What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is designed to simplify and improve in-home aged care by replacing multiple existing programs with a more flexible, needs-based model. From 1 July 2025, it will replace:

• Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) from 1 July 2025
• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) no earlier than 1 July 2027

The new Age Care Act plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Support at Home program, outlining the staged introduction of various programs and new regulations to level up aged care services.

Key changes include:

• Single Assessment Process – A unified system to determine eligibility and service levels, replacing multiple assessments.
• Flexible Quarterly Budgets – Instead of fixed package levels, funding will be allocated based on assessed needs, allowing adjustments as circumstances change.
• More Personalised Services – A stronger focus on early intervention, such as assistive technology, home modifications, and allied health support.
• Regulated Pricing – Introduction of price caps to improve affordability and ensure transparency in service costs.

The new Aged Care Act underpins the rollout, ensuring greater accountability, quality of care, and person-centred support for older Australians.

For a full breakdown of available services, funding details, and how these changes may impact you, visit the official Support at Home program page.

Overview of the Support at Home Program

The Support at Home program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enabling older Australians to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. 

This new system promises to be more efficient, responsive, and sustainable, replacing the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. Under this program, older Australians will receive a budget that allows them to access a variety of services and support tailored to their individual needs and preferences. 

The Australian Government will cover 100% of clinical care services, ensuring that essential health needs are met. However, older Australians will be required to contribute towards support services such as showering, gardening, and meal preparation, making the system both comprehensive and fair.

Key Objectives and Benefits

Accessibility – How Will Support at Home Make Care Easier to Access?

The Support at Home program simplifies access to in-home aged care by:

• Single Assessment Process – Replacing multiple assessments with one streamlined system to determine eligibility and care needs.
• Flexible Funding Model – Eliminating rigid care package levels so recipients receive support based on their changing needs.
• Faster Access to Services – Reducing wait times by allowing people to start receiving care sooner without waiting for higher-level packages.
• Greater Choice of Providers – Regulated pricing and funding transparency make it easier to compare and choose providers that best meet individual needs.

Personalised Care – How Will Support at Home Tailor Services to Individual Needs?

The program is designed to provide more tailored, flexible support by:

• Quarterly Budget Allocations – Instead of being locked into a fixed package, recipients receive funding based on their specific care needs, with adjustments as their situation changes.
• Early Intervention Focus – More emphasis on preventative care like allied health, exercise programs, assistive technology, and home modifications to support long-term independence.
• Greater Consumer Control – Individuals have more say in how and when services are delivered, ensuring support is aligned with their personal goals.
• Better Coordination Between Services – The new system aims to reduce fragmentation by ensuring all care services are aligned and managed under one framework.

Comprehensive Support – What Services Will Be Available?

Support at Home will provide a broad range of essential services, including:

• Personal Care – Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility support.
• Domestic Assistance – Help with cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, and home maintenance.
• Health & Nursing Services – Access to nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and mental health professionals.
• Home Modifications & Assistive Technology – Installation of ramps, grab rails, mobility aids, and smart home technology to enhance independence.
• Transport & Social Support – Assistance with attending medical appointments, social outings, and community activities.
• Short-Term & Restorative Care – Recovery support after hospital stays, helping individuals regain independence.

Differences from Current Programs

The Support at Home program replaces the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) with a simpler, more flexible model. Here’s how it differs from the current system:

Single Aged Care Assessment (Instead of Multiple Systems)

Current System:

• Separate assessments for CHSP and HCP, creating delays and confusion.
• CHSP uses a Regional Assessment Service (RAS), while HCP requires an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) review.
• People often need to undergo multiple assessments if their care needs increase.

New System (Support at Home):

• A single, unified assessment process will determine eligibility and service needs across all support levels.
• People won’t need reassessments when moving between different care levels, making access faster and more seamless.

Flexible Service Levels & Quarterly Budgets (Replacing Fixed Packages)

Current System:

• Four Home Care Package levels (HCP Level 1–4), with fixed annual budgets that may not align with changing needs.
• Long wait times (often 12+ months) to move from a lower-level package to a higher-level one if needs increase.
• Funding is locked into a package, meaning some people receive more or less support than they actually need.

New System (Support at Home):

• No rigid package levels – instead, funding will be adjusted quarterly based on the person’s needs.
• Individuals will receive the right level of support from the start, without waiting for an upgraded package.
• Services can increase or decrease as needed, ensuring people receive timely and appropriate care.

Greater Focus on Early Intervention & Preventative Care

Current System:

• Most funding is spent on reactive care, such as personal assistance and nursing.
• Limited support for preventative services (e.g., home modifications and allied health) to help people stay independent.
• Assistive technology and home modifications often require additional funding approvals, creating delays.

New System (Support at Home):

• More emphasis on preventative measures, such as exercise programs, physiotherapy, and home modifications, to keep people independent for longer.
• Easier access to assistive technology and home modifications, reducing the need for crisis interventions.
• Greater flexibility to include allied health services, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and long-term disability.

Who is Eligible?

Older Australians aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who require assistance to remain independent at home will be eligible for Support at Home.

Eligibility will be determined through a comprehensive assessment, ensuring services are matched to individual needs. In some exceptional cases, individuals under 65 may qualify for aged care services if NDIS support is not suitable for their needs.

Pricing and Funding

The funding structure of the Support at Home program will closely resemble that of the current Home Care Packages in several ways. However, there will be a notable shift in financial expectations for Australian seniors with the means to contribute more. 

The government will continue to cover health-related costs, but seniors will be expected to pay a higher share for other support services. In-home care costs will be divided into three categories, ensuring clarity and transparency. 

Additionally, a lifetime cap of $130,000 will be applied to non-clinical care costs, which includes both in-home care and residential care. This approach aims to balance affordability with the sustainability of the aged care system.

Key Changes and What They Mean for You

Simplified Access

The introduction of a Single Assessment System will streamline the process of accessing in-home care. This system replaces multiple assessments with a unified approach, ensuring timely support for those who need it.

As part of the reforms introduced by the Support at Home program, there is a strong focus on aged care quality to enhance the standards of service delivery.

Continuity and Innovation

While many existing services will remain available, Support at Home will introduce:

• Early intervention measures, such as assistive technology and home modifications
• Flexible budgeting, where participants receive quarterly budgets based on assessed needs

Impact on Current and New Recipients

• Existing Clients: Those currently receiving HCP or CHSP services will transition to Support at Home at their current service levels, ensuring continuity of care. The Home Care Package program offers four levels of support with specific funding limits, and current recipients will maintain their funding level until reassessed under the new program, which has different funding levels and support classifications.
• New Applicants: Those applying for in-home aged care after 1 July 2025 will be assessed under the new system and receive support tailored to their needs.

Transitioning from Home Care Packages

For those currently receiving Home Care Packages, there is no need to worry about increased costs. 

Seniors who already have a Home Care Package or are approved for one before July 2025 will transition to the new Support at Home system without any additional financial burden. The government has assured that individuals will not pay more than they currently do or would under the existing system. 

This guarantee provides peace of mind for current recipients, ensuring that their care remains consistent and affordable as they move into the new program.

Prioritisation and Wait Times

The Support at Home program is set to significantly expand its capacity, aiming to add 300,000 more places over the next decade. 

By 2035, it is expected that around 1.4 million Australians will be receiving care under this program. While initial wait times for Home Care Packages will carry over into the Support at Home program, the aged care prioritisation system will undergo key changes to improve efficiency. The program is designed to reduce wait times as it scales up, ensuring that more Australians can access the care they need in a timely manner.

How Will Support at Home Affect NDIS and Aged Care Services?

The introduction of Support at Home raises important questions about its impact on aged care recipients who also receive NDIS-funded services.

The aged care sector plays a crucial role in the integration of Support at Home with other services, ensuring that the varied costs and service delivery models are adequately reflected.

Relationship Between Support at Home and NDIS Services

Support at Home is designed specifically for older Australians, while NDIS remains the primary funding program for people under 65 with a disability. However, there may be some overlap for older Australians receiving both aged care and disability support.

Will NDIS Participants Experience Changes?

NDIS participants already receiving support under their plans will not be automatically transferred to Support at Home. Instead, they will continue receiving NDIS-funded services. However, older Australians not eligible for NDIS but requiring in-home support will benefit from the streamlined aged care system.

How Should Providers Prepare?

• Review Service Offerings: Ensure services align with the new funding model.
• Understand Funding Changes: Adapt to any shifts in funding structures.
• Educate Clients: Communicate the changes clearly to ensure a smooth transition.

What Services and Support Will Be Available?

Support at Home will offer a wide range of services designed to meet individual needs, including:

The new Aged Care Act will play a crucial role in defining the services and support available under the Support at Home program.

Personal Care and Daily Support

• Assistance with showering, dressing, and grooming
• Meal preparation and nutritional support
• Medication management

Healthcare and Allied Health Services

• Nursing and wound care
• Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and exercise physiology
• Speech pathology and mental health support

While these services are typically provided under the Support at Home program, it’s important to note that residential aged care offers a different model of care, focusing on comprehensive, facility-based services for those who require more intensive support.

Home Modifications and Assistive Technology

• Installation of ramps, grab rails, and bathroom modifications
• Mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs
• Smart home technology to enhance independence

Social and Community Engagement

• Transport for medical appointments and social outings
• Support to participate in community activities
• Assistance in maintaining social connections

Unlike the previous Home Care Packages, Support at Home will introduce flexible service levels with quarterly budgets, ensuring care plans remain adaptable as needs change.

What Should You Do to Prepare for the Changes?

For Current Recipients and Families:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with updates about the transition to Support at Home.
• Engage with Providers: Discuss potential changes with your current service providers to understand how the transition may affect your care.
• Review Care Plans: Assess your current and future needs to ensure your support plan aligns with your goals.

For Aged Care Service Providers:

• Assess Readiness: Ensure your organisation is prepared for the transition to Support at Home.
• Train Staff: Educate teams on new funding models and service requirements.
• Update Service Offerings: Align services with new eligibility and funding criteria.
• Support Clients: Communicate clearly with existing clients to guide them through the transition.

Staged Implementation and Timeline

The implementation of the Support at Home program will be carried out in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Phase 1 will see the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs transition to Support at Home from 1 July 2025. Phase 2 will involve the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) transitioning no earlier than 1 July 2027. 

Until these transitions occur, current in-home aged care programs will continue to operate under existing arrangements. Additionally, the Australian Government has announced a delay in the introduction of price caps on in-home services. Initially set to commence from 1 July 2025, these government-set price caps will now be introduced from 1 July 2026, providing additional time for a smooth implementation.

Stay Ahead of the Changes

The Support at Home program represents a significant transformation in aged care. Staying informed and preparing in advance will ensure that recipients, families, and service providers can navigate the transition smoothly.

For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Support at Home webpage. If you need personalised guidance, reach out to Bloom Healthcare to discuss how these changes may affect you.