Home care helps older Australians remain where they feel happiest — at home.
But as living costs rise, many seniors worry about whether their Home Care Package funds will last.
The good news?
There are plenty of ways to make your budget stretch further while still receiving safe, personalised, and high-quality support.
Here are 12 practical strategies to help you or your loved one manage home care costs more effectively under Australia’s evolving aged care system.
Start With a Care Plan Review
Your first step should always be to review your care plan.
Many people continue paying for services they no longer need simply because their plan hasn’t been updated.
Ask your provider to:
- Identify duplicate or overlapping services
- Reassess your health needs every six months
- Prioritise essential supports such as mobility, safety, and personal care
This ensures your funding targets what matters most — your independence and well-being.
Understand How Each Dollar Is Spent
Every Home Care Package includes management and care coordination fees.
However, these percentages vary widely among providers — sometimes by thousands per year.
👉 Request a transparent breakdown showing:
- Service delivery costs vs. admin fees
- Worker hourly rates
- Hidden transport or scheduling fees
Knowing where your money goes empowers you to make informed decisions or consider switching to a provider offering better value.
Explore Government Supplements
Beyond standard funding, additional government supplements can help reduce personal expenses.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
- Dementia and Cognition Supplement
- Veterans’ Supplement
- Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
- Oxygen or Enteral Feeding Support
These supplements are designed to cover condition-specific needs, easing financial pressure for families managing complex care.
Combine Paid Care With Community Support
You don’t have to rely solely on paid carers.
Many local councils and community groups offer free or low-cost programs, including:
- Transport to medical appointments
- Community meal services
- Exercise and wellness classes
- Volunteer visitor programs
Blending professional and community support not only reduces costs but also builds social connection — a vital part of staying well.
Schedule Services Strategically
Did you know timing affects costs?
Some providers charge premium rates for weekends or short visits.
Try grouping services — for example, cleaning and personal care during the same time slot — to save both travel and hourly surcharges.
You’ll receive the same care, just more efficiently.
Choose Preventive Care Over Reactive Care
Preventive services may seem minor now, but they save you from costly interventions later.
Simple strategies such as:
- Regular physiotherapy to prevent falls
- Medication reviews with your GP
- Home safety checks to reduce injury risk
can drastically reduce the need for emergency care or hospital stays — preserving both health and funding.
Evaluate Whether Self-Management Is Right for You
Self-managing your Home Care Package can lower provider fees, but it requires confidence with scheduling and paperwork.
If you’re organised and comfortable with digital systems, it’s worth exploring.
However, always ensure your provider supports partial self-management options, so you retain professional oversight when needed.
Use Technology to Cut Costs
Technology can make in-home care more efficient and affordable.
Smart home devices such as:
- Fall-detection sensors
- Medication reminder apps
- Virtual check-ins via video calls
allow care workers to spend more time focusing on high-value support while reducing unnecessary in-person visits.
Review Insurance and Entitlements
Many Australians forget that private health insurance, DVA coverage, and concession programs can offset care-related costs.
Check whether your policy covers:
- Physiotherapy or podiatry sessions
- Assistive equipment
- Short-term rehabilitation
Each claim made elsewhere frees up more of your Home Care budget for essential supports.
Plan for Transitions Early
When your needs increase, don’t wait until your care package feels insufficient.
Early re-assessment for a higher-level package ensures you don’t pay out of pocket during delays.
Talk to your provider or care finding service about how to begin this process well before your situation becomes urgent.
Make Lifestyle Adjustments That Reduce Care Hours
Sometimes, small daily changes have big financial impact.
Examples include:
- Installing grab rails or non-slip mats to reduce falls
- Preparing bulk meals for easier reheating
- Automating bills or reminders to maintain independence
The safer and more structured your home life is, the fewer paid hours you’ll need each week.
Seek Guidance From a Care Finding Specialist
Finding the right provider can make or break your care experience — and your budget.
A professional care finding service analyses fees, flexibility, and inclusions from multiple providers, matching you with the one that best fits your lifestyle, location, and financial comfort.
With expert support, you can confidently compare quotes and understand your full funding options before committing to a provider.
Summary Table
| Strategy | Primary Benefit |
| Review care plan | Remove redundant services |
| Analyse spending | Identify hidden admin costs |
| Use government supplements | Reduce out-of-pocket payments |
| Add community support | Lower paid service hours |
| Schedule efficiently | Avoid premium time rates |
| Focus on prevention | Minimise hospital stays |
| Try self-management | Save on provider fees |
| Adopt technology | Improve efficiency |
| Review insurance | Free up package funds |
| Plan transitions early | Avoid care gaps |
| Adjust lifestyle | Maintain independence |
| Seek care finding advice | Match best-value provider |
Final Thoughts: Quality Care Doesn’t Have to Cost More
Saving money on home care isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about making informed choices.
By blending government assistance, community programs, technology, and smart planning, older Australians can continue to live safely and independently while keeping their budget under control.
How SSCA Can Help
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we understand how overwhelming the aged care system can feel — from comparing provider fees to understanding contribution rules.
With over 25 years of experience in home and residential care, our expert team offers a free care finding service that helps you:
- Compare providers based on your budget and location,
- Understand your Support at Home and Home Care Package options, and
- Streamline onboarding with our Engagement and Onboarding support network.
Let SSCA take the complexity out of the process — so you can focus on what truly matters: living confidently at home.