Support at Home

The Support at Home program is part of the government's aged care reforms to simplify care for older Australians. It will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs.

The new system will streamline funding and services across eight levels of care, offering up to $78,000 per year in support.

Changes will be implemented from 1 July 2025.

Why the change?

The new model of care is a response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Support at Home program increases funding and improves the standard of care for Australia's ageing population.

How will it affect you?

If you were approved for a Home Care Package prior to 12 September 2024, the government has guaranteed a `no worse-off’ principle to provide certainty to people who already have packages in place.

This means you will automatically transition into the Support at Home program on 1 July and will receive Support at Home funding that matches your existing Home Care Package funding.

What are the key features of the Support at home Program?

The Support at Home program will make it easier to maintain your independent lifestyle at your home.

• Eight levels of funding, ranging from $11,000 up to $78,000 per year.
• Three categories of service types - Clinical Services (such as nursing), Independence Services (such as help with showering or taking medications) and Everyday Living Services (such as cleaning and gardening).
• Pathways for people needing restorative care and an extension of restorative care from 8 weeks to 12 weeks with funding around $6,000. There is also a pathway for end-of-life care.
•  End of Life Pathway funding around $25,000.
• Support for Assistive Technology, such as walkers and wheelchairs, through a new equipment loan scheme and Home Modifications up to $15,000.
• Shorter average wait times from assessment to receiving service funding.