Updated: Apr 9
At Rural Lifestyle Options Australia, we are committed to supporting older Australians with high-quality and tailored Aged Care Home Care services. As the Australian government rolls out the new 'Support at Home' program, we understand that the changes may raise questions and concerns for our community.
To ensure that our participants and their families are well-informed and prepared for these changes, we have developed a 'Support At Home' Blog Series. It aims to clarify the key aspects of the new program, including how it works, what services are available and how the transition will unfold.
Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information so that our clients can make empowered decisions about their care and continue to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.
Introduction to 'Support at Home'
As we age, our need for care and support can increase. Whether it’s help with everyday tasks, clinical care or more specialised services, there comes a time when extra assistance can make all the difference in living independently at home.
The Support at Home program, set to launch from 1 July 2025, is designed to do just that — provide comprehensive and personalised support to older Australians in the comfort of their own homes.
In today’s post, we’ll give you an overview of the Support at Home program, explain how it works and break down key aspects to help you or your loved ones navigate the new system with confidence.
What is the 'Support At Home' program?
The Support at Home program is being introduced to replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) program, with the goal of providing older Australians with more flexible, tailored support at home.
The focus is on ensuring people can continue living independently for as long as possible, with access to the care and services that suit their individual needs and circumstances.
How Does the Program Work?
Support at Home will offer personalised support based on your assessed care needs. When you apply, you’ll undergo an assessment that looks at factors such as your health, ability to manage daily tasks, and whether you need more specialised or clinical care.
Following your assessment, you will receive:
A personalised care plan
A quarterly budget allocation
Details of any short-term care pathways available to you (such as restorative or end-of-life support)
Information on assistive technology or home modification funding, if eligible
The program is expected to include a range of funding levels, each aligned to the level of care you require. While final funding tiers are still to be confirmed, the design aims to ensure more responsive, appropriate support across a spectrum of needs.
Key Features of the Support at Home Program
1. Tailored Levels of Support
Support at Home will provide varying levels of funding to suit individual care needs. The program is designed to be flexible and responsive, adjusting support as your needs change over time.
2. Short-Term Care Pathways
In addition to ongoing support, the program will include two important short-term pathways:
Restorative Care Pathway: Aimed at helping people regain or maintain independence, typically providing up to 12 weeks of allied health and support services.
End-of-Life Care Pathway: Designed for people wishing to remain at home in the final stages of life, offering dedicated support during this time.
These short-term supports address specific needs like recovery from illness or palliative care at home.
3. Service Categories
The program will offer a range of services across clearly defined categories:
Clinical Care (e.g., nursing services)
Independence Support (e.g., assistance with showering or mobility)
Everyday Living Support (e.g., cleaning, gardening)
4. Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)
The program includes dedicated funding for assistive technologies and home modifications, helping individuals to live safely and independently at home.
Depending on your assessment, you may be eligible for support with:
Mobility aids
Home modifications such as ramps or bathroom adjustments
Equipment to support daily living
There will be tiers of funding based on your individual needs.
How Will I Be Assessed?
To access the Support at Home program, you’ll first need to undergo an aged care assessment. This can take place in your home or, in some cases, a hospital setting.
During the assessment, a qualified assessor will discuss your health and care needs and help determine the level of support that suits you best.
Once your assessment is completed, you will receive a notice of decision outlining:
Your level of funding
The services you’re eligible for
Any short-term care pathway funding
The allocation for assistive technology or home modifications
How Do I Choose a Provider?
Once you’ve received your assessment and personalised support plan, you can choose a registered home care provider that meets your preferences and needs.
You can:
Ask your assessor for recommendations
Use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website
Your chosen provider will help arrange and deliver the services outlined in your care plan, including assistive technology and home modifications if applicable
Final Thoughts...
The Support at Home program represents an exciting step toward making aged care more flexible, accessible, and person-centred. By offering personalised care, funding flexibility, and a wide range of services, it’s designed to help older Australians live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes.
Whether you’re looking for long-term assistance or short-term care for recovery or end-of-life support, this program is structured to meet your needs and provide you with the resources to live your best life at home.
In future posts, we’ll take a closer look at specific aspects of the program, including funding tiers and the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Scheme, to help you understand the full benefits and how to navigate the system.
Stay tuned for more details and feel free to ask any questions to our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing enquiries@rloa.org.au today!
