Able Foods’ beginnings were as a specialist meal provider for NDIS participants. Our dedication to providing the best possible product and client experience meant that it only made sense we expanded our offering to older Australians.
As an Aged Care (HCP) Provider, our ready-made meals can be co-funded through a Home Care Package (HCP), a type of government assistance that’s available to older Australians living at home.
If you would like help at home, use the MyAgedCare eligibility checker to see if you meet the requirements for an assessment. If you qualify for an assessment, you can apply online. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, you may be eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a HCP.
In this blog, we’ll cover if and how you can get Able Foods meals through the CHSP, a HCP, and everything in between.
Able Foods meals through the CHSP
We often get asked if CHSP participants can purchase Able Foods meals.
The simple answer is: Able Foods meals cannot be subsidised through your CHSP. You are welcome to purchase them, but you will need to pay full cost.
A CHSP is for individuals who need a low level of support to keep living independently. If you’re eligible to receive help with meals and food preparation, you’ll be given a referral code that you can use to order meals through your CHSP provider of choice (e.g. TLC – Tender Loving Cuisine). As Able Foods isn’t a CHSP provider, our meals can’t be purchased using this code.
Table 1. Able Foods full price breakdown
| Able Foods item | Full cost |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | $7.10 |
| Sandwich | $8.80 |
| Main meal | $14.40-$15.90 |
| Extra | $2.50-$6.80 |
| Texture-modified main meal | $16.60-$18.10 |
If you’re still keen to dine with Able Foods, get in touch! To get started, contact our friendly Client Engagement team by emailing [email protected] or calling 1300 123 225.
Able Foods meals through a HCP
HCPs are the next tier of support in the aged care system, for those who have more complex care needs. There are four levels of HCP, and the government contributes a different amount for each level: The higher the level, the higher the subsidy.
While you wait for funding
If you are approved for a HCP, you may need to wait before a package is assigned to you. The wait time will depend on the level of package you’re eligible for and your priority for receiving services.
If you need to receive Able Foods meals while you wait, the good news is that you can still order from us! You will just need to pay the full cost of the meals.
To get ordering, contact our friendly Client Engagement team by emailing [email protected] or calling 1300 123 225.
When you have a HCP
Once you’re approved for, and assigned, a package, you’ll need to choose a HCP provider to host it. You will need to do this even if you choose to self manage your funding. These providers are a third party organisation, separate from MyAgedCare, who will be sent your subsidy from the government. You’ll work with your chosen provider to determine which care and services (such as Able Foods) to spend your budget on.
Your provider will be the one to receive invoices from Able Foods for the cost of meal preparation and delivery. This means you’ll only need to pay a small amount (called the co-payment) to cover the cost of ingredients, and your provider will cover the rest.
The table below outlines what you pay and what your HCP provider pays.
Table 2. Able Foods cost price breakdown by co-payment and subsidy
| Able Foods item | Your provider pays (Subsidy) | You pay (Co-payment) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $5.30 | $1.80 |
| Sandwich | $6.80 | $2.00 |
| Main meal | $12.40 | $2.00 - $3.50 |
| Extra | $2.00 - $5.30 | $0.50 - $1.50 |
| Texture-modified main meal | $14.60 | $2.00 - $3.50 |
Get started with Able Foods
Once you’ve selected a HCP provider, we’ll need to check that they are happy to work with us. We already work with many HCP providers, and you can check here if yours is on the list!
If your provider is on the list, you’re ready to get started with Able Foods! Just fill in our online form, or give us a call on 1300 123 225 and you’ll be on your way.
If we don’t yet work with your provider, they may require a contract with us. Get in touch with us, or contact them, to get the ball rolling. Setting this up can take some time, so we appreciate your patience. Once this is squared away, our team will get you set up to start ordering!
When you’re all set up, you’ll be able to start ordering ready-made, home-delivered meals for as little as $2 co-pay!
You’ll be able to choose from our extensive menu of 80+ tasty options that are updated regularly, so you’ll always be discovering new favourites.
With options ranging from home-style favourites and pub-style classics to Asian and Italian, we’ve got something for everyone! We also have a selection of desserts for the sweet tooths among you, and texture modified meals for those who experiencing difficulty chewing and swallowing.
Questions?
Our friendly Client Engagement team is happy to answer any questions you may have. Email us at [email protected] or call 1300 123 225.
