At Rural Lifestyle Options Australia, we are committed to supporting older Australians with high-quality and tailored Aged Care Home Care services. As the Australian government rolls out the new 'Support at Home' program, we understand that the changes may raise questions and concerns for our community.

To ensure that our participants and their families are well-informed and prepared for these changes, we have developed a 'Support At Home' Blog Series. It aims to clarify the key aspects of the new program, including how it works, what services are available and how the transition will unfold.

Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information so that our clients can make empowered decisions about their care and continue to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.

Tips for Effectively Managing Your Support at Home Funding

Managing your Support at Home funding doesn’t have to be overwhelming!

Whether you are just starting out or looking to get more value from your current services, knowing how to stay on top of your budget can make all the difference. In today's blog, we will share practical tips to help you confidently manage your funding, prioritise your care needs, and avoid any unexpected surprises along the way.

From tracking your expenses to making the most of your care coordinator’s support, these strategies will empower you to get the best possible care — without the stress.

Let’s dive in!

1. Keep Track of Your Budget and Expenses

One of the first steps in managing your funding is understanding your budget. You need to know:

• How much funding you have available.

• Which services are covered.

• How much you can allocate to each service.

Create a simple budget or use an online tool to track your spending each month. This will help you avoid overspending and make adjustments if necessary. For example, if you have unspent funds in one category (like personal care) but are running low in another (like allied health), you can reallocate funds, if possible, to ensure you get the care you need.

2. Prioritise Your Needs

Funding may not cover every service you want, so it's essential to prioritise your care needs. For example:

• If you require regular nursing visits to manage a medical condition, those services may take priority over something like additional cleaning services.

• If your care needs change over time, it’s crucial to re-assess your priorities and adjust your funding allocation accordingly.

By staying flexible and reassessing your needs regularly, you can make sure that the most important services are always covered.

3. Review Your Service Agreements Regularly

As you begin using your funding, it’s important to review your service agreements regularly. Ensure that the services provided align with the budget you’ve set and the services you initially agreed upon. Sometimes, you might be billed for services you didn’t expect or use, so staying on top of the details will help prevent unexpected costs.

Check for:

• Additional charges that may apply, such as service setup fees, extra visits, or specialised treatments.

• Service changes that may result in different costs (e.g., if the provider increases rates or changes the scope of services).

• Unused funds in specific categories, which may be transferred to another area of care if necessary.

• Regular reviews also help ensure that your service providers are meeting the standards and requirements that were initially agreed upon.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Several online tools and apps can help you manage your Support at Home funding.

Many providers offer portals where you can:

• Track your spending: Monitor how much of your allocated funding has been used and how much remains.

• Set reminders: Stay on top of appointments, service review dates, or funding renewals.

• Communicate with your provider: If there’s a concern about overspending or needing to adjust the funding, many systems allow for easy communication with your care coordinator.

If your service provider doesn’t have an online portal, you can create your own system using simple apps like spreadsheets, budgeting apps, or even calendar reminders.

5. Communicate Regularly with Your Care Coordinator

Maintaining clear and regular communication with your care coordinator or the person managing your services is crucial. If you're unsure about how your funding is being used, have concerns about the cost of services, or need to make changes to your care plan, your care coordinator can be an invaluable resource.

Some ways to keep the conversation open and productive:

• Ask for regular updates on your remaining funding balance.

• Request assistance if you’re unsure about how to allocate funds across services.

• Discuss any changes in your care needs and how those might affect your budget.

A good care coordinator will help you navigate changes and ensure that you’re making the most of the funding you have.

Other Considerations for Managing Your Funding

6. Stay Informed About Program Changes

Funding guidelines and eligibility criteria for the Support at Home program can change over time. Stay informed about any changes that may affect your funding. You can do this by:

• Checking the official program website or contacting your service provider for updates.

• Reading newsletters or receiving notifications from the program administrators.

• Consulting with a financial advisor who specialises in aged care if you need help understanding the implications of policy or funding changes.

7. Consider Additional Funding Options

In some cases, you might have additional sources of funding that can complement the Support at Home program.

For example:

• Private health insurance: Some policies may cover services not included in the program.

• Veteran or disability benefits: If applicable, these can add extra financial support for your care.

• Charities and community organisations: Some local organisations provide grants or subsidies to assist with care.

Exploring other funding options can give you additional flexibility and ensure you receive the care you need without financial strain.

Final Thoughts…

Managing your Support at Home funding effectively is crucial to ensuring that you receive the best possible care while staying within your allocated budget. By staying organised, prioritising your needs, regularly reviewing service agreements, and communicating effectively with your care coordinator, you can make the most of the program.

In our next blog post, we’ll explore the importance of creating a personalised care plan and how to ensure that your Support at Home services are tailored to meet your unique needs. Stay tuned for more tips to make the most of your care journey!

Stay tuned for more details and feel free to ask any questions to our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing enquiries@rloa.org.au today!