Posted in Age care, Community Care, Support at Home

This update is shared by our caring hands to support you as we transition to Support at Home. 

In 2025, Australia’s aged care landscape is set for its biggest transformation yet. With over one in five Australians projected to be aged 65 or over by 2030, the need for accessible, flexible, and compassionate in-home aged care has never been greater. The Support at Home program, commencing 1 November 2025, is the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. It aims to improve aged care by streamlining services, funding, and assessments while keeping older Australians safe and independent in their homes. 

Here are seven key changes under the new Support at Home program that every family should know.

1. A seamless transition for current participants

If you or a loved one already receives a Home Care Package, rest assured—there will be no disruption to your services or sudden financial increases. Current participants will be automatically transitioned into the new Support at Home aged care system. Their funding level will be matched to the closest Support at Home level, with reassessment only required if care needs change. This stress-free transition is a welcome assurance for thousands of Australians.

2. Easier, more tailored assessments with the IAT

Navigating aged care services is being simplified through the Single Assessment System and the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). Since July last year, all participants will be assessed using the IAT, which considers an individual’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs. The result? More personalised care plans and faster access to care support at home. 

Eligible groups include: 

  • Australians aged 65 and over 
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over 
  • People aged 50+ who are homeless or at risk of homelessness 

    3. Reducing wait times with fairer prioritisation

    To improve support for elderly at home, the program introduces a clearer prioritisation system. Applicants will now be rated High, Medium, or Standard based on their needs. As part of the rollout, the government aims to create 300,000 new care places over the next 10 years. 

    While wait times may persist initially, an interim measure offers 60% of allocated funding while recipients await full access—a major step towards reducing long delays in accessing aged care support at home.

    4. Transparent contributions with a fairer funding model

    One of the most significant updates in the Support at Home funding system is the new contribution model. Unlike the current Home Care Package, contributions under Support at Home are based on: 

    • The type of service (Clinical, Independence, or Everyday Living) 
    • Your financial situation (pension status, income and assets) 

    Contribution Highlights: 

    • Clinical Care: Fully government funded 
    • Independence Services: Modest contributions (5%-50%) 
    • Everyday Living: Higher contributions (up to 80%) 

    A lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care ensures no one is burdened financially. 

    Importantly, if you were assessed for or receiving a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, the “no worse-off” rule protects you from increased fees.

    5. More support with expanded classification levels

    The Support at Home levels have been expanded from four to eight, offering more precise funding tailored to individual needs. Funding now ranges up to $78,000 annually, with two new short-term pathways: 

    • Restorative Care: Up to $6,000 for 12 weeks to regain independence 
    • End-of-Life Care: Up to $25,500 for in-home palliative support 

    This expansion allows older Australians to access the right care at the right time, improving overall wellbeing. 

    Support Level Annual Budget 
    Level 1 ~$11,000 
    Level 2 ~$16,000 
    Level 3 ~$22,000 
    Level 4 ~$30,000 
    Level 5 ~$40,000 
    Level 6 ~$48,000 
    Level 7 ~$58,000 
    Level 8 ~$78,000 

    Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

    6. Defined services with greater transparency

    The new support at home inclusions and exclusions are clearly categorised under three headings: 

    • Clinical Care (e.g., nursing and allied health) 
    • Independence (e.g., showering, mobility aids) 
    • Everyday Living (e.g., cleaning, gardening) 

    Each category has a defined list of services, associated funding rules, and participant contribution levels. Starting July 2026, Support at Home price guide caps will ensure no overcharging by providers. These prices will include all service and admin costs, improving financial transparency. 

    7. Enhanced access to Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

    The new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme helps older Australians remain independent and safe. Eligible recipients will receive separate funding to purchase or modify equipment such as: 

    • Mobility aids (walkers, grab rails) 
    • Safety modifications (ramps, bathroom updates) 

    AT-HM Funding Tiers: 

    Tier Funding Cap Time Limit 
    Low $500 12 months 
    Medium $2,000 12 months 
    High $15,000 12 months 

    Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 

    Co-contributions may apply depending on financial status, and the funds must be used within the designated period. 

    A future of compassionate, co-oordinated care 

    The new Support at Home program represents a transformative shift in how aged care is delivered in Australia. With clearer funding, fairer prioritisation, and improved access to essential services, families can better plan for their loved one’s care. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or helping a parent remain independent, now is the time to learn more. 

    For more information or to get started, contact your local provider and discuss how the Support at Home aged care system can meet your family’s needs. 

    Visit My Aged Care or speak with your local aged care provider to find out how to begin your caring support at home journey. 

    What should I do now? 

    • Stay informed: Subscribe to updates from trusted providers, like Southcare, or the My Aged Care website. 
    • Ask questions: No question is too small — reach out to us our caring hands are ready to help 
    • Review your current plan: Understand what services you have now and what you might need in the future 
    • Get support early: The more prepared you are, the smoother the transition will feel 

    Need more support about Support at Home? 

    Southcare is ready and supportive of these changes as they put the customer at the forefront of care and better define what good home care means. 

    The Support at Home program has lots of information and new information is coming all the time, which often brings more questions! We’re committed to walking alongside you through these changes. 

    Have a question about Support at Home? Not sure how it will affect you or your loved one? Contact us today — we’d love to chat. 

    Posted in Age care, Community Care, Support at Home