Support at Home Classification 4: Who It’s For and How it Helps

Support at Home Classification 4 offers an elevated level of care for older Australians who require regular personal and clinical assistance. It’s designed for individuals with intermediate care needs – where managing health, mobility, and daily routines safely at home requires a coordinated and ongoing level of support.

This level of care is suitable for those living with multiple health conditions, recovering from hospital stays, or beginning to need more comprehensive assistance with both personal tasks and low-level clinical care. It ensures people can continue living independently in their own homes, while receiving consistent help from trained professionals.

Support at Home Classification 4 comes with an annual funding amount of $29,696.28, distributed quarterly at $7,424.07. This budget is designed to provide ongoing, practical and health-related support that aligns with your care plan.
 

Who is Support at Home Classification 4 For?

Classification 4 is a funding level suited to individuals whose care needs are becoming more demanding, but they still wish to reside at home rather than enter into residential aged care. 

• Require help with personal care on most days (e.g. bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Need basic clinical care such as wound dressing, continence support or medication management
• Have multiple or chronic health conditions needing monitoring
• Experience reduced mobility or use mobility aids
• Rely on carers or family who also need respite support
• Have had recent hospital admissions or falls and need ongoing support to stay safe at home
   

What Does Support at Home Classification 4 Cover?

Support at Classification Level 4 combines routine personal care with basic clinical services and more regular home support. It’s coordinated, reliable care delivered in a way that supports independence while managing health and safety at home.

Personal Care

Help with daily, personal hygiene and routines to maintain comfort, confidence, and dignity:

• Assistance with showering and personal hygiene
  
• Dressing and grooming support
  
• Help with toileting and continence management
  
• Support with mobility in and around the home
  

Basic Clinical and Health Monitoring

This level may include services delivered by qualified nurses or supervised care workers:

• Wound care and dressing changes
• Medication management and reminders
• Monitoring of chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, blood pressure)
• Liaison with allied health or GPs where needed
  

Domestic and Household Support

Keeping your living space clean and safe with practical help:

• Vacuuming, mopping, and general cleaning
• Laundry and linen changes
• Assistance with decluttering or safety hazard checks
• Light gardening or home maintenance (as required)
  

Meal Support and Nutrition

Ensuring proper nutrition and hydration every day:

• Assistance with preparing or reheating meals
• Grocery shopping or support with online orders
• Encouraging regular meals and water intake
• Supporting dietary preferences or health needs
  

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Helping prevent isolation while promoting engagement and routine:

• Friendly visits and conversations
• Transport to medical appointments or social outings
• Encouragement to participate in hobbies or local groups
• Respite for family carers when needed

Example: Meet Denise

Denise is 83 and has early-stage Parkinson’s Disease. While she still enjoys living in her own home, her mobility has declined, and she tires easily. She recently had a fall while showering and was hospitalised for a minor injury. Her daughter works full-time and worries about leaving her alone too often.

With Support at Home Classification 4, Denise now receives care multiple days a week:

• Assistance with showering and dressing
  
• A nurse visit twice a week to monitor her medications and manage a healing wound
  
• Help with laundry and preparing lunch
  
• Weekly transport to her physiotherapy session
  

This reliable care gives Denise the support she needs to stay at home – while giving her family peace of mind.

Budget and Funding for Support at Home Classification 4

Support at Home Classification 4 includes a quarterly budget of $7,424.07, equating to an annual total of $29,696.28. These funds are managed by Services Australia and are used to pay your approved care provider for the services outlined in your personalised support plan.

You can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly funds for future needs, like respite care or unexpected health changes.