Support at Home funding assigned? What happens next
Your simple guide to starting services with confidence.
Having your Support at Home funding assigned is a moment worth celebrating. After assessments, waiting lists and paperwork, it can bring real relief, and a few questions about what happens next.
This guide explains what to expect when your Support at Home funding becomes available, including your first call, meeting your care partner, starting home care services, understanding your budget and asking for changes if something is not working.
Need help getting started?
Our Priority Home Care Team can answer your questions, explain what happens next and help you feel more confident about starting services. Call (02) 4987 8910 or email homecare@integratedliving.org.au.
When will I hear about my Support at Home funding?
If you are already a client with integratedliving, or you have told us you would like us to be your Support at Home provider, our Concierge team will call you as soon as we can see your funding has become available, so you can begin moving from waiting to receiving support and transitioning to Support at Home.
This may happen before you receive a letter from the government. It is good news, and our team will share your excitement before connecting you with your care partner, who will help coordinate your services and guide you through each step.
Step 1: Meet your care partner and plan your support
Your care partner will call you to arrange a care planning meeting. At this meeting, your care partner will explain the Support at Home Agreement and develop your initial care plan and budget for services. This is a collaborative conversation where you, your care partner and anyone you choose to involve can talk through your needs, goals and preferences, and how your funding can best support you. Developing a budget that captures your service priorities is an important part of this first meeting, and your care partner can explain any contribution you may need to make for the services you require.
Senior Manager - Care Partnering, Amy Davis explains.
“Your care partner will ask you what the key things are you’ve been waiting on to make sure they’re the first things that are put in place for you. Not only the types of services you need, but the way you would like your services delivered. You will always be front and centre in your care, making the decisions and driving what your services look like. Your care partner’s role is to make it all work for you.”
You do not need to have every answer ready at this first meeting. Your care partner will guide the conversation, help you work out what matters most and make sure you understand your options before services begin.
Before your care planning meeting, it can be helpful to think about:
- What would make the biggest difference to your day-to-day life?
- Is there anything you've stopped doing that you'd like to start again?
- Are there any tasks around the home that are becoming more difficult?
There are no right or wrong answers. These conversations simply help your care partner understand what matters most to you. Be open about what feels right for you. This is your home, your support and your choice.
Step 2: Choose home care services that suit your needs
The right home care services should reflect your needs, lifestyle and the way you like things done. This may include help with everyday tasks, personal care, getting to appointments, staying socially connected or managing your health at home. Your care partner can help you choose services that make the best use of your funding and support your independence.
Share your preferences early. If you like things done a certain way, need a particular time of day, or would prefer a particular type of support worker, it is okay to say so.
Step 3: Get comfortable with your home care team
In the first weeks, you will start meeting the people who may be coming into your home regularly. It can take a few visits for things to feel familiar, and that is completely normal.
If you have already been receiving services from integratedliving, we can arrange for people you are familiar with to continue supporting you where possible.
Family, friends and carers often play an important role in helping you feel comfortable and confident as your support begins. We encourage you to involve the people you trust in your care planning conversation or early check-ins, if that feels right for you. Their support can help us better understand your preferences, routines and what matters most to you.'
You can learn more about the support available for carers under Support at Home.
Step 4: Give your Support at Home services time to settle
Think of the first month as a settling-in period. Services begin, routines take shape and your care team gets to know you.
Your care partner should check in regularly to see how things are going. If something is not working, speak up early so it can be adjusted. Keeping a few notes can help, and feedback is not a complaint — it helps your team learn what works best for you.
Step 5: Understand your Support at Home budget
Your care partner will continue to talk to you about your services and budget.
You can ask your care partner to explain the basics at any time, such as what services are included, what they cost and how much is going toward care management. You have a right to clear, simple information. Your care partner can help you make the most of your funding, so your support is focused on what matters most to you at any point in time, helping you remain safely and confidently at home.
If something is not working, you can ask for changes
Sometimes it takes time to get things right. That does not mean you’re stuck.
If your care partner or services are not meeting your needs, you can ask for changes so your support better reflects what works for you.
Tips for starting your Support at Home package with confidence
- Write down your main goals before your care planning meeting.
- Be open about what help you need day to day.
- Share your preferences for routines, timing and support workers (learn what to expect during a support worker visit).
- Ask your care partner to explain your budget, services and costs clearly.
- Keep notes in the first few weeks so you can give useful feedback.
- Speak up early if something is not working.
Support at Home should feel like support, not stress
Starting a Support at Home package is a big step, but you do not have to work everything out at once. The first few weeks are about settling in, asking questions and making sure your care reflects what matters most to you.
If you would like help understanding your Support at Home funding or how to start your services with confidence, we would be happy to talk. Call our Priority Home Care Team on (02) 4987 8910 or email our team to ask a question, discuss your funding or start planning your support.
Ready to get started? Contact integratedliving today so we can help you understand your next steps and put the right support in place sooner.
Frequently asked question about Support at Home funding
What happens after Support at Home funding is assigned?
Once your funding is assigned, we will contact you to discuss the next steps, arrange a care planning meeting and help you start services that match your needs, goals and preferences.
Can I change my Support at Home services?
Yes. If your services, schedule or support arrangements are not working for you, speak with your care partner so changes can be discussed and made where possible.
More Support at Home resources
Looking for more information about Support at Home? Explore our articles designed to offer clear, practical guidance for clients and families navigating assessments, funding, service levels and everyday support needs.