One of the most common questions we hear at Harbourside Port Stephens is:
“What can I actually use my funding for?”
Whether you’ve just been approved for a Home Care Package or are preparing for the new Support at Home program starting in November, understanding what your funding can (and can’t) be used for is essential.
This guide will walk you through the kinds of services, equipment, and support you can access and how your care plan is built around your goals.
It All Starts With Your Needs
Your funding isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s meant to help you stay safely and independently in your own home, in a way that works for your personal lifestyle, preferences, and health.
That means your support might look totally different to someone else’s and that’s a good thing.
Help Around the Home
If daily tasks are becoming harder to manage, your package can cover support with things like:
- Cleaning and vacuuming
- Laundry and bed linen changes
- Grocery shopping
- Meal preparation
- Basic home maintenance
These are the little things that help you stay comfortable and safe at home for longer.
Personal Care
When needed, your funding can also support:
- Showering, dressing, and grooming
- Continence support
- Help with mobility around the home
- Medication reminders or administration
- Assistance with eating or drinking
These services are always delivered with respect, privacy, and professionalism.
Transport and Social Connection
Staying connected to your community is just as important as physical care. You can also use your package for:
- Transport to medical appointments or social events
- Accompanied outings and companionship
- Support to stay involved in clubs, hobbies, or faith groups
- Technology support to help you use email or video calls
Social isolation is a serious health risk. Home care is about more than survival, it’s about quality of life.
Clinical and Allied Health
Many people don’t realise your package can also include:
- Nursing care at home (e.g. wound care, health monitoring, medication management)
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or podiatry
- Dietitian advice and nutrition support
- Support for memory and cognitive decline
At Harbourside, we provide clinical care in-house. Not every provider can say that — so it’s worth checking before you sign up.
Equipment and Modifications
Depending on your needs and budget, your package may also cover:
- Mobility aids (e.g. walkers, shower chairs, grab rails)
- Personal safety equipment (e.g. emergency call systems)
- Basic home modifications to improve access and safety
In the new Support at Home model, this will expand to include Assistive Technology with funding tiers based on assessment outcomes.
What Can’t You Use It For?
There are a few rules around what your funding can’t be used for, including:
- General household bills like rent or groceries
- Items already covered by Medicare or the PBS
- Services that are unrelated to your care needs
Your provider should be transparent about this and explain what’s covered in plain English, no confusing jargon.
What’s Changing Under Support at Home?
From 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages will be replaced by Support at Home funding. The changes include:
- 8 care levels instead of 4
- Quarterly budgets instead of fortnightly subsidies
- Expanded access to equipment, respite, and assistive technology
- A streamlined system to better match services to your needs
You’ll still be able to use your funding for most of the same services and possibly more, but the system will aim to reduce duplication and delays.
Let’s Talk About Your Plan
At Harbourside Port Stephens, we work with you to build a plan that fits your needs now and adjusts as things change. You’ll always know what you’re entitled to, what you’re paying for, and who to call if something’s not right.
Got questions? We’re happy to help even if you’re not a client yet.
Want to meet the team and ask a few questions in person?
Visit Us at Salamander Square
📍 Salamander Square
14th August
18th September
30th October
13th November
11th December
🕘 9:00am – 3:00pm
Drop in for a chat, no appointment needed.
📞 Call us on (02) 4984 1811
🌐 Visit: www.harboursideportstephens.com.au