Support at Home: A New Approach to Aged Care in Australia
The Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program to improve in-home aged care services, enabling older Australians to maintain their independence for longer. This program will replace existing services and provide a more streamlined approach to care.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
Starting from 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition later, no earlier than 1 July 2027.
The new system aims to simplify service delivery, ensuring that older Australians receive tailored care based on their individual needs.
Key Features of Support at Home
1. Comprehensive Care Options
The program will offer a range of services, including:
- Allied health support
- Assistive technology
- Home modifications
- Nursing and personal care
- Social support services
These services will help individuals stay healthy, active, and engaged in their communities.
2. Personalised Support Plans
A new classification and budget system will ensure services are tailored to each participant’s specific needs, promoting equitable access to care. Each person will undergo an individual assessment to determine the appropriate level of support, ensuring they receive the right services at the right time.
3. Transparent Cost Contributions
Government-set participant contributions will make care costs clearer and more consistent, ensuring affordability and fairness. The pricing model is designed to prevent unexpected expenses while ensuring sustainable funding for quality care services.
How Will This Affect Aged Care Providers?
Aged care providers must prepare for the new structure by:
- Reviewing updated program manuals and business rules
- Adapting service delivery models to meet the new classification system
- Staying informed through government newsletters and updates
Providers will also need to update their internal processes to align with new reporting and payment systems. The transition period will allow time for necessary adjustments to ensure smooth implementation.
Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?
The program is designed for older Australians who need assistance to live independently in their own homes. Eligibility criteria include:
- Being aged 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Requiring support with daily activities such as personal care, home maintenance, or transportation
- Undergoing an aged care assessment to determine the level of required support
Individuals currently receiving home care under existing programs will be transitioned into the new system without losing access to essential services.
Transition Support and Training
To assist providers and participants, the government will offer:
- Online training sessions and webinars
- Updated guidance documents
- Direct support services for providers adapting to the new system
These resources aim to make the transition process as seamless as possible, reducing disruption for both care recipients and providers.
Staying Informed
To keep up with changes, providers and participants can visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website for the latest updates, training resources, and transition information. The government will also hold regular consultation sessions to address concerns and provide clarity on the implementation process.
For more details, visit the official Support at Home page on health.gov.au.
