Support at Home: Independence

When you need a hand with day-to-day tasks, this doesn’t mean you’re losing your independence. 

The Australian Government’s Support at Home program funds practical help so that you can continue to live safely and confidently at home while staying connected to your community. 

Independence services cover personal care, social connection, transport and respite for carers. The focus is on supporting your routines, confidence and participation, in the way that works for you.

What Independence Services Can Include

Your aged care assessment sets out exactly which services you can receive. These appear in your Notice of Decision and Support Plan, and your provider must deliver only what has been approved.

Personal care

• Help with showering or bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting
• Assistance to move around safely or use mobility aids
• Continence support that is not clinical
• Reminders and help to take your own medication correctly

Social support and community engagement

• Help to get to appointments, community groups or events
• One-to-one social visits or group activities to reduce loneliness
• Accompanied outings such as shopping or gentle exercise
• Cultural or faith based support
• Digital education and technology help to connect with family and friends
• Support to manage personal affairs, for example bills or paperwork

Therapeutic services for independent living

• Remedial massage or diversional therapy to support comfort and engagement
• Art therapy and other wellbeing focused therapies
• Acupuncture, chiropractic or osteopathy when approved for function or comfort

Respite for you and your carer

Respite gives your usual carer a short break while you continue receiving safe, respectful support at home or in a community setting.

Transport

• Direct transport, where a driver and vehicle are provided
• Indirect transport, for example taxi or rideshare vouchers
   

How it differs from Everyday Living: Independence services support you with daily activities and participation. Everyday Living services keep your home clean, safe and workable, for example cleaning, meals and minor home maintenance.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)

If equipment or changes to your home would help you live more safely, you may be approved for the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT HM) scheme. This can include grab rails, ramps, mobility devices or bathroom changes to reduce falls risk and make tasks easier.

• Eligibility is decided at your aged care assessment
• Funding is provided in tiers that match the level of equipment or modification needed
• If you move from a Home Care Package, you receive transitional approval so you do not miss out
• Items and changes must be chosen from the approved AT HM list and appear in your Support Plan

Who pays what: AT HM items usually follow the same contribution rules as independence services, so you may pay a portion of the item or modification cost. Prescription and wrap-around services, such as clinical assessment, safe installation or training to use the equipment, are treated as clinical supports and are fully funded with no contribution required.

For a full picture of how AT-HM sits alongside your ongoing funding, see our Support at Home classification levels guide.

What Will You Pay

Independence services are subsidised. Your contribution depends on your income and assets as assessed by Services Australia. 

You only pay for services that are actually delivered: 

• Self-funded older people without a concession card contribute a higher share
• Full pensioners generally contribute a low, fixed percentage
• Part pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders contribute within a set range tied to their assessment

Clinical services, such as nursing and allied health, are fully funded for everyone. There is no contribution for clinical supports – learn more about how contributions are set in our Support at Home contributions guide.

It’s important to note: If you were approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, the no worse off principle applies, so your fees will stay the same or be lower when you move to Support at Home.

How Independence Services Fit Into Your Plan

You will work with a Care Partner and, if you wish, a family member or carer to decide what matters most and how support can help.

Here are some examples of situations where independence services can be utilised: 

• I want to shower safely without worrying about falling
• I want to keep going to my regular community or faith group
• I want my daughter, who is my main carer, to have regular breaks
• I want to manage my own medication with a simple reminder and set-up

Your plan is not set and forget. If your needs change, your care partner can request a Support Plan Review so services and funding stay right sized for you.

Example: Meet Vera

Vera, 81, lives alone. She has help with showering on three mornings each week, transport to the shops once a fortnight and two hours of respite so her son can rest. When Vera’s confidence improves, her plan will be adjusted.

Your Rights and Protections

You are protected, seen, and heard – and it’s integral to remember that. Feeling pressured, rushed, or taken advantage of is not the norm nor should it be tolerated.

It’s important to be aware:

• You are supported: Free, independent advocacy is available from Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
• Services must match your approved Support Plan: You should not be offered or charged for services that are not approved
• Providers must meet the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: And cannot charge more than the amount you agree to
• Your plan is not fixed: Your plan can be reviewed whenever your needs change

Bottom Line

Independence services are practical help that keeps you doing the things that matter, in the place that feels most like you: Your home. 

With flexible support, the right equipment and a plan that adapts, many people stay at home for longer instead of moving into residential care earlier than they would like.

How CareAbout Can Help

CareAbout helps older Australians and families understand the Support at Home system and connect with reliable, high quality providers. 

We can help you find personal care, social support, transport, respite and access to assistive technology and home modifications that fit your goals and budget.

Speak to a CareAbout expert today and get matched with a provider who can support your independence at home.