The Support at Home program is a new initiative that consolidates several existing in-home aged care programs, including the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. This program aims to offer a more streamlined and comprehensive approach to in-home care, ensuring older people in Australia have access to a wide range of services tailored to their individual needs. 

Under the Support at Home program, people will have improved access to services, products, equipment, and home modifications. These resources are designed to help people remain healthy, active, and socially connected within their communities. The program includes several key features: 

• Restorative care pathway: This pathway assists people in maintaining and improving their independence through multidisciplinary allied health services. 
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme: This scheme supports access to products, equipment, and home modifications to meet assessed needs, with funding tiers ranging from $500 to $15,000. 
• End-of-Life Pathway: This pathway offers dedicated funding of up to $25,000 over a 3-month period to support people in their final stages of life, ensuring they can remain at home with dignity and comfort. 

How does the Support at Home program work? 

The Support at Home program is designed to be flexible and responsive to changing needs people may have. Based on an aged care assessment, people will be classified into one of eight ongoing service classifications, each with a quarterly budget to access approved services. This budget can be adjusted as needs change, and unspent funds of $1,000 or 10% can be carried over to the next quarter. 

Services available under the program include: 

• Clinical care: Such as nursing care, occupational therapy, and continence care. 
• Independence support: Assistance with showering, dressing, taking medications, transport, and respite care. 
• Everyday living support: Help with cleaning, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation. 

You can request to change the mix of services at any time, ensuring your care plan remains aligned with your evolving needs.

Transitioning from Home Care Packages to Support at Home 

If you are currently receiving care through the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, you will automatically transition to the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. This transition will not affect your level of funding or the services you receive. In fact, you may even benefit from additional support options under the new program. 

For those on the National Priority System waiting for a Home Care Package, you will automatically receive a Support at Home classification when a place becomes available. This ensures continuity of care and minimises disruption during the transition. 

How to access the Support at Home program 

To access the Support at Home program, you can contact My Aged Care online or by calling 1800 200 422. An assessment will be conducted to determine eligibility and the appropriate level of support. Once approved, you will receive a notice of decision and an individual support plan to share with your provider. 

For more information or to start the process, visit MyAgedCare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422. 

Holdsworth: Your trusted registered provider 

At Holdsworth, we are proud to be a registered provider of the Support at Home program. Our dedicated team of professionals are committed to delivering high-quality, personalised care tailored to your unique needs. As a trusted provider, we ensure that you receive the support you need to live independently and comfortably in your own home.  

For more information, please contact Holdsworth at 02 9302 3600 or agedcare@holdsworth.org.au.