Why using your unspent Home Care Package funds now can help you stay at home longer

When it comes to your Home Care Package, every dollar is designed with one purpose: to keep you living independently and thriving at home for as long as possible.

But what happens if you don’t spend those allocated funds? Let’s talk about unspent funds, why they build up, and why now is the perfect time to start using them.

What are unspent funds and how do they work?

Unspent funds are any unused dollars from your government-subsidised Home Care Package that roll over from month to month.

As long as you continue receiving your package, these funds remain available to you, steadily growing over time.

To help you stay on top of your package balance, Feros Care issues monthly statements that outline exactly how much you’ve spent on care and services, and how much funding is left. This transparency ensures you’re always in the loop about what’s available and can make informed decisions about your care.

Why spend your funds now?

Many people like to keep an ‘emergency stash’ of funds in case their health needs change unexpectedly. While this may seem like a smart strategy, it’s important to strike a balance between saving for future needs and using funds now to maintain (and improve) your long term quality of life. In other words, being proactive will help you optimise your health and wellbeing for a better and healthier future.

The primary goal of your Home Care Package is to help you stay in your own home longer. Again, while saving for future needs is sensible, using the funds you have been allocated in your Home Care Package can actually help prevent health challenges down the track, and help you remain independent for longer.

For example, if you’ve noticed a decline in mobility, balance issues, increased pain, or feelings of disconnection, using your funds to access services like physiotherapy, exercise physiology, or social support can improve long term health and wellbeing, improve your quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of further decline.

And remember, if your needs change you can apply for a higher-level Home Care Package with additional funding and services.

Delving deeper into the benefits of using your unspent funds

Using your unspent funds now isn’t about splurging – it’s about strategically using what’s available to you to improve your long-term holistic health. You’re actually bettering your chances of staying in your own home by spending what you’re entitled to now rather than saving it for a rainy day.

And from a purely financial viewpoint, addressing small health issues now can prevent them from becoming larger problems which require a greater overall financial spend in the future.

The statistics – why you should be proactive with your health

Chronic health conditions impact older Australians more than any other age group. A 2023 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights that 50% of older Australians aged 65 and over experience at least one chronic condition and 28% experience three or more.

To support healthy ageing, research consistently indicates that early intervention is key. That means utilising the likes of allied health services, home modifications, and social support (to name a few) can delay the progression of such conditions, reducing the need for higher-cost care later.

Improved wellbeing – both physical and mental

There are many products and services you can access through your unspent funds, like allied health services and social activities. Both can boost your physical and mental health, helping you feel more active, confident, and connected to your community.

Social activities:

According to AIHW, a 2020–2022 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing identified that 7.9% and 11.1% of men and women, respectively, aged 65 years and older have experienced a mental health condition in the past 12 months (excluding dementias).

AIHW also reports that older adults with a mental health condition are more likely to experience disability and reduced health-related quality of life.

That’s why activities that foster social connection – an essential pillar of mental health – play such a critical role in maintaining overall wellbeing.

Allied health services:

Allied health services, including (but not limited to) physiotherapy and occupational therapy not only support physical recovery, but also contribute to enhanced independence and quality of life for seniors.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) reports that there is clear evidence that physiotherapy-led strength, balance and mobility programs prevent falls in the home.

Also, Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) state that in-home occupational therapy centred around restorative care and improving the ability to perform day-to-day tasks decreased emergency department visits and home care services uptake, enabling older Australians to continue living independently.

What CAN you use your unspent funds on?

Your unspent funds can be used for a wide range of services and supports to make everyday life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Here are some ideas:

Personal alarms

Give yourself – and your loved ones – peace of mind that you are always safe and connected to 24/7 help in the event of a fall or medical emergency. Read more about them here.

Assistive devices

From grab rails to kitchen aids, these handy tools can make life at home more manageable and less physically taxing. Find out more about assistive devices here.

Social groups and individual social support

Meet like-minded friends, reduce feelings of isolation – and have fun! Check out our Social Groups calendar here.

Allied health services

To name a few, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and exercise physiology can improve your physical health and overall wellbeing. For example, accessing these services and getting on the front-foot when you first notice that your mobility or balance are declining or that you’re experiencing more pain than usual, helps you avoid further decline. Learn more about how allied health services have helped clients here.

Home modifications

Small changes like ramps or handrails can make a big difference in maintaining your independence and again, sooner rather than later is the key.

Tech solutions

Explore cutting-edge technology to help you stay connected with loved ones, optimise convenience, and manage your health in a simple and highly effective way. Find out more here.

What CAN’T you use your unspent funds on?

As these funds belong to your package (and not your bank account), they cannot be used on anything outside of your Home Care Package.

This means that they must be spent on products and services related to your health and wellbeing and cannot be ‘cashed out’ for another purpose.

For more information, please check out the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Home Care Packages Program Manual for Care Recipients

We’re here to help

Navigating your Home Care Package and deciding how to spend your funds can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Feros Care, we’re here to help you identify the services and supports that best suit your needs and goals.

Our team will work with you to explore what’s possible within your current package funding. Whether it’s organising physiotherapy sessions, arranging social activities, or installing a personal alarm, we’ll ensure your funds are used effectively to enhance your quality of life.

Your Home Care Package is an incredible way to stay ahead of health challenges and maintain your independence, so why let those funds sit idle? Let’s put them to work for you now and set the stage for a healthier, happier future.

For more information on the products and services you could access through your unspent funds, click here.

Or, for more information on how you can use your unspent funds to improve your quality of life now and in the future, call us on 1300 461 461.