Aging at home should be simple, but for many older Australians and their families, navigating in-home care can feel overwhelming. Long wait times, complex funding structures, and uncertainty about service options leave many struggling to find the proper support. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the aged care program, you’re not alone.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is an initiative by the Australian Government, launched in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It is designed to provide older Australians with the necessary assistance to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
By 2035, an estimated 1.4 million older Australians will benefit from this program, which provides tailored, flexible support to help people remain in their homes and communities longer. This initiative aims to simplify access to essential support by streamlining services, offering individualised funding, and ensuring that older adults receive the right level of care based on their specific needs. The ultimate goal is to make in-home care more efficient, responsive, and easier to navigate for both clients and their families.
Programs Being Replaced
Home Care Packages (HCP) Program: Currently offering four levels of support based on assessed needs.
Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme: This programme is designed to improve wellbeing and independence over a short period.
Both the existing Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme will transition into the Support at Home framework. The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027.
What are The Expected Changes in The Support at Home Program?
1. Changes for Current Home Care Recipients
If you already have a Home Care Package (HCP), your care will seamlessly transition to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. You won’t pay more for your care, and your funding will match your existing HCP level. Australians on the National Priority System will also receive equivalent funding based on their approved HCP level. No reassessment is required unless your care needs have changed.
How will pricing be regulated under the new program?
In the first year (from 1 July 2025), in-home aged care providers will set their prices. To ensure fair pricing, government-set price caps will be introduced from 1 July 2026.
Need guidance on the Support at Home Program? Contact Wise Choice today for expert advice and seamless transition support. Call us now to discuss your home care needs!
2. Support at Home Assessment and Eligibility
The Support at Home program will be available to:
- Australians aged 65 and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50
- People aged 50 and older who are at risk of homelessness
To ensure tailored care, assessments will be carried out through the Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which collects key information to create personalised service recommendations. This assessment will form the basis for your support plan, guiding the funding and services you can access.
Will I need a new assessment to transition to Support at Home?
Current HCP and STRC recipients will transition at their existing service levels without a new assessment unless their needs change. CHSP clients may continue with their current services until at least 1 July 2027.
3. Prioritisation and Wait Times
The Support at Home program aims to add 300,000 places over the next decade, with around 1.4 million Australians expected to be in care by 2035. Initially, wait times for services will be similar to those under the Home Care Package system but will reduce as the program expands. A new prioritisation system will automatically assign applicants a priority rating (High, Medium, or Standard) based on assessment results. If wait times exceed expectations, participants will receive 60% of their budget until full funding is available.
4. Support at Home Pricing & Funding
Support at Home Pricing & Funding introduces a means-tested system where participants contribute based on their financial situation. The annual subsidy is divided into four quarterly budgets, offering flexibility to carry over unused funds (up to $1,000 or 10%). The government sets price caps on services to ensure fair and transparent costs. Providers invoice the government for services delivered, and the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) ensures prices are fair, covering the full cost, including administration.
5. Support at Home Categories: Classifications & Pathways
Support at Home Categories: Classifications & Pathways defines the services available to participants, categorised into Clinical Care, Independence, and Everyday Living. These categories determine the level of support based on individual needs. Participants may access specific pathways tailored to their conditions, including restorative care or end-of-life care, ensuring they receive the appropriate services for their situation.
The following table outlines the estimated budget allocations for each classification:
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$78,000 |
6. Support at Home Service List
The Support at Home program will fund services like clinical care, independence support, and everyday living activities. A defined service list will outline these services, with each category having its own pricing and contribution rules. Price caps will be set for services, and providers will be unable to charge extra fees. The annual subsidy will be split into four quarterly budgets, allowing participants to carry over unspent funds for future needs. Services Australia will manage these budgets.
7. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM)
Under the new Support at Home program, eligible participants will receive dedicated funding for assistive technology and home modifications to improve safety and independence. This separate funding ensures you can access necessary equipment and home changes, such as mobility aids or ramps, without using your central care budget.
There are three funding tiers for both technology and modifications, and your home care provider will assist in arranging and setting up the required items. This scheme helps you stay safe and independent in your home.
Home care should be simple and stress-free. Let us guide you through the new Support at Home Program and ensure you receive the best possible care. Reach out to us today!
What are the Benefits of the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program improves in-home aged care in several ways, with the goal of assisting older Australians in maintaining their independence and remaining in their homes for more extended periods. Key benefits of the new support at home program include:
- Increased Funding: Increases the maximum annual funding for in-home aged care from $61,440 to $78,000, resulting in more comprehensive support.
- Care Partner Access: This option assigns a care partner from a registered provider to provide care management support, ensuring personalised and effective coordination.
- Equitable Participant Contributions: Implement fair participant contributions that only apply to non-clinical services, making care more accessible.
- Reduced Wait Times: Aims to reduce the time between approval for Support at Home and service funding assignment to three months by July 2027.
- Preventative Support Funding: Provides initial funding for the Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) Scheme, enabling immediate access to assistive devices and home modifications without depleting individual budgets.
- Expanded Restorative Care Pathway: Increases support from 8 to 12 weeks and available places from 2,269 to 5,000 per quarter, improving restorative care services.
- End-of-Life Pathway Access: This program provides up to $25,000 over three months to individuals with less than three months to live, enabling dignified end-of-life care at home.
Key Features of the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program introduces several new and enhanced features aimed at providing better, more flexible, and equitable care for older Australians who wish to remain at home. Key features of the new support at home program include:
- Eight levels of support, with funding reaching up to $78,000 annually to meet varying care needs.
- Restorative and end-of-life care pathways, with restorative care extended from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, ensuring comprehensive support for recovery and comfort.
- Services cover clinical care (nursing), independence (help with daily activities like showering), and everyday living (assistance with cleaning and gardening).
- Reduced wait times from assessment to receiving support, providing faster access to services.
- Home modifications with funding of up to $15,000 to improve safety and independence at home.
- Quick access to assistive devices like walkers and wheelchairs through a new equipment loan scheme.
What Do These Changes Mean For You?
If you or a loved one currently receives home care, you may be wondering how these changes will impact you. Here’s what to expect:
1. Continuity of Care
Your existing services will not suddenly stop. The government is ensuring a smooth transition, meaning that your current support arrangements will continue while the new system is implemented.
Your well-being matters to us, and we are committed to providing the highest-quality in-home care solutions. Contact us today to ensure a smooth transition into the new care system!
2. More Flexibility in Choosing and Adjusting Services
You will have greater control over the types of support you receive. Whether you need help with daily tasks, mobility support, or health care, the new system will allow you to tailor services to your needs.
3. No Immediate Action Required
If you are already receiving support, you do not need to make any urgent changes. Wise Choice will work closely with you to ensure a seamless transition and guide you through any adjustments.
4. Clearer Pricing and Fees
One of the biggest concerns for many families is cost. The new model is designed to provide more transparency so you can better plan for your care needs without unexpected fees.
Summing Up!
The Support at Home Program represents a positive step forward in making aged care services more flexible, transparent, and tailored to individual needs. While navigating these changes may seem overwhelming, Wise Choice is here to guide you every step of the way.
With clear service categories, increased funding, prioritisation systems, and enhanced access to assistive equipment and home modifications, this new model is designed to empower older Australians to live independently in their homes for as long as possible.
At Wise Choice, we don’t just see policies and procedures—we see you. Your comfort, independence, and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest-quality, personalised care under the new system. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and provide a smooth transition into this new era of home care.
