Support at Home vs Home Care Packages: What’s changing and what it means for you

At Omnicare, we understand the importance of staying informed about changes in aged care services, especially when it comes to receiving the best possible Support at Home.

With the Australian Government introducing the Support at Home program from 1 July 2025, it's essential to understand how this new initiative differs from the existing Home Care Packages (HCP).

Image Credit: Australian Government | Department of Health and Aged Care

Let's explore these changes together, ensuring you're well-prepared and confident about the future of your in-home care.​

Embracing the Support at Home Program

The Support at Home program is set to replace the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. This transition aims to address key issues highlighted by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, focusing on:​

• Enhanced Access to Services: Providing a broader range of services, equipment, and home modifications to support your independence.​

• Improved Regulatory Standards: Implementing stricter regulations for home care providers to ensure consistent, high-quality care.​

• Reduced Waiting Times: Streamlining processes to minimise delays in accessing essential home care services.​

Continuity for Current Home Care Package Recipients

If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, rest assured that your transition to the Support at Home program will be seamless:​

• Stable Financial Contributions: Your existing care costs will remain unchanged.​

• Automatic Enrolment: On 1 July 2025, you'll automatically transition to the Support at Home program with a budget equivalent to your current package.​

• No Immediate Reassessment: Unless there have been significant changes in your care needs, a reassessment won't be necessary.​

Key Differences Between Support at Home and Home Care Packages

Understanding the distinctions between the two programs will help you navigate the upcoming changes:

Levels of Care

Home Care Packages: Offered four levels of care, with Level 4 providing up to $61,440 annually.​

Support at Home: Introduces eight levels of support, with the highest level offering up to $78,000 annually.​

Service Categories

Home Care Packages: Included specific services such as bathing, nursing, and meal preparation.

Support at Home: Organises services into three main categories:​ Clinical Care: Services like nursing and physiotherapy.​  Independence Support: Assistance with personal care and mobility.​  Everyday Living: Help with household tasks like cleaning and gardening.​

Clinical Services Funding

Home Care Packages: Recipients often contributed out-of-pocket for clinical services.​

Support at Home: The government will fully fund clinical care for all participants.​

Pricing Structure

Home Care Packages: Providers set their own prices, which could include various fees.​

Support at Home: From 1 July 2026, the government will implement price caps for each service type, encompassing all associated costs, including administration.​

Participant Contributions

Home Care Packages: Contributions included a basic daily fee and an income-tested fee.

Support at Home: Contributions will be based on the type of service and individual financial circumstances, with the government fully covering clinical care costs.​

Assessment System

Home Care Packages: Assessments were conducted by multiple organisations.​

Support at Home: Introduces a Single Assessment System, streamlining the process and reducing the need for multiple assessments.​

Budget Allocations

Home Care Packages: Provided an annual budget.​

Support at Home: Allocates funds quarterly, allowing for more flexible management of unspent funds between quarters.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Funding

Home Care Packages: Funds had to be accumulated for equipment and modifications.​

Support at Home: Offers immediate and separate funding for assistive technology and home modifications, eliminating the need to save up funds.​

Short-Term Support Pathways

Home Care Packages: Included the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme with up to eight weeks of support.​

Support at Home: Expands this to a Restorative Care Pathway offering up to 12 weeks of support and introduces an End-of-Life Pathway providing additional services during the last three months of life.​

Waiting Times

Home Care Packages: Wait times varied from 3 to 15 months, depending on the level.​

Support at Home: Aims to progressively reduce wait times over the next two years, with interim allocations available if delays occur.

At Omnicare, we're committed to guiding you through these changes with warmth and understanding. Our dedicated team is here to ensure that you continue to receive personalised, high-quality Support at Home, tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how these changes may affect you, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.