Home care fees 'could triple for pensioners'

The Australian Government's proposed fee policy for home care could make Meals on Wheels more expensive than Lite n' Easy, pensioners say.

PENSIONERS say they would be better off getting meals delivered through 'Lite n' Easy or takeways if a new fee policy for home care is adopted by the Commonwealth.

The Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association says proposed home care fees for Meals on Wheels will double in same cases.

"Pensioners would be better off getting meals delivered through the private market than through volunteer-based Meals on Wheels if the Australian Government's new fee policy for home care is adopted," said senior advisor, Charmaine Crowe.

"The proposed home care fees will double and in some cases triple the cost of Home and Community Care (HACC), soon to be rebranded Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), for 750,000 older people across Australia."

Under the proposed fee policy, a full-rate pensioner would pay $9 plus the cost of ingredients per meal. Current meal fees range from $4.50 to $9 in NSW.

"A pensioner would be better off ordering meals through Lite n' Easy or getting takeaway than paying the new home care fees."

"Even services that often don't attract a fee, like social support delivered by a volunteer, will be charged at $9 per hour under the new model. This will see disadvantaged older people cut back or drop those services altogether because they cannot afford the cost."

"Home care keeps older people out of hospital and nursing homes and allows them to remain independent in their communities. For many older people, home care is the one link they have to the outside world."

"CPSA calls on the Department of Social Services to go back to the drawing board and put together a fee policy that older, low-income people can afford," said Ms Crowe.

Originally published as Home care fees 'could triple for pensioners'