How to Take Control: Self-Managed Home Care Packages Explained

Home Care Packages (HCPs) are government-funded programs for older Australians who wish to remain living on their own at home. 

They provide a coordinated mix of services. For instance, personal care, help with household chores, allied health, and nursing support. 

A self-managed HCP is an option that gives you more control over how your HCP funding is spent. 

Instead of the provider managing every detail, you or your loved ones take charge. You can choose your own services, hire care workers, and track expenses. 

With this increased autonomy, these types of care packages are becoming more and more popular.

If you want to know more about how self-managed Home Care Packages work, this article is for you.

You'll learn about different ways to customise your care, reduce costs, and take a more active role in your support. 

What Is a Self-Managed Home Care Package?

A self-managed Home Care Package lets you or someone you trust take charge of planning and organising your care services, following government rules.

It's also called consumer-directed care.

This is different from the traditional model, where the provider organises services on your behalf.

These are some of the core features of self-managed Home Care Packages:

1. Flexibility

You have the freedom to decide what services you need, when they're delivered, and by whom. You're not locked into fixed rosters or limited staff availability.

2. Choice of providers and carers

You can hire independent carers, contractors, or even family members (as long as they meet government guidelines). This allows for more personal and culturally appropriate care.

3. Budget control

With visibility into your package budget, you can approve invoices and compare prices. You can also direct more funds to services that matter most to you, stretching your care hours further.

Who Can Choose Self-Management?

Anyone with an approved Home Care Package can choose to self-manage. 

This option is available at all four HCP levels and across all states, including NSW, Victoria, and beyond.

To self-manage, you should:

1. Be able to coordinate your care or have someone you trust to assist
2. Be comfortable making decisions about your support needs
3. Be willing to work with a provider for budget reporting and compliance

If you meet these criteria, self-management can be a rewarding way to take greater control of your well-being.

This model is particularly appealing to:

• Tech-savvy seniors
• Family caregivers
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities
• Anyone who values independence, flexibility, and control over their care

How Do Self-Managed Home Care Packages Work?

Choosing to self-manage means taking on certain responsibilities. But you are never entirely alone. 

To know how self-managed care works, it's important to understand:

1. The role of the consumer (you)
2. The available support
3. The role of the provider (like Haisey Home Care)

The Role of the Consumer

In self-managed care, you, as the consumer, become the main coordinator of your care.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Selecting and scheduling carers or service providers
• Reviewing and approving invoices for payment
• Creating and updating a care plan based on changing needs
• Ensuring that all services and spending comply with My Aged Care rules

This model involves some administration, but most people find it very manageable.

Support Available

Self-management doesn't mean doing everything alone. With the right partner, you'll have:

• Ongoing access to expert advice and training
• Templates and guides for care planning and budgeting
• A way to track your spending and services
• Help when you need clarity on government guidelines

This blended model of independence with back-up support is exactly what makes self-managed home care a good option for so many Australians.

The Role of Providers

Even under a self-managed Home Care Package, you must use an approved provider. You need their help to hold and submit your government-funded payments. 

These providers play a key role by:

• Managing government subsidies, payments, and reporting obligations
• Offering tools like dashboards, invoicing platforms, and clear monthly statements
• Providing guidance on what care and expenses are government-approved
• Supplying templates, onboarding checklists, and ongoing support to make sure you stay compliant

This model ensures you gain independence while following government regulations. 

Providers serve as supportive partners, not gatekeepers.

Benefits of Self-Managed Home Care Packages

There are many reasons why thousands of Australians are switching to self-managed home care. 

Below are some of the most important benefits:

1. Cost Efficiency

Self-managed care often involves lower administration fees and hourly rates. It allows you to get more hours of care for the same package value.

2. Personalisation of Care

You're in the driver's seat. You get to choose carers who understand your needs, schedule, and preferences. This leads to more satisfying and culturally appropriate care.

3. Greater Control

You don't need to wait for approvals or conform to a provider's roster. You set the terms and timelines, giving you more peace of mind.

4. Faster Approvals of Services

Since you're directly approving purchases and bookings (within guidelines), you can avoid long delays often experienced with fully managed models.

These benefits aren't just theoretical. 

Many Australians report improved well-being, reduced stress, and higher satisfaction with care after switching to a self-managed model.

Self-Managed vs. Provider-Managed Home Care Packages

Here's a breakdown of how self-managed and provider-managed packages differ in key areas:

1. Carer Selection
   
   

• Self-managed: You choose who supports you — friends, contractors, or care workers.
• Provider-managed: You receive services only from the provider's staff.
  
  

2. Budget Control
   
   

• Self-managed: Full transparency and authority over how funds are used.
• Provider-managed: Limited visibility and little control over how the provider allocates funds.
  
  

3. Scheduling Flexibility
   
   

• Self-managed: Set your own care times and change as needed.
• Provider-managed: Bound by fixed schedules and staff availability.
  
  

4. Fees
   
   

• Self-managed: Lower overhead and no hidden charges.
• Provider-managed: Higher admin and coordination fees, reducing available service hours.

How to Switch to a Self-Managed Home Care Package

Transitioning to a self-managed model is easier than you might think. Here's how to get started:

1. Assess Your Needs

Think about the types of services you currently receive or expect to need. Would you like more control over who delivers them and when?

2. Contact My Aged Care

If you're new to home care, begin with an assessment. If you already have a package, proceed to step 3.

3. Choose Self-Management

When selecting a provider, opt for one that supports self-management.

4. Set Up Your Plan and Budget

Your chosen provider should provide onboarding support, budgeting tools, and help you submit any required documentation. From here, you can begin managing your care on your terms.

Switching providers is free and fully supported under My Aged Care, so you can make a change at any time.

FAQ

What is a self-managed Home Care Package?

A self-managed Home Care Package is a model where the care recipient (or their representative) arranges services. They choose how to spend package funds, with provider support in the background.

Can Home Care Packages be self-managed?

Yes. Anyone eligible for a government-subsidised Home Care Package can opt for full or partial self-management.

How do I self-manage my Home Care Package?

Choose a provider like Haisey Home Care that offers tools, training, and low fees. We'll help you design a care plan and manage your services.

What are the costs involved?

Self-managed packages tend to have significantly lower administrative and service fees, giving you more value and flexibility.

Taking the Next Step

Managing your own Home Care Package doesn't have to be complicated. 

With the right support, you can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and confidence that come with doing it your way.

Haisey Home Care specialises in guiding Australians through the process with tools and support tailored for self-managers.

Reach out to us if you want to know more. 

{{cta}}