The Australian government is improving in-home aged care so older people can live independently. A new programme called Support at Home will start on 1 July 2025.
Studies show that many seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible before moving to a care facility. Better home support can help seniors avoid moving into aged care when they don’t want to. Some may never need to go to a care home with the right care.
The Support at Home programme aims to enhance access to essential services and equipment for seniors. By doing so, it promotes healthier, more active lifestyles while fostering connections within the community. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Support at Home programme for 2025, exploring its features, benefits, and everything you need to know to navigate this pivotal change in ageing care.
Start Date of Support at Home Programme
The Support at Home programme will take the place of the Home Care Packages (HCP) programme and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programme, starting on July 1, 2025.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will join the Support at Home programme later, but not before 1 July 2027.
Eligibility Criteria for Support at Home Programme
Three groups of people can apply:
- People over 65 years old
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years old
- People over 50 years old who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Australia’s new Single Assessment System, which includes the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), will conduct care assessments. It collects important details and suggests the best services for each person.
If you apply for home care, an assessor will work with you to create a support plan based on your needs and goals. This plan will decide the funding and services you can receive.
Support at Home Service List
The Support at Home programme will still fund the same in-home care services as the Home Care Packages—this will not change.
However, Support at Home will have a clear list of services, divided into three groups:
- Clinical Care: e.g., nursing care
- Independence: e.g., help with showering
- Everyday Living: e.g., gardening and house cleaning
Each group will have different types of services and rules for participant contributions. An assessment will decide which services each person can get. This information will be included in their support plan.
Support at Home Pathways
The Support at Home programme will offer eight levels of support. The highest level will provide up to $78,000 per year for each person.
A person’s level of support will depend on their assessment results. If you already receive home care or are on the National Priority System, you will keep your current funding level until you are reassessed under the new Support at Home system.
Two Short-Term Care Options
Support at Home will also include two short-term care options:
- Restorative Care Pathway: This will extend short-term care from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. It will help people stay independent and continue activities they enjoy.
- End-of-Life Pathway: This will provide extra care for people in their last three months of life who wish to stay at home.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM)
The Support at Home programme will give eligible people separate funding for products, equipment, and home modifications. If an assessment shows that a person needs assistive technology or home modifications, they will receive funding for it in their support plan.
If you are getting home care, you will share your support plan with your home care provider. They will help arrange and get the needed equipment, home changes, and services.
Care management
You will get care management to help you make the most of your aged care services. Your homecare provider will manage the Support at Home programme and give you care management when needed. Your provider will set aside 10% of your budget every three months for care management if you receive regular services.
Features of the Support at Home Programme
Here are the main features and benefits of the new Support at Home programme:
- Easier Access: All in-home aged care services will be in one place.
- More Choice: People can pick the services that best fit their needs and lifestyle.
- Better Care: Carers will have better training. There will be more focus on safety and quality.
- Personalised Plans: Each person will get a care plan made just for them.
- Smarter Use of Funds: Combining different programmes will save costs and ensure more money goes to direct care and support.
Simplified Aged Care: Support at Home Programme Empowers Independent Living
The Support at Home programme is part of the government’s plan to improve aged care. The goal is to make the system easier to use for older Australians. The Australian government wants to reduce confusion and paperwork. This will help people get the care they need more easily so they can continue living independently at home.
