Empowering Carers: How the new Aged-Care Reforms are designed to benefit you

What carers need to know about the Aged-Care Reforms

From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program will reshape how aged care assistance is delivered in Australia. If you’re supporting a loved one at home, these reforms are designed to make your role easier, more collaborative and better supported. Here’s how the changes will benefit you and the person you care for.

Care partners and care management: Building a supportive team around you

One of the most important changes is the introduction of care partners: professionals who work alongside older people and their carers to co-design care plans. This ensures that preferences, goals and cultural needs are respected and you're navigating the system with support every step of the way. 
 
Care management is a structured set of activities that ensures services are safe, culturally appropriate and aligned with individual needs. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about building a relationship-based support system that includes carers and family members.

Care management includes:

• Establishing and reviewing service agreements
• Developing and updating care plans and quarterly budgets
• Monitoring services and outcomes
• Providing education about care options
• Connecting to health and community services
• Supporting requests for care plan reviews

Care management is delivered monthly and must include at least 15 minutes of direct engagement.

With the client's consent, carers and family members are involved in decision-making to help identify and support the client's needs, fostering inclusive conversations that respect cultural and linguistic diversity.

Personalised support and Short-Term Pathways

Support at Home introduces eight levels of care, replacing the previous four. This means your loved one can receive more tailored support, helping them stay at home longer and maintain their independence.

In addition, two new short-term pathways offer targeted support during critical moments:

• Restorative Care Pathway: Additional short term allied health and nursing services to assist individuals with the goal of staying safely and independently at home.
• End-of-Life Pathway: For end-of-life support that empowers individuals to make informed decisions and receive the care they need to remain at home.

These pathways ensure clients have access to the right resources when you need them most, reducing stress and improving outcomes.

Financial protections and budget transparency

The 'no worse-off' principle guarantees that your loved one’s current funding level will be maintained, if they were approved for a Home Care Package on or before12 September 2024. Whether they were receiving care or waiting for a package, their contributions won’t increase, giving you peace of mind and financial clarity. 
 
For ongoing services, 10% of the quarterly care budget is allocated to care management. This pooled funding model allows providers like integratedliving to respond flexibly to your loved ones changing needs.

Home Modifications and Assistive Technology

Clients may be eligible for up to $15,000 to support home modifications, with an additional $15,000 for assistive technology and equipment to improve daily living. By creating a safer, more accessible home environment, this enables you to provide care with greater confidence, comfort and peace of mind.

Complaints and Quality Assurance

The new complaints system is designed to be more responsive and restorative. If something isn’t working, you’ll have access to mediation and support to resolve issues quickly and respectfully with carers included in the process. 
 
Providers must also meet strengthened Quality Standards, including documenting care needs and communication preferences. As well as establishing broader support networks, ensuring carers are recognised and involved.

You’re not alone, we’re here to support you

More Support at Home resources