A younger woman and an older woman share a moment on a couch, highlighting the benefits of in-home care.

Upcoming Changes to Aged Care: What you need to know about Support at Home

What you need to know about Support at Home from 1 July 2025, the way aged care is delivered in Australia is changing.

The Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) system, aiming to simplify services, offer greater flexibility, and ensure older Australians receive care that truly reflects their needs, preferences, and rights. At Holdsworth, we’ve been preparing for these changes and are committed to walking alongside our clients and their families through every step of the transition.

What is the Support at Home Program? 

Support at Home is a new government initiative designed to streamline in-home aged care. It will bring together several existing programs, including HCP, Short-Term Restorative Care, and some elements of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) into one flexible and transparent system.

Key features of the program include: 

  • Up to 8 levels of care and funding based on individual needs
  • A standardised national pricing model for all service providers
  • A rights-based, person-centred approach to care
  • Greater transparency and stronger consumer protections

What services will be covered?

Support at Home aims to support older people to live independently for as long as possible.

Services will include: 

  • Health care, such as nursing, physiotherapy, and other clinical support 
  • Help at home, including showering, dressing, and medication management 
  • Everyday tasks, like cleaning, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation. 

What does this mean for Holdsworth clients?

If you’re currently receiving services through a Home Care Package with Holdsworth, there’s no need to worry. You’ll continue receiving the same level of support, and your Coordinator will work closely with you over the coming months to review your care plan and ensure a smooth transition. For those receiving support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), changes won’t take effect until after July 2027. However, it’s helpful to be aware of what’s coming, especially if you are considering transitioning to a higher level of care in the near future. 

A focus on rights, choice and clarity, a key element of the Support at Home reform is the introduction of a rights-based approach. This means services will be delivered in a way that upholds your dignity, independence, and preferences. The program will also include a new Code of Conduct to guide all aged care providers and workers. Pricing will be standardised across all providers to ensure fairness and transparency. While you may see changes in how services are charged, Holdsworth is committed to ensuring there is no increase in cost beyond Consumer Price Index (CPI) and indexation, and we’ll provide full clarity on any updates to fees.

The Australian Government is hosting an upcoming webinar: Support at Home: Program Update for Older People, Families and Carers.

This session will provide more detail on the changes and give participants a chance to ask questions.

We’re here to support you. Holdsworth is proud to continue serving our community through these upcoming changes. Over the coming weeks, your Coordinator will be in touch to review your care plan and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if you’d like more information about the Support at Home program, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home-program or contact us directly at: 02 9302 3600 or email us at agedcare@holdsworth.org.a