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.

Understanding Funding Classifications in the Support at Home Program

When you or your loved ones require assistance to live independently, understanding how funding works in the Support at Home program is crucial. The funding structure is designed to provide flexibility and transparency, ensuring that you receive the appropriate level of support based on your individual needs.

In today’s post, we’ll break down the eight levels of funding available under the program, explain how you qualify for each level, and dive into the details of short-term care pathways for specialised support.

What Are the Eight Levels of Funding?

The Support at Home program offers eight funding levels, ranging from lower-level assistance to more intensive support, depending on your needs. Your level of support is determined through an aged care assessment, which evaluates your health, mobility, daily living capabilities, and specific care requirements.

Each level has a set amount of funding allocated, allowing you to access a variety of services, such as clinical care, help with daily tasks, or assistive technology. The highest level of support provides up to $78,000 annually, ensuring that you receive adequate help to maintain independence and comfort at home.

Here’s a breakdown of the eight levels:

• Level 1: Basic support for those with minimal needs.

• Level 2: Slightly more support, for individuals with moderate needs.

• Level 3: Higher support, covering a range of services for people with more complex requirements.

• Level 4: Extensive support for individuals needing significant assistance.

• Level 5: Provides additional support, catering to more complex care needs.

• Level 6: For people requiring intensive services and support.

• Level 7: For individuals who need a very high level of care, including complex health needs.

• Level 8: The highest level of funding, providing up to $78,000 per year for those requiring the most extensive and specialised care.

  
  

The indicative budget amounts for each level are as follows:

• Level 1: ~$2,750 quarterly, ~$11,000 annually

• Level 2: ~$4,000 quarterly, ~$16,000 annually

• Level 3: ~$5,500 quarterly, ~$22,000 annually

• Level 4: ~$7,500 quarterly, ~$30,000 annually

• Level 5: ~$10,000 quarterly, ~$40,000 annually

• Level 6: ~$12,000 quarterly, ~$48,000 annually

• Level 7: ~$14,500 quarterly, ~$58,000 annually

• Level 8: ~$19,500 quarterly, ~$78,000 annually

Home care recipients transitioning to Support at Home will have adjusted budgets:

• Level 1: ~$2,708 quarterly, ~$10,833 annually

• Level 2: ~$4,762 quarterly, ~$19,049 annually

• Level 3: ~$10,365 quarterly, ~$41,460 annually

• Level 4: ~$15,713 quarterly, ~$62,853 annually

The higher your level, the more funding you will have available for services and supports. However, the key takeaway here is that the funding is designed to match the support you need, whether it’s help with everyday tasks or clinical care.

What Are Short-term Care Pathways and How Can They Help Me?

The short-term care pathways under Support at Home are an essential part of providing timely, specialised care. Whether you need help recovering from illness or want to remain at home during the final stages of life, these pathways provide flexibility and additional funding to meet your unique needs.

By accessing these pathways, you can:

• Improve your independence and quality of life with the Restorative Care Pathway.

• Receive additional support during the end-of-life phase, ensuring comfort and dignity at home.

  
  

Together, the eight funding levels and short-term care pathways ensure that the Support at Home program meets both ongoing and temporary needs, providing the right type of care at the right time.

The higher your level, the more funding you will have available for services and supports. However, the key takeaway here is that the funding is designed to match the support you need, whether it’s help with everyday tasks or clinical care.

Final Thoughts...

Navigating the Support at Home program’s funding classifications and short-term pathways can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding how it works can make a significant difference in ensuring you or your loved ones receive the right care.

With tailored support levels and specialised pathways for restorative or end-of-life care, the program is designed to meet a wide range of needs and ensure that individuals can live with dignity and independence for as long as possible.

In the next blog post, we’ll dive deeper into the service list and pricing structure under the Support at Home program, outlining the different categories of services available to you.

Stay tuned for more insights into how you can make the most of your care plan and feel free to ask any questions to our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing enquiries@rloa.org.au today!