Elderly woman and young female caregiver smiling and holding hands in a cozy room, conveying warmth and companionship.

Support at Home program puts you at the centre of aged care. It creates a safer and fairer system and ensures everyone has the quality of life they deserve.

What are clinical supports?

Clinical supports are health-related services delivered by qualified health professionals. These services help you maintain or improve your health, function and wellbeing while living at home. The most important thing to know: You don’t contribute to clinical supports.

The Australian Government pays for 100% of all clinical support services. You will not be asked to pay any contribution for these services. This means you can access the nursing care, physiotherapy and other health services you need without worrying about the cost.



What services are included in clinical supports?

Clinical supports include specialised health services designed to maintain or improve your functional and cognitive abilities.

Nursing care

  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Medication management and administration
  • Monitoring of medical conditions
  • Injections and glucose monitoring
  • Management of chronic health conditions
  • Oxygen supplements for home care
  • Support with continence care

Allied health

  • Physiotherapy
  • Help with mobility, balance, and strength
  • Falls prevention programs
  • Exercises to improve movement
  • Recovery from injury or surgery

Occupational therapy

  • Assessment for equipment and home modifications
  • Help with safe ways to do daily activities
  • Advice on home set-up to improve safety
  • Strategies to stay independent

Dietitian services

  • Nutritional support and meal planning
  • Help with swallowing difficulties
  • Dietary advice for health conditions
  • Support to maintain healthy eating

Podiatry

  • Foot care and treatment
  • Help with mobility issues related to foot health
  • Prevention of foot problems

Speech therapy

  • Help with communication difficulties
  • Support with swallowing problems
  • Strategies for cognitive communication

Psychology and social work

  • Mental health support
  • Counselling services
  • Help adjusting to changes
  • Emotional wellbeing support

Other clinical services

  • Care management and care planning
  • Restorative care planning to help you regain function


Why doesn’t the participant have to contribute?

The government recognises that health and clinical services are essential to keeping you well and out of hospital. By fully funding these services, it ensures everyone can access the health care they need, helps prevent health problems, supports early intervention, reduces hospital admissions and helps you stay healthy and independent for longer.


What do I have to pay for?

Under Support at Home, there are three categories of services with different contribution arrangements. Clinical supports are fully funded, which means you pay nothing for all the nursing and allied health services listed above. Independence supports require a moderate contribution and include personal care like help with showering, dressing and eating, assistive technology and equipment, social support and respite care, and transport to appointments.

Everyday living supports require the highest contribution and include cleaning and domestic assistance, gardening and home maintenance, shopping assistance, and meal preparation. Your contribution for independence and everyday living services depends on your income and assets, as assessed by Services Australia.


How do I access clinical supports?

Your aged care assessment will identify what clinical supports you need. These will be included in your care plan. Your Support at Home provider will arrange for qualified health professionals to deliver these services to you, either in your home or at another location if needed.


What if my health needs change?

Your provider should work with you to adjust your care when your needs change. If your health needs increase significantly, you may need a reassessment to receive a higher classification and more funding.


Where can I get more information?