Self managed Home Care Packages

How do I apply for a self-managed Home Care Package?

To apply for a self-managed Home Care Package, start by registering with My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. An assessor from the Aged Care Assessment Team will evaluate your needs to determine your eligibility and the package level that matches your needs. If you’ve been approved for a package, you’ll receive a letter and join a national waitlist for funding. After receiving your package, you need to select an approved self managed home care package provider. Once you provide them with your unique referral code from your approval letter, they’ll activate your package.

After you sign an agreement with your provider, you’ll be able to start looking for your own carers and booking them for services. You can use a platform like Support Network to find carers in your area, meet them for an interview, and hire them to join your care team. You can also use Support Network to manage your carers and stay on top of admin tasks like invoicing.

Create a unique job ad today, and you’ll reach hundreds of qualified support workers with interpersonal skills, ready to provide quality care services for individuals. To start the process, simply register for free and follow the prompts to create your own ad for professionals in the care sector, for a better quality of life.

Do you need a provider if you’re managing your own Home Care Package?

Yes, even if you manage your own Home Care Package, you still need to work with an approved provider you will oversee compliance, handle government reporting, and manage the funding on your behalf. You’ll be able to decide how much of the care and budgeting you handle yourself, but self managed home care package providers submit claims to the government, ensure that spending follows guidelines, assist with the legal requirements of your package, and make sure everything complies with the Aged Care Quality Standards.

Looking for a support worker and managing your own Home Care Package? We’re here to help. To give our platform a try, simply register for free and place an ad or set up a profile, so you can start searching through our database of excellent care professionals right away. 

Who is best suited to self-managing a Home Care Package?

A self managed aged care package might be a good fit people who want more control over their care and are comfortable organising services themselves. It’s best suited to seniors who can manage tasks like hiring workers, scheduling appointments, and tracking their budget—or who have a family member to help them with these tasks.

My Aged Care self managed home care packages can help seniors save money on package fees and get more hours of care for everyday tasks by directly managing their package. It’s also great for people who prefer flexibility, as they can choose their own care workers and adjust services as needed. However, it might not be the best choice for people with needs that require complex care or intensive nursing care, or who would prefer to not have to worry about administration tasks and directly being in charge of care planning.

Self managing your Home Care Package? Sign up to Support Network for free, and start searching our database of qualified support workers and other care professionals to find the right one for your needs. To find carers that provide services for self-managed HCPs, register today.

What factors should I consider when deciding whether to self-manage my Home Care Package?

Deciding whether to self-manage your Home Care Package can be a big decision. Here are some things you might want to consider:

• Do you have the time and organisational skills? Self-managing requires regular tasks like scheduling services, hiring care workers, and tracking your budget. You’ll need good organisational skills and time to manage everything effectively.
• Do you have people who can assist you? It helps to have family or friends available to help you with management tasks, especially if your health or mobility fluctuates. If you have a trusted person willing to help, it can make self-management easier.
• Do you have budgeting skills? You’ll need to plan and monitor your spending to stay within the package’s limits, as this ensures more care hours and avoids issues with compliance.
• Is flexibility important to you? Choosing from self managed aged care providers gives you freedom to choose your own care workers and providers, and adjust services to fit your schedule. If flexibility is important to you, this option may suit you.
• Do you have complex health needs? If your care needs are simple, self-management can work well. However, people with complex needs might find a fully managed package less stressful since providers handle more of the planning and coordination.

Hiring independent workers offers more personalised care and flexibility and can be cost-effective than choosing a provider to manage your care. However, it comes with administrative responsibilities such as managing payments and legal requirements. Using a platform like Support Network can make the job easier. Sign up for free today and start exploring your options.

What is the difference between an independent support worker, and one who works with a provider?

An independent support worker is a carer who works for themselves, rather than for a provider. This means they can negotiate their pay rates, set their own hours, choose where they work, and what type of services they offer. They directly deal their clients, and can often more flexible to their needs.

A support worker who works for a provider is an employee of that organisation. They are assigned to the provider’s clients, and provide services as part of the client’s care plan. In many cases, they are rostered by the organisation, so they may be less flexible to provide support when it suits your timetable.

You can use NDIS or Home Care Package funding to hire either independent support workers by signing up with a self managed home care provider, or employed support workers.

How do I choose a self-managed Home Care Package provider that’s right for me?

Start by assessing your care needs, the level of involvement you want, and how comfortable you are with managing your budget. Compare self managed Home Care Package providers based on their administration fees, support offerings, and flexibility in choosing carers. Some providers also provide user-friendly online platforms to help you track your spending and care usage.
It’s a good idea to choose a provider that offers clear communication, low fees, and allows you to engage your preferred carers or services. Check their reputation through online reviews and recommendations from others. Look for those that offer support when needed, such as troubleshooting or help with budgeting, even if you are self-managing.

You also want to look for providers with flexible policies, including low or no exit fees, so you can switch easily if needed. Confirm if they allow you to use your own care team or add extra services like nursing or respite care. Taking time to compare providers ensures you’ll get the best value and care from your package.

Platforms like Support Network can help with self managed aged care packages by making it easy to do the paperwork through our intuitive platform. If you’re looking for an aged care or disability worker in Australian suburbs, join Support Network for free to find the right person and manage their services without too much work.