How to Prepare for the Switch to Support at Home

Change is coming to aged care and while Support at Home is designed to make life easier, the shift still takes a little preparation. The more you understand now, the smoother things will go later.

Whether you’re receiving care yourself or helping a loved one manage their plan, here’s what you need to know to be ready when 1 November 2025 rolls around.

Step 1: Get informed, get confident

Start by understanding what’s changing. The Support at Home program replaces the current Home Care Packages (HCP) system, bringing in clearer pricing, more tailored care levels, and new pathways for things like short-term rehabilitation and end-of-life support.

What’s key is this: if you’re already in the system, you’ll keep your funding, and you won’t be worse off.

Good resources to start with:

• My Aged Care
  
• The official Support at Home booklet
  
• CareAbout’s own expert advisers (that’s us)

Step 2: Ask your provider the right questions

Your current provider is responsible for transitioning you into the new system, so don’t be shy about speaking up. Here are some key questions to ask:

• Will I keep the same care workers and services?
  
• When will we review my care plan?
  
• What will my new service agreement look like?
  
• Will my prices change and if so, how?
  
• Can you explain the new funding and care levels?

Remember: you’re allowed to ask for a second opinion. If you’re not getting the answers you need, it might be time to compare providers.

Step 3: Get your paperwork in order

It’s always easier to have your ducks in a row. Before the switch, make sure you’ve got:

• A copy of your current Home Care Agreement
  
• Recent care plans and service summaries
  
• Contact details for your provider’s care manager
  
• Any letters from Services Australia about your income-tested fees
  
• Notes about what’s working well and what’s not

This makes it much easier to advocate for yourself (or your loved one) when it’s time to update the care plan.

Step 4: Know your timeline

Here’s a rough idea of how things will play out:

• Now – Learn about Support at Home, review your care needs 
• July–September 2025 – Providers start contacting clients to update care plans and sign new service agreements
• 1 November 2025 – Support at Home officially begins
• Ongoing – You can request reassessments or change providers anytime

Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions. Starting early means less stress later.

Step 5: Use this simple prep checklist

• Read up on Support at Home and how it works
  
• Talk to your provider about what’s changing
  
• Review your care plan, does it still reflect your needs?
  
• Gather key documents (agreements, assessments, fee info)
  
• Write down questions or concerns you want to raise
  
• Speak with CareAbout if you want help comparing your options

Don’t face it alone, CareAbout can guide you

Change can be overwhelming, especially when it involves health, finances, and support. But you don’t have to sort it all out by yourself.

CareAbout can walk you through every step of the switch to Support at Home, whether you’re reassessing your needs, unsure about pricing, or just want to make sure your loved one’s care won’t be disrupted.

Call today and feel confident about what’s ahead.