Support at Home Program: Changes to Home Care Services

The Australian Government is set to launch the Support at Home program on 1 July 2025, introducing a streamlined approach to home care. This program integrates existing services into a unified framework, aiming to better address the needs of older Australians wishing to live independently in their homes.

Program Overview

The Support at Home program replaces the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme and introduces new features to simplify access, improve equity, and enhance service delivery. It also includes quarterly budgets, expanded funding for assistive technology, and specialised pathways for short-term and end-of-life care.

Key Features of the Support at Home Program

1. Comprehensive Assessment System

Participants will be assessed through a Single Assessment System, ensuring that individual needs are identified and addressed. Using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), assessments result in tailored support plans outlining approved services and funding.

2. Individual Budgets with Flexibility

Participants will receive quarterly budgets aligned with their assessed care classification. Unspent funds, within set limits, can be rolled over to subsequent quarters, allowing for adaptability in managing unexpected care needs.

3. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme provides upfront funding to support independent living. Eligible participants can access funding tiers of up to $15,000, which can be used for mobility aids, home modifications, and associated services such as training and installation.

4. Short-Term and End-of-Life Care Pathways

• Restorative Care Pathway: Extends the duration of short-term restorative care to 12 weeks, focusing on allied health interventions to restore function and promote independence.
• End-of-Life Pathway: Offers up to $25,000 in funding over three months, supporting participants who wish to remain at home during their final stages of life.

5. Categorised Service Offerings

Services under the program are grouped into three categories:

• Clinical Supports: Services like nursing care and allied health services, funded entirely by government subsidies.
• Independence Services: Services such as personal care and home modifications, which require partial contributions from participants.
• Everyday Living Services: Services including cleaning and gardening, with participant contributions reflecting their general availability outside aged care frameworks.

6. Access to Care Management

Participants will be supported by a care partner, who will assist with planning, coordinating services, and navigating their care options. Care partners ensure services are aligned with participants’ needs and goals.

7. Self-Management Options

Participants may choose to self-manage their services, allowing them greater control over their care. Self-management includes options such as selecting workers, coordinating schedules, and overseeing service delivery, with oversight provided to ensure compliance with program guidelines.

Implementation Timeline

The Support at Home program will be introduced in phases:

• From 1 July 2025, the program will replace the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.
• The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027.

Existing recipients of aged care services will transition to the new system automatically, with no requirement for reassessment unless their needs change.

Participant Contributions

Contributions under the program will depend on the type of service received and the participant’s financial situation:

• Clinical Services: Subsidised entirely by the government for all participants.
• Independence Services: Require a moderate contribution, calculated based on income and asset assessments.
• Everyday Living Services: Contributions are higher, reflecting the non-clinical nature of these services and their availability outside aged care programs.

Measures are in place to ensure affordability for those with limited financial means, including reduced contributions for pensioners and capped rates for certain services.

Considerations and Implications

For Participants

• Quarterly budgets and tailored care plans offer flexibility to adapt to changing needs.
• Access to assistive technology and home modifications provides additional support for independent living.
• Contributions are based on financial means, with safeguards to ensure affordability.

For Families

• Care management services may provide clarity and guidance for families supporting their loved ones.
• Structured service offerings create transparency about what is available and covered under the program.

For Providers

• Providers will operate under new regulatory frameworks, with responsibilities for aligning services to the defined categories and managing participant budgets.

Next Steps

The Support at Home program introduces significant changes to the aged care landscape in Australia. While it aims to simplify processes and expand access to services, its impact will depend on the transition process and the experiences of participants and providers.

For more detailed information, individuals are encouraged to refer to official Australian Government resources or contact local aged care services for guidance.