What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is a new in-home aged care program launching on 1 July 2025, designed to help older Australians live independently at home for as long as possible.
It will replace the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, with further changes to follow in later stages. The program was created in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and focuses on providing timely, equitable, and higher-quality care.
Key Benefits of Support at Home:
– Better Access and Funding: Increased funding levels, up to $78,000 per year, for those with higher care needs.
– Care Partner Support: Every participant will have a care partner to help manage and coordinate their care.
– Faster Access: Wait times for care will reduce progressively, targeting an average of three months by 2027.
– Upfront Preventative Support: Up to $15,000 for assistive technology (e.g., walkers) and home modifications (e.g., shower rails).
– Improved Restorative Care: Extended support from 8 to 12 weeks and more places available for short-term restorative care.
– End-of-Life Pathway: Up to $25,000 over 3 months to support dignified care at home for those with less than 3 months to live.
Transition and Staged Implementation
The new program will be introduced in stages:
– From 1 July 2025, Home Care Packages will transition to Support at Home, with funding aligned to participants’ existing care levels.
– The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition later, no earlier than 1 July 2027, but CHSP providers must comply with the new regulatory framework starting in 2025.
Support at Home promises more personalised, equitable and timely care, ensuring older Australians can remain safe, active and independent in their own homes.
Financial Protections for Existing Clients
The reform includes a “no worse off” principle, ensuring that those who are already receiving in-home care will not face higher costs or reduced levels of support under the new system.
This principle applies to anyone receiving a Home Care Package or deemed eligible for one as of September 12, 2024, providing financial stability and reassurance for existing clients.
More Information:
More information is available through the My Aged Care resources:
Click here to download the Support at Home Program Handbook
Click here to read more about the Support at Home Program via the Department of Health and Aged Care
If you are a Carer’s Network client and have questions about how these reforms will impact you, please reach out to your Client Services Manager.
