As you explore your options for home care services for seniors, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to self-manage your Home Care Package (Support at Home Program) or opt for a fully managed service. Both options come with their own benefits and challenges, so it’s important to understand what works best for your situation.
What is a Home Care Package (Support at Home Program)?
A Home Care Package (Support at Home Program) is a government-subsidised program designed to help older Australians continue living independently at home. The funding level you receive depends on your care needs and can be used for services such as:
- Personal care and assistance with daily tasks
- Nursing and allied health services
- Meal preparation and grocery shopping
- Cleaning, gardening and other domestic help
Self-Managing Your Home Care Package (Support at Home Program)
When you self-manage your package, you take responsibility for arranging and coordinating your own services.
Benefits of Self-Managing
- More control: You choose who provides your care and how funds are allocated
- Lower fees: Less administration means more of your funding goes directly to services
- Flexibility: You can hire providers outside traditional networks if they meet requirements
- Direct communication: You deal with your carers and providers personally
Challenges of Self-Managing
- Time commitment: You are responsible for arranging services, paying invoices and keeping track of budgets
- Compliance: You must stay on top of government rules and reporting requirements
- Problem-solving: If issues arise with providers, you will need to resolve them yourself
Fully Managed Home Care Packages (Support at Home Program)
When you choose a fully managed package, your provider coordinates everything for you, from sourcing services to handling financial management and compliance.
Benefits of Fully Managed Care
- Less stress: The provider handles all scheduling, invoicing and coordination
- Expert advice: Access to care advisors who can help with changing needs
- Peace of mind: All services meet government standards and regulations
- Support for families: Loved ones do not have to manage the administration
Challenges of Fully Managed Care
- High Service rates: Because providers now have to include fees and costs into their rates, it means that the hourly service rate will increase, meaning you could get less service hours
- Less control: Providers make most of the decisions about services and who delivers them
- Limited choice: You may be restricted to providers your care organisation partners with
A Hybrid Option – Self Manage with Coordinator
Some providers like Centric Support now offer a combination of self-management and full management. For example, they may handle the financial administration while you choose and coordinate your preferred carers or you can use their network of providers and their Support Team. This can be a good middle ground if you want flexibility without all the responsibility.
FAQs About Home Care Packages (Support at Home Program)
Which options give me the most control?
Self-management & Self Management with a Coordinator lets you choose services and carers directly.
Which option is easiest for families?
Fully managed packages remove the burden of administration and compliance, but can be costly.
Can I combine both approaches?
Hybrid options give families the best of both worlds — flexibility and professional guidance. You stay in control of your care choices while having a dedicated coordinator to help you build and manage your support team, navigate the system, and make the most of your funding.
How does Centric Support help?
We work with you to understand your needs and guide you through all options so you can make the right decision.
Get in Touch
Choosing how to manage your Home Care Package (Support at Home Program) is a big decision, but you don’t need to make it alone.
Contact Centric Support’s Gold Coast team today to explore your options and create a plan that works for your family.