Australia’s aged care system is undergoing significant changes with the launch of the Support at Home program. The goal of the new Support at Home Program is to enable Australia to provide better support for older Australians wanting to live independently at home. Read this brief overview to understand the new program.
The New Support at Home Program
There will be changes to the current initiatives. The transition is set to commence in November 2025. The current initiatives will be replaced by the new Support at Home Program. These changes will ensure that older Australians can safely stay at home. The funds for their support will also be more flexible and accessible.
Support at Home Program – Why is it Better?
The new program is expected to simplify and make aged care services more transparent. These ensure that services are more tailored to individual needs. The new changes are expected to improve independence and quality of life for many older Australians.
The changes will be significant. Here’s what you can expect:
- Eight funding levels instead of four to match care needs and budgets.
- Two short-term pathways – one for restorative care and another for end-of-life support.
- More funding for equipment and modifications to enhance safety and independence.
- Budgets will shift to quarterly payments with a standardized 10% care management fee.
- Clearer service categories to simplify coverage.
- “No Worse Off” guarantee.
Checking for Eligibility
Individuals already receiving services under the Home Care Packages (HCP) or Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs will automatically transition to the new one. New applicants will be assessed under the new structure. The new Support at Home program follows the same eligibility criteria as the current aged care services. The program is available to the following:
- Australians who are 65 years old and over.
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and above.
- Homeless or at risk of homelessness who are 50 years old and above.
Changes in Costs and Contributions
This shift aims to provide clearer and fairer cost structures. Most of the clinical care services will still be fully funded by the government. However, there will be changes in the non-clinical services. These may require co-payments based on the individuals’ income and assets. There will be a lifetime cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care contributions. Any unspent funds can roll over to the next quarter. Service pricing will be capped nationally from July 2026.
Adapting to the New Changes
It is essential to consult with your provider to help you transition to the changes of the new Support at Home Program. This is crucial if you are already receiving aged care at home. You need to understand the new funding classifications.
Additionally, those considering applying in the future should take note of the expanded funding levels and new service categories. Review your personal finances and contributions. Remember that there will be new rules for co-payments.
Support at Home Program – Possible Challenges
The transition may bring some challenges to Australians. Adjusting to new funding policies and payment structures can be confusing for some. Some people are concerned about the new costs. Some think that they would not be able to afford the non-clinical services. Stay informed and seek advice. This can help you transition to the new program.
Conclusion
The new Support at Home program has its pros and cons. The government wants older people live safely and comfortably in their own homes. There are challenges to be expected with these changes. That is why understanding how the program works will help families and individuals prepare for the changes.
