Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program has been designed by the Australian Government to support older Australians who need assistance to remain at home. This will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme from 1st July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
How It Will Work
The program will provide greater flexibility, allowing individuals to access a broader range of services based on their needs. Clients will receive a single, streamlined assessment to determine their eligibility and level of support.
The End of Lifeway Pathway will boost services for individuals diagnosed with 3 months or less to live, enabling them to remain at home.
Key Features
Comprehensive Support: Services will be designed to assist with daily activities such as personal care, meal preparation, domestic support, and home maintenance.
Individualised Care Plans: Tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, with greater input from clients and their families.
One System, One Assessment: Streamlined process to reduce red tape and duplication, offering a smoother experience for both clients and providers.
Who Will Benefit?
The program is designed for older Australians with varying levels of care needs, from those needing minimal support to those requiring more intensive services. It will offer a holistic approach, helping people live independently and age in place with the right level of support.
Key changes to Accessing Support
A new national assessment tool to determine what level of care everyone requires.
Moving to a quarterly budget, meaning the Home Care Package amount will be divided into 4 equal budgets
All services will be specified on a service list with clear inclusions and exclusions
No separate administration charges- package management costs will be incorporated into prices, not charged as separate fees.
Separate funded Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme clients will be approved at assessment for a separate funding
Clients will have more control and flexibility over their care choices, with options to adjust their care package as their needs change over time.
What Will This Mean for Existing Home Care Clients?
Current Home Care Package clients will have the ‘no worse off” principle. From July 2025, clients will move to the new home program and maintain their level of funding plus any unspent funds. Your care needs will be reassessed under the new system to ensure appropriate support levels.
Support for Carers
Carers will be provided with additional support options, including respite services and assistance with navigating the system. The program includes dedicated services to support family carers' mental and emotional health.
How to Prepare
Families and clients should stay informed about upcoming changes by attending information sessions or consultations about the new program.
Clients who are already receiving support should keep their care plans up to date to facilitate a smooth transition.
Reach out to your Care Manager. They’ll provide you with any additional information or resources you might need to ensure you completely understand these upcoming changes.
Get more information: The Department of Health and Aged Care has extensive information about the new Aged Care Act available via their website here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act
