Confused about choosing between an
Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist,
or Occupational Therapist?
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Simply fill out the fields below and connect with our team of accredited Allied Health Professionals!
Imagine living independently at home, with the support you need to stay safe, healthy, and active—all whilst using your My Aged Care package to its fullest. With the right guidance, your Home Care Package (HCP) can cover a range of essential services, including personal care and daily living support, allied health services, home modifications, and mobility aids, helping you maintain your lifestyle and wellbeing without unnecessary stress.
As Australia transitions to the new Support at Home programme over the coming years, understanding what you can spend your current HCP on becomes even more important. Whether you’re preparing for the future system or making decisions about your 2026 budget right now, knowing the rules, limits, and opportunities will help you maximise every dollar.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what you can spend your My Aged Care package on, what’s not covered, and how to make smart choices that maximise your funding. From physiotherapy and exercise physiology to practical support at home, you’ll discover how to turn your HCP into a personalised plan that truly supports your independence and quality of life.
What Is a Home Care Package and How Does It Work?
A Home Care Package (HCP) is government‑funded support designed to help older Australians or people with disabilities remain independent at home, rather than moving into residential care.
Overview of HCP Levels 1–4
HCPs are structured into four levels to reflect varying care needs.
| Level | Typical Funding / Support* | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Basic support: domestic help, small tasks around the home | People needing minimal support with household tasks or light help |
| Level 2 | Low-level support: more regular assistance with daily tasks, personal care, transport or social support | Those needing regular help but with lower care needs |
| Level 3 | Intermediate support: ongoing personal care, allied health, mobility support, and some clinical services | Individuals with moderate to complex care needs |
| Level 4 | High-level support: comprehensive care including full personal care, nursing, allied health, home modifications or assistive aids | People with complex, ongoing care requirements |
*Funding and services vary depending on assessment of need, provider fees, and any additional supplements or co‑contributions.
Your package level determines how much government‑subsidised funding is available. But importantly, under the HCP scheme, you, together with your chosen aged care provider, decide which approved services, supports, and equipment you purchase.
How Funding Is Allocated
When your HCP is active, funding is allocated to services that match your needs and care plan. Typical approved categories include:
- Personal and domestic support, such as cleaning, meal preparation, laundry, and home maintenance.
- Personal care, including bathing, grooming, toileting, and continence support.
- Clinical and allied health services, such as physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, exercise physiology, and other therapies, are provided when deemed necessary by accredited professionals.
- Assistive technology and equipment, such as mobility aids, shower chairs, alarm systems, and daily living aids, that support independence.
- Home modifications and safety improvements, such as installing grab rails, ramps, or bathroom modifications, can improve safety and accessibility.
- Transportation, social support, and community access, including transportation to appointments, outings, social engagements, community activities, and companionship services.
Importantly, all services must meet the criteria of being “reasonable, necessary, and related to identified care needs” under your personalised care plan. This ensures that HCP funding is used appropriately to support your health, independence, and wellbeing.
Importance of a Personalised Care Plan
A personalised care plan is your roadmap: it outlines your needs, goals, and priorities, then matches them to the right mix of services and support. Because every person’s needs differ, this plan ensures your HCP funds are used where they matter most.
Working with an experienced provider or care manager can help you review and adjust this plan over time, ensuring you get the most from your HCP as your circumstances and needs change.
Upcoming Changes: Transition to the Support at Home Programme
Australia is transitioning from the current HCP model to the new Support at Home programme, scheduled to roll out progressively from November 2025.
The Support at Home (SaH) programme aims to simplify services, standardise pricing, and provide a more flexible system for older Australians needing everyday support, assistive technology, or clinical care at home.
HCPs will remain active during this transition period, so understanding what you can spend your package on now and how these rules align with future Support at Home changes will help you confidently plan your 2026 budget.
Understanding the Support at Home Funding Classifications (1–8)
As Australia transitions from Home Care Packages (HCP) to the new Support at Home (SaH) programme, the funding structure is shifting from 4 HCP levels to 8 SaH funding classifications. These classifications provide a more detailed, needs-based approach to help older adults access the right level of care at home.
According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, SaH clients will be assigned one of eight classifications, each with an associated individualised budget for ongoing services such as personal care, clinical care, and allied health.
To help readers understand the difference at a glance, here’s a simple comparison:
| Programme | Structure | Classification / Level | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Support at Home (SaH) | 8 Funding Classifications | Classification 1–8 | Provides more granular budgets based on assessed needs. |
| Home Care Packages (HCP) | 4 Package Levels | Level 1–4 | Supports older Australians with low to high care needs. |
*Note: Support at Home classifications and budgets are based on currently available information from the Department of Health and Aged Care and may be updated as the programme rolls out. Speak with your care manager or My Aged Care for the most accurate eligibility and funding details.
Approved Services: What You Can Spend Your Aged Care Package On (…and What This Means Under Support at Home)
Your current Home Care Package (HCP), which is soon transitioning to Support at Home, can be used for a broad range of supports that help you stay safe, independent, and connected at home. Under both HCP and the upcoming SaH rules, funding must be used for reasonable, necessary and related services tied to your assessed care needs.
Below is a clear breakdown of services you can spend your funds on for 2025–2026, and how they’re treated under Support at Home:
Daily Living Support to Help You Stay Independent
These are everyday tasks that help maintain a clean, comfortable, and functional living environment. Eligible supports include:
- Cleaning and household tasks (vacuuming, dusting, wiping surfaces)
- Laundry and linen assistance
- Meal preparation or help with cooking
- Light home maintenance and gardening
These supports remain approved under Support at Home, as part of everyday living and independence-support services.
Personal Care Services Covered by Your HCP / SaH
Personal care supports your daily self-care and hygiene. Approved services include:
- Showering or bathing assistance
- Dressing and grooming
- Toileting and continence support
- Mobility help or transferring
As with HCP, these services continue to be funded under Support at Home but remain subject to the programme’s care guidelines.
Clinical and Allied Health Services You Can Claim
Under both HCP and the new SaH model, your package can fund clinical supports and allied health when they’re necessary for health, mobility, or wellbeing. This includes:
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise physiology
- Podiatry
- Occupational therapy
- Nursing care—where assessed as needed
These supports will continue under Support at Home’s “end-of-life care” or “restorative care” pathways.
At Healthstin, we provide mobile and in-clinic physiotherapy and exercise physiology services, now more relevant than ever under Support at Home’s allied health funding model. These services remain a core part of maintaining strength, mobility, and independence, and are clearly supported under both HCP and SaH frameworks.
Home Modifications and Safety Improvements Allowed
Both HCP and Support at Home allow for home modifications and safety upgrades when they are necessary and recommended, such as:
- Grab rails or handrails
- Ramps
- Non-slip flooring
- Hand-held showers or safer shower access
- Bathroom modifications for accessibility
Under Support at Home’s Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) component, these types of modifications remain eligible when justified by your care needs.
Transport and Social Support Services Included in Your Plan
Support at Home helps you maintain access to transport and social support services that keep you connected and active. This can include:
- Transport to medical appointments or therapy sessions
- Transport to shops or community activities
- Accompanied social outings and community engagement
Social support visits or companionship
These supports remain part of the “independence support” services under the new model.
Assistive Technology & Equipment You’re Eligible For
Under both HCP and Support at Home, your package can fund mobility aids, safety aids, and other assistive equipment, provided they are assessed as necessary for your care plan. Examples:
- Walkers or rollators
- Shower chairs
- Over-the-toilet frames
- Bed aids, sensor mats, mobility equipment
Support at Home clarifies and expands access through its AT-HM funding streams.
Confused about choosing between an
Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist,
or Occupational Therapist?
We've got you covered!
Simply fill out the fields below and connect with our team of accredited Allied Health Professionals!
What You Cannot Spend Your Aged Care Package On (Under the Current and Future System)
Even with the upcoming transition from Home Care Packages (HCP) to the Support at Home programme, one rule stays the same: your funding cannot be used for general living costs or lifestyle expenses that everyone pays for, regardless of their care needs. Your package must be spent only on services directly related to your health, safety, and independence at home.
Everyday Living Expenses That Are Not Covered
Your HCP or Support at Home budget cannot be used to pay for standard day-to-day costs that people typically cover out of pocket. These include:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utility bills (electricity, water, internet, gas)
- Groceries and supermarket items
- Council rates or body corporate fees
- General household repairs not related to safety or accessibility
These costs are considered ordinary living expenses, not care or support services tied to assessed needs.
Non-Approved Lifestyle and Entertainment Costs
Your package also cannot cover expenses that are recreational, personal choice, or unrelated to your health or functional needs, such as:
- Restaurant meals, take-out food, or dining out
- Holidays, travel, or accommodation
- Gym memberships, spa treatments, or massage for relaxation
- Tickets to events, clubs, movies, or entertainment venues
- Gifts, personal shopping, or cosmetic services
If a service or item is not clinically necessary, not connected to your care plan, or primarily for enjoyment or convenience, it will not be claimable under HCP or the Support at Home programme.
Maximising Your Aged Care Package: Smart Spending Tips
Your Home Care Package, or soon, your Support at Home funding, is most effective when every dollar is directed toward services that genuinely support your independence, safety, and wellbeing. Here are practical ways to stretch your budget and ensure your care plan works for you, not the other way around.
How to Choose Services That Align With Your Goals
Start by identifying what matters most to your daily life and long-term health. Your care plan should reflect:
- Your personal goals (e.g., staying mobile, reducing pain, managing chronic conditions)
- Your weekly routine and the areas where you need consistent support
- Tasks you want to keep doing independently with the right assistance
- New challenges or risks, such as falls, fatigue, or reduced strength
Prioritise services that directly help you stay safe and independent at home, like personal care, domestic assistance, exercise programmes, and mobility support. Reviewing your plan every few months ensures your funding keeps pace with your changing needs.
Why Allied Health Helps Prevent Decline and Hospitalisation
Allied health services, such as physiotherapy and exercise physiology, are among the most valuable ways to invest your package funds. Here’s why:
- Build strength, balance, and mobility to prevent falls
- Manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease
- Reduce pain and improve daily function
- Delay functional decline, reducing reliance on higher-cost care
- Lower the risk of avoidable hospital admissions
Regular allied health sessions not only improve quality of life but also reduce long-term care needs, making them a smart, clinically backed use of your funding.
How to Reduce Wastage, Cancellations and DNA
Unused or cancelled services can quickly drain your budget. To get the most from your package:
- Book appointments at times you’re most alert and available
- Set reminders for upcoming visits, especially allied health and personal care
- Communicate early if you’re unwell or need to adjust a schedule
- Choose providers with flexible cancellation policies
- Review your monthly statements to ensure funds are allocated correctly
Small adjustments can prevent costly “Did Not Attend” (DNA) fees and help ensure more of your budget goes toward meaningful, goal-oriented care.
Why Choose Healthstin for Your Aged Care Allied Health Services?
Choosing the right provider can make the difference between simply using your funding and truly improving your overall wellbeing. Healthstin has extensive experience in allied health services designed specifically for Home Care Package and Support at Home clients, with a strong focus on flexibility, transparency, and long-term health outcomes.
Mobile and In-Clinic Physiotherapy Appointments
Healthstin offers both mobile physiotherapy, delivered directly in your home, retirement village, or aged care residence, and clinic-based appointments across multiple locations in Australia.
- Sans Souci, NSW – Supporting southern Sydney residents
- Hurstville, New South Wales (NSW) – Conveniently located for serving the St George community
- Salisbury & Elizabeth, South Australia (SA) – Accessible for Adelaide’s northern suburbs
- Brimbank & Melton, Victoria (VIC) – Supporting communities in Melbourne’s west
- Belmont, Western Australia (WA) – Expanding to meet growing local demand
This gives you convenient access to care without the stress of travelling, whilst also allowing your physiotherapist to understand your home environment and tailor strategies that fit your daily routine. The flexibility in appointment scheduling also ensures your therapy aligns comfortably with your life.
Exercise Physiology to Improve Balance, Strength and Mobility
Our Exercise Physiologists design individualised, evidence-based movement programmes that help improve balance, build strength, increase endurance, and support safer day-to-day mobility. These programmes are particularly valuable for managing chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Every session is carefully adapted to your abilities and goals, so you feel confident, supported, and steadily progressing over time.
Personalised Care Plans Designed for HCP Clients
At Healthstin, every client receives a personalised care plan that reflects their assessed needs, lifestyle preferences, and available funding. Our allied health team works closely with your care manager to ensure all services remain compliant with HCP and Support at Home requirements. We regularly review your progress, adjust your plan when needed, and help you make informed decisions that maximise the value of your budget. This holistic, person-centred approach ensures that your care remains meaningful, goal-oriented, and genuinely supportive of your independence.
FAQs About What Can I Spend My Aged Care Package On
1. What can I spend my Home Care Package (HCP) on in 2025–2026?
You can use your package on services and supports that help you stay independent and safe at home, including personal care, domestic assistance, allied health services (like physiotherapy and exercise physiology), home modifications, mobility aids, transport, and social support. Expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and linked to your care plan.
2. Are there expenses I cannot use my HCP or Support at Home funding for?
Yes. Your funding cannot cover everyday living costs such as rent, utilities, or groceries, nor lifestyle and entertainment expenses like holidays, gym memberships, restaurant meals, or tickets to events. Only services directly related to your assessed care needs are eligible.
3. How does the transition from HCP to Support at Home affect my current package?
4. Can I use my package for allied health services like physiotherapy or exercise physiology?
5. How do I ensure I’m using my package effectively?
6. What should I do if I’m unsure whether an item or service is eligible?
Get expert Exercise Physiology, Physiotherapy, and Hydrotherapy support at Healthstin
Make the most of your Home Care Package or Support at Home funding with Healthstin’s personalised physiotherapy and exercise physiology services. Our team helps you build strength, improve mobility, and maintain your independence—right in your home or at our clinic.
Call 1300 090 931, request a callback, or submit a referral form today to get started. Whether you’re a client, family member, or care manager, our referral process is quick and easy, helping you access the right services without delay.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised advice. Eligibility for Home Care Package or Support at Home services may vary based on your individual assessment and care plan. For accurate guidance about what you can spend your funding on, please contact your care manager or authorised aged care provider.
