Is your dishwasher on the blink, making chores harder than they should be? You might be wondering if your Home Care Package (HCP) can help cover the cost of a new dishwasher. At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we get this question a lot, and it’s important to understand how your package funding works.
What Is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is a government-funded support program designed to help older Australians stay safe and independent at home. It offers flexible care tailored to your individual needs, including help with daily living, personal care, health services, and more. SSCA connects you with trusted home care providers who assist in managing your package to get the best outcomes.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each with different funding amounts depending on the complexity of your care needs. While flexible, there are clear rules about what your package can pay for.
What Can Your Home Care Package Fund?
Your Home Care Package funding is intended for services and equipment that support your care needs and help you live independently, such as:
- Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Household help (cleaning, meal prep, laundry)
- Allied health services (physiotherapy, nursing)
- Home modifications (grab rails, ramps)
- Transport to medical appointments or community activities
What Isn’t Covered?
Some expenses generally fall outside of Home Care Package funding, including:
- Everyday living costs like rent, bills, or groceries
- Non-care-related household items such as TVs, computers, or standard appliances
- Luxury items or non-essential expenses
- Medical costs covered by Medicare or other government schemes
Can You Buy a Dishwasher with Your Home Care Package?
The short answer: it depends.
If a dishwasher is just a household convenience, it’s unlikely to be covered. However, if the dishwasher is essential for your health and wellbeing—such as if manual dishwashing poses a risk to your safety due to arthritis, mobility issues, or other health conditions—then it could be approved as part of your care plan.
Discuss this with your home care provider or SSCA Care Adviser. They can help determine if a dishwasher purchase aligns with your care goals and the funding rules.
Maximising Your Home Care Package with SSCA
Navigating the rules around Home Care Package spending can be confusing. At SSCA, we provide expert advice and connect you with home care providers who understand the ins and outs of your package, so you get the support and equipment you need.
Tips to make the most of your package:
- Know your care plan—it’s your guide to what funding covers.
- Communicate openly with your provider about your changing needs.
- Consider all possible supports and equipment that promote your independence.
Need help finding the right provider?
SSCA’s Care Advisers are ready to assist you in choosing a home care provider that fits your needs and makes the best use of your Home Care Package funding. Contact us for a free consultation and start getting the support you deserve.