, wound care, and can also include things like cooking. They may cover care costs related to injuries and related to chronic illnesses.

To understand what services are covered under your plan, contact the local office of your insurance provider.

Focus Care as a private home care provider

Focus Care is a trusted private care provider dedicated to helping older Australians maintain their independence through personalised in-home care tailored to your individual care needs.

For more information on how we can assist you or a loved one with your private in home care or with your Home Care Package, please contact the experienced team here at Focus Care.