Aged care in Australia is evolving. If you or someone you love relies on a Home Care Package, you’ve probably heard whispers (or letters in the mail) about something called “Support at Home.” But what exactly is it? Why is it happening, and how will it affect you?
Let’s clear the air.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is a new government program rolling out from 1 November 2025. It’s designed to replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. Down the line, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also be folded in, but not until 2027 at the earliest.
So if you’re already receiving help through HCP or on the waitlist, you’ll automatically be moved over to Support at Home in 2025.
Why the change?
It’s no secret that the current system is a bit… clunky. People were finding it hard to understand what they were entitled to, waiting too long for help, and getting bogged down in confusing pricing and paperwork.
Support at Home promises:
- Simplified access to care and support
- More tailored services based on individual needs
- Clearer pricing, so you know exactly where your money is going
- More support for complex care, including better access to things like assistive technology, home modifications, and even palliative care
And here’s something worth celebrating: the maximum support level is increasing from $61,000 to $78,000, meaning more care for people who need it most.
What about your current services, are they safe?
Yes. If you’re already in the system, either receiving care or on the waitlist, you’re covered under what the government calls the “no worse off” principle. That means:
- You’ll keep your current level of funding
- You won’t pay more than you already do
- You’ll still be able to use your current provider (if you want to)
Providers will talk you through any updates to your care plan or service agreement ahead of time, so you won’t be left in the lurch.
What’s new and improved?
With Support at Home, you’ll have access to:
- A Restorative Care Pathway to help you stay independent and active
- An Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme, offering up to $15,000 for things like ramps, rails, and mobility aids
- An End-of-Life Pathway that supports staying at home with dignity and care in your final months
Plus, you can always ask for a reassessment if your needs change.
How will prices work?
Instead of being charged separately for things like admin fees and travel (like under the HCP model), you’ll now see an all-inclusive price for each service. It’s simpler and makes it easier to track your spending. Importantly, you won’t pay anything extra for clinical care, and you can say no to any agreement you don’t understand or aren’t happy with.
And don’t worry, starting November 2025, all providers will be required to list their prices on the My Aged Care website, so you can easily compare and choose who’s best for you.
The bottom line
Change can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to something as important as your care or that of a loved one. But the transition to Support at Home is designed to make life easier, not harder. It’s about giving older Australians more control, clearer information, and services that actually meet their needs.
FInd a Support at Home provider
Need help making sense of it all?
CareAbout is here to help you navigate the shift with confidence. Whether it’s understanding your options, comparing providers, or just getting peace of mind, our team is just a call away.
