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Support at Home Classification 8: Who It’s For and How it Helps
Support at Home Classification 8 represents the highest level of in‑home care under the program. It is designed for older Australians who require very intensive support to remain at home – often with complex health conditions, high service needs, and ongoing daily assistance.
This classification carries an annual budget of $78,106.04 (or $19,526.51 per quarter) according to your reference figures. It enables frequent, coordinated care across multiple disciplines: personal carers, nursing staff, allied health professionals, and more.
The objective is to help people live with dignity, preference and as much independence as possible – even when their support needs are significant.
Who Is Support at Home Classification 8 For?
This Classification is suitable for eligible Support at Home recipients who:
- Require assistance with most or all personal care tasks every day (bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming)
- Have very limited mobility or use hoists, hospital‑style equipment or round‑the‑clock monitoring
- Live with advanced, complex or progressive health conditions (for example advanced dementia, late‑stage disease, high risk of hospitalisation)
- Need a team‑based approach with nursing, allied health, equipment, home modifications and frequent supervision
- Desire to stay at home for as long as possible, with the highest level of in‑home support rather than residential care
Classification 8 is the highest of the eight Support at Home classifications, and is only suited for those whose care needs are complex and/or extensive. It is suited for those who require the most comprehensive in‑home support plan, in order to both maintain their safety and their ability to continue residing at home with stronger assistance.
Your Fast Fact Sheet to Support at Home
We’ve compiled your fast guide to find the essential information you need to know about Support at Home.
Everywhere from determining your contribution, reviewing the key changes from Home Care Packages (HCPs), what this new aged care reform means for you, and so much more.
Simply download your guide at the button below.
What Does Support at Home Classification 8 Typically Cover?
At this level, you’ll receive a rich and integrated mix of services – personal care, clinical care, allied health, equipment, environment support, social and emotional wellbeing. Frequent, often daily or multi‑visit support is common.
Intensive Personal and Mobility Care
- Regular (daily or multiple times per day) help with showering, dressing, toileting and grooming
- Use of hoists, hospital‑style beds, mobility support and full assistance with transfers
- Full continence care and hygiene routines, linen changes, bedding and wardrobe as part of each visit
- Focus on dignity, comfort and preserving independence in as many ways as possible
Ongoing Nursing and Allied Health Support
- Regular nursing visits to manage complex medical conditions: Wound care, injections, advanced medication regimes, and vital sign monitoring
- Allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are integrated into routine care
- Equipment review and modification: Advanced assistive tech, home modifications, and monitoring systems
- Coordination across care team, GP, specialists and service providers
Domestic, Nutrition and Environment Management
- Near‑daily or daily home cleaning of all living spaces, laundry, linen change, and rubbish/recycling removal
- Meal preparation, modified diets, hydration monitoring, grocery and pantry management aligned with health needs
- Home safety checks, hazard management, modifications such as ramps, rails, non‑slip surfaces, temperature control, and lighting checks
Transport, Social and Emotional Wellbeing
- Transport and escort to frequent medical or therapy appointments, or transport support built into the eligible care recipient’s daily routine
- Support for social connection even when mobility is very limited – companion visits, technology support for connection, and cultural/spiritual care
- Emotional and mental health support embedded into service delivery, thereby recognising the high need of social, spiritual and other end‑of‑life considerations
Example: Meet Helen
Helen, aged 88, lives alone but uses a hoist for transfers, has advanced heart failure, dementia and limited mobility. Her children live interstate and visit occasionally.
With a Support at Home Classification 8, Helen can:
- Receive multiple visits each day for personal care (morning, afternoon, and/or evening) including personal hygiene, toileting and mobility support
- Have a nurse visit up to three times a week to check vitals, change dressings, coordinate with her GP and specialist team
- Acquire help with house cleaning, linen change and laundry for up to five days a week; plus meal prep daily with dietary specialist support
- Obtain daily transport and/or in‑home a virtual/telehealth check‑in, along with companion visits to reduce isolation and better support her emotional wellbeing
Because of this classification level of support, Helen remains at home, surrounded by care and dignity, rather than needing to move into residential aged care prematurely.ed through Classification 7, Brian can continue to now reside safely at home, to remain connected with his family and community, and to ultimately, avoid unnecessary residential care.
Budget and Funding for Support at Home Classification 8
Here, you can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) into the next quarter to cover unexpected service needs.
| Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 8 | $19,526.51 | $78,106.04 |
How to Apply for Support at Home Classification 8
Applying for Support at Home is straightforward, and you don’t need to navigate it alone. Here’s what to expect:
- Register with My Aged Care
Begin by getting in touch with My Aged Care – the government’s central point for aged care services.
A quick initial screening will confirm if you’re eligible for a formal assessment
Register online at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 - Complete Your Aged Care Assessment
If eligible, you’ll be referred for a full in-home assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
This assessment looks at your current health, mobility, home setup, and support needs
You may have a friend, family member, or advocate with you during the assessment - Receive Your Personalised Support Plan
After your assessment, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision that includes:
Your Support at Home classification and the level of funding assigned
A care plan that outlines recommended services and goals
Information about short-term supports if applicable - Enter the Priority System
Your care needs will be ranked as urgent, high, medium, or standard. This determines how quickly you receive funding. - Choose a Provider and Start Services
Once your funding becomes available you’ll have 56 days (or up to 84 days with an extension) to choose an approved provider
How We CareAbout You
When you don’t have all the pieces of a constantly-changing puzzle, it’s incredibly hard to make an informed decision – that’s where we come in.
Our Care Advisors cut through the noise, and simplify an otherwise complex process. We take the time to understand who you are, and what you need. We then present you with an expert-led recommendation – of course, the ultimate choice is yours to make.