Self-Managing Your Home Care Package or Support at Home Funding
More older Australians are choosing to take an active role in managing their government-funded care. Self-management can provide greater choice, flexibility and transparency, while helping you make better use of the funding available to support you at home.
The former Home Care Packages Program was replaced by the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. However, many people still use the term “Home Care Package”, particularly if they previously received funding through that program. Regardless of the terminology, self-management remains an option for people who want more involvement in arranging their services.
What does self-managing your funding mean?
Self-management does not mean you are left to handle everything alone. You still need to be
connected with a registered Support at Home provider, and a Care Partner remains involved in developing and reviewing your care plan.
The difference is that you take greater responsibility for choosing and coordinating your services. Depending on your provider’s arrangements, you may be able to:
- Choose your own support workers and service providers
- Decide when and how frequently services are delivered
- Negotiate rates with independent contractors
- Submit invoices for approved services
- Monitor your funding and spending
- Adjust your services when your circumstances change
Your registered provider continues to oversee important areas such as compliance, quality,
safeguarding, financial reporting and payment of approved invoices.
Greater choice over who enters your home
One of the biggest advantages of self-management is having more say over who provides your support.
The relationship between an older person and their support worker is important. You may feel more comfortable with someone who speaks your preferred language, understands your cultural background, shares your interests or is available at times that suit your routine.
Self-management may allow you to continue working with an existing support worker or select someone based on your individual preferences. However, workers and contractors must still meet the qualifications, screening and compliance requirements that apply to the services they provide.
A highly recommended self-managed provider should explain these requirements clearly and help you understand which services and workers can be approved.
Getting more value from your funding
Self-management can sometimes help your funding go further. Providers offering self-managed arrangements may charge lower administration fees because you are completing some of the service coordination yourself.
You may also have more freedom to compare prices and negotiate directly with service providers. If you find an appropriately qualified worker at a competitive rate, more of your budget may remain available for direct support.
This does not automatically mean that the cheapest service is the best choice. Reliability, experience, qualifications, insurance and continuity of care should all be considered. The goal is to achieve good value without compromising your safety or the quality of your support.
What services can be self-managed?
The services available will depend on your aged care assessment, approved support plan and available funding. Common services may include:
- Personal care, including help with showering, dressing and grooming
- Domestic assistance, such as cleaning and laundry
- Social support
- Transport to appointments, shopping or activities
- Respite care
- Meal preparation
- Nursing and allied health services
- Home maintenance and gardening
Assistive technology and home modifications are funded separately under the Support at Home program. These items generally require an assessed need and may also require a prescription or recommendation from a qualified health professional.
Every purchase or service must relate to your assessed care needs and be included within the rules of the program. Your provider should confirm whether an expense is eligible before you commit to it.
Understanding the responsibilities
Self-management offers greater control, but it also involves more work. You may need to find suitable workers, organise schedules, review invoices and regularly check your available budget.
You should also have a plan for unexpected situations. For example, what will happen if your usual support worker becomes sick or is unavailable? Independent workers may not have the same backup capacity as a larger care organisation.
Good record-keeping is equally important. Invoices should clearly identify the service delivered, the date, duration, rate and worker or business details. Incomplete or ineligible invoices may be delayed or declined by your provider.
For families already coordinating appointments, medications and household responsibilities, the additional administration may become demanding. It is worth having an honest discussion about who will manage these tasks and how much time they can realistically contribute.
Choosing the right self-managed provider
Providers can differ considerably in their fees, technology, invoice processing times and level of assistance. Before signing a service agreement, ask:
- What fees will be deducted from my funding?
- How quickly are approved invoices paid?
- Can I choose independent support workers?
- What checks must workers complete?
- How can I monitor my available budget?
- Who can I contact if I need assistance?
- What happens if a service or invoice is not approved?
- How often will my care plan be reviewed?
A user-friendly portal can make self managed aged care considerably easier by allowing you to view your budget, services and invoices in one place.
Is self-management right for you?
Self-management can be an excellent choice if you want greater control and feel comfortable organising services. It can also work well when a trusted family member is available to assist.However, it is not the right model for everyone. Some people prefer their provider to coordinate workers, schedules and replacement services on their behalf.
The best arrangement is the one that gives you the right balance of independence, safety and practical support. Before deciding, compare providers carefully, understand the fees and responsibilities, and make sure help will be available when you need it.