Support at Home Classification 5: Who It’s For and How it Helps

Support at Home Classification 5 is designed for older Australians who require frequent, multifaceted support to remain living independently. It provides a higher funding allocation to support a coordinated mix of personal care, allied health services, and assistance with daily tasks – all tailored to individuals with more complex care needs.

With an annual budget of $39,697.61 (or $9,924.40 quarterly), Classification 5 helps cover services that address both physical and functional health challenges. This includes regular help with bathing and dressing, transport to medical appointments, meal preparation aligned with dietary needs, and ongoing allied health input.

It’s ideal for people living with multiple health conditions who require care that’s not yet at a clinical or nursing-home level – but is beyond what lighter Support at Home Classification budgets can manage.

Who is Support at Home Classification 5 For?

Support at Home Classification 5 is well-suited for people who:

• Need personal care support most or every day
• Are managing multiple or chronic health conditions at home
• Require allied health involvement (e.g. physiotherapy, dietetics, OT) as part of their routine care
• Have mobility limitations or need assistance transferring safely
• Want structured care planning and regular, reliable visits
• Benefit from help coordinating appointments, medication, and overall care
  

This classification ensures that support is not just reactive – it’s proactive, holistic, and designed to help avoid hospitalisations or premature residential care.

What Can Support at Home Classification 5 Typically Cover?

Support at Home Classification 5 gives recipients access to a comprehensive suite of services. These are some of the key areas of support:Personal Care and Assistance

Regular help with essential daily activities, including:

• Bathing, grooming, and dressing support
• Continence assistance and toileting help
• Safe mobility and transfers (e.g. from bed or chair)
• Encouragement to maintain routines and independence
  

Allied Health and Therapy Services

Classification 5 enables access to ongoing allied health care, such as:

• Physiotherapy to support strength, mobility, or recovery
• Occupational therapy for equipment use or home modifications
• Dietitian support for managing chronic conditions through nutrition
• Exercise physiology to maintain function and prevent falls
  

Household and Environmental Support

To keep the home clean, safe, and manageable:

• Frequent cleaning of key living areas (kitchen, bathroom)
• Laundry, linen changes, and assistance with rubbish removal
• Identifying and reducing fall risks or other hazards

Transport and Community Access

To maintain social connection and ensure access to essential appointments:

• Assistance with travel to GP or specialist appointments
• Support attending rehabilitation sessions or community activities
• Accompanied shopping trips or errands for those with limited mobility
  

Medication and Health Monitoring

At this level, oversight becomes more structured:

• Monitoring of medication schedules and routines
• Support to refill prescriptions and liaise with pharmacists or GPs
• Observation of health changes and early flagging of concerns

Example: Meet John

John, aged 82, has diabetes, arthritis, and recently recovered from a fall. He lives alone and finds it difficult to manage her household and health appointments on his own.

With Support at Home Classification 5, John receives:

• Daily help with dressing and managing personal hygiene
• Weekly physiotherapy for mobility and pain relief
• Home cleaning and fresh linen twice a week
• Transport to and from medical check-ups and a local seniors’ group
• Coordination of his care plan between her GP, dietitian, and support workers
  

This structure has allowed John to stay safely at home while maintaining his health and connections.

Budget and Funding for Support at Home Classification 5

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