The aged care industry in Australia is about about to begin on a significant and constructive transformation. With the goal of facilitating older Australians’ access to the assistance they need to remain in their homes in a safe, self-assured, and independent manner, the new Support at Home Program will take the place of the existing Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programmes on July 1, 2025.
Why the Change?
The Support at Home program is an immediate response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations. The intention is simple: improve home care availability, flexibility, and tailor-making so older Australians can live at home and within their community longer.
What’s New and Better?
1. Less Complicated, More Flexible Support
Instead of needing to navigate through a multitude of programs and fund sources, Support at Home brings it all together in one. There will be eight levels of continuing care, from $11,000 to $78,000 annually, based on your requirements. This simplifies having care that meets your requirements, from needing little help with everyday living to more complicated care.
2. Faster Access to Equipment and Home Changes
The new plan will simplify access to basic assistive technology like walkers or shower chairs, and up to $15,000 to adapt a home to make it accessible through ramps or safety features like a roll-in shower. It is a significant step towards allowing older people to remain at home more safely and independently.
3. More Choice and Control
Support at Home will put you, the customer, in charge. You will have greater control over services you receive, who delivers them, and how your budget is spent. There is greater transparency in the Statement of Rights and more robust national standards for all providers so that families can have confidence in safety and quality.
4. Easier Assessment and Entry
There will be a fresh Single Assessment System, based on the Integrated Assessment Tool, that will make it simpler to get care. This will be less paperwork, faster decision-making, and a more individualized support plan to your needs and ambitions.
5. No Disruption for Current Home Care Recipients
If you already have a Home Care Package or are on the waiting list, you will be automatically transferred to Support at Home. Your funding and services will not be affected, and you will keep any unspent funds. No one will be disadvantaged by the change.
Who Will Benefit?
Support at Home aims to empower an estimated 1.4 million Australians to remain at home and lead independent lives by 2035. Support at Home welcomes applications from:
People aged 65 years and above (or 50+ if Aboriginal or Torres Islander)
Approved home care recipients before 1 July 2025
People who were assessed as needing help to remain at home
What About the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
The CHSP will continue as normal until at least July 2027, when it will be transferred to Support at Home. The phased process allows for a smooth handover and enables providers and clients to adjust.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Family?
More personalised support: Support and funding that is customized to your unique needs, instead of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.
More independence: The right support at the right time, so that you can remain in the place you want.
Less worry: Enhanced quality standards and greater openness to families and carers.
Straightforward pathways: Single program, single assessment, and simpler access to services.
The Support at Home Program Ahead
The Support at Home scheme is a big step forward for aged care in Australia. It’s respecting the independence, dignity, and choice of older people and families. As the system evolves, there’ll be heaps of support to assist you to understand your options and make the changeover as smooth as possible.
Want to know how this change will affect you or a loved one and have questions and concerns? Our CCH team is here to walk you through it.
Looking to talk over your options or need help navigating the new system? Call the helpful CCH Home Care team for personalised advice and guidance.
Read more about it here.