An aged care worker An aged care worker supports an older woman at home

Understanding your Support at Home funding is key to making the most of your government-subsidised support. At Holdsworth Aged Care, we’re here to guide you through these guidelines so you can access the support you need.

Important

The Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025.

What Support at Home CAN cover

1. Clinical supports (fully funded by government – no participant contributions)

  • Nursing care (registered nurses, enrolled nurses, nursing assistants)
  • Allied health and other therapeutic services (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, dietitian, social worker, speech pathology, psychology, exercise physiology)
  • Care management (coordinating and planning your care)

2. Independence support (moderate participant contributions apply)

  • Personal care (assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, medication support)
  • Social support and community engagement (individual and group social support, accompanied activities, cultural support)
  • Therapeutic services for independent living (chiropractor, remedial massage, art therapy)
  • Respite care
  • Transport (direct transport with driver and car, or indirect transport via taxi/rideshare vouchers)
3. Everyday living support (higher participant contributions apply)
  • Domestic assistance (general house cleaning, laundry services, shopping assistance)
  • Home maintenance and repairs (gardening, assistance with home maintenance and repairs, expenses for home maintenance materials)
  • Meals (meal preparation and meal delivery)
4. Assistive technology and home modifications
  • Assistive technology (mobility aids, toileting supports, bathing devices, continence management products)
  • Home modifications (grab rails, ramps, bathroom redesign, widening doorways)
  • Funding tiers: Low ($500), Medium ($2,000), High ($15,000 or more with evidence)
5. Short-term pathways
  • Restorative Care Pathway (up to 16 weeks of intensive allied health/nursing services – up to $6,000)
  • End-of-Life Pathway (up to $25,000 over 12-16 weeks for those with 3 months or less to live)

What Support at Home CANNOT cover

1. Basic living expenses 

  • Household bills (electricity, gas, water, rates) 
  • Food and groceries (except meal preparation assistance) 
  • Insurance premiums, rent, or mortgage payments 
  • General household appliances 

2. Personal services and entertainment 

  • Hairdressing and beauty treatments
  • Pet care services 
  • Club memberships and subscriptions 
  • Non-essential transport for recreational outings 
  • Technology like computers, phones, and entertainment devices 

3. Services covered elsewhere 

  • Medical services covered by Medicare 
  • Pharmaceutical benefits covered by PBS 
  • Dental care (unless specifically care-related) 

The key principle 

All services and items must be:

  • On the Support at Home service list or AT-HM list
  • Approved in your Notice of Decision and support plan
  • Directly related to your assessed care needs
  • Support your independence at home

The funding cannot cover items that everyone needs regardless of age or care requirements.

How Holdsworth Aged Care can help 

Our experienced Care Parners help you: 

  • Navigate funding rules and restrictions 
  • Develop care plans that maximise your package value 
  • Access appropriate services and equipment
  • Understand your participant contributions 
  • Ensure all purchases meet care-related requirements 

Understanding these guidelines helps you feel more confident about your care choices. Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way and make sure you’re getting the best out of your government funding.

If you’d like to learn more about Support at Home or discuss your personal needs, please contact Holdsworth Aged Care on 1300 882 962 or agedcare@holdsworth.org.au. We’re here for you.