What Can I Spend My Home Care Package On? (Complete 2026 Guide)
If your elderly parent has recently been approved for a home care package in Australia, one of the first questions families ask is: what can we actually spend this money on?
The Australian Government funds home care packages through the Support at Home programme — and while there is a lot of flexibility in how the money is used, there are also categories that are not covered.
This guide explains exactly what is and is not allowed under a home care package in 2026 — including technology and monitoring services that many families do not realise are approved.
What Is a Home Care Package?
A home care package is a government-funded support programme that helps elderly Australians continue living independently at home. Funding is allocated based on a person's level of care needs — from Level 1 (basic) through to Level 4 (high-level care).
In 2026, annual funding amounts are:
- Level 1 — $10,271 per year (basic care needs)
- Level 2 — $18,063 per year (low-level care needs)
- Level 3 — $39,310 per year (intermediate care needs)
- Level 4 — $61,440 per year (high-level care needs)
These annual amounts align with home care package levels 1 through 4 once a person is assigned a tier. They sit within the wider goals of aged care at home: helping people stay safely in their own residence with the right mix of supports.
What Can You Spend Your Home Care Package On?
The Australian Government sets a list of approved categories. Within these categories, families have significant flexibility to choose the specific services that suit their loved one's needs — including home care services you agree with your provider for the weeks ahead.
Approved spending categories include:
- Personal care — bathing, grooming, dressing assistance
- Nursing and allied health services — wound care, physiotherapy, podiatry
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Domestic assistance — cleaning, laundry, gardening
- Transport to medical appointments and social activities
- Home modifications — grab rails, ramps, bathroom safety equipment
- Technology and monitoring services — including AI companions, health monitoring, and remote care tools
- Social support and community participation
- Respite care for family carers
- Care coordination and case management
Can I Use My Home Care Package for Technology and AI Companions?
Yes — technology and monitoring services are an approved spending category under Australian home care packages and the Support at Home programme.
This includes AI companion services like CareCob. CareCob's daily phone check-ins, wellness monitoring, and medication reminders fall under the technology and monitoring category — and can be included in your Level 2, 3, or 4 package spend.
If you are already receiving a home care package, speak to your package provider about adding CareCob as an approved technology service. Many families use CareCob alongside their existing in-person care visits to provide daily support in the hours between visits.
With CareCob, Grace calls your elderly loved one every day at an agreed time. They simply answer the phone — no app, no screen, no learning required. You receive a daily update via SMS and the family dashboard.
What Is NOT Covered by a Home Care Package?
There are categories the Australian Government does not allow home care package funds to be spent on:
- Permanent accommodation costs (rent, mortgage, aged care room fees)
- General food and groceries (though meal preparation services are covered)
- Holiday travel and entertainment
- Medical costs already covered by Medicare
- Home modifications that are purely cosmetic
- Services or items that do not relate to the person's care needs
How Do I Make the Most of My Home Care Package?
To get the most value from a home care package, it helps to think about the full 24 hours in your loved one's day — not just the time when a carer is present.
In-person visits cover a few hours each week. Technology like CareCob fills the gaps — daily phone check-ins, medication reminders, and real-time updates to your family — without significantly adding to the package budget.
Talk to your package coordinator about combining in-person services with technology monitoring. Many families find this combination gives more comprehensive coverage within the same package budget.
To find out which level of home care package your loved one qualifies for, or to learn more about the application process, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my home care package to pay for CareCob?▼
Yes. Technology and monitoring services are an approved spending category under Australian home care packages. CareCob can be included as part of your Level 2, 3, or 4 package spend. Speak to your home care package provider to add it to your care plan.
What happens if I do not spend all my home care package funding?▼
Unspent funds roll over each month within the same financial year. If you regularly have funds left over, it may be worth reviewing your care plan with your package coordinator to ensure your loved one is receiving the level of support they need.
Can I change what I spend my home care package on?▼
Yes. You can adjust your care plan and spending categories at any time in consultation with your package coordinator. Your needs may change over time, and the package is designed to be flexible.
Is CareCob available across all of Australia?▼
Yes. CareCob is available nationwide across all Australian states and territories, including regional and remote areas.
Try CareCob as Part of Your Home Care Package
CareCob's daily phone check-ins, medication reminders, and family updates are available as an approved technology service under Australian home care packages. Grace calls your loved one every day — they just answer the phone, no technology required. Start your free trial today — credit card required.