What is Support at Home and What’s Changing on 1 July?

The way in-home aged care is delivered in Australia is evolving, and at Omnicare Alliance, we are ready to lead the way. The new Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme from 1 July 2025, simplifying aged care support and ensuring older Australians receive the right care when they need it. As a trusted provider, Omnicare is committed to helping you navigate these changes and ensuring a seamless transition for our clients.

Why is Support at Home Being Introduced?

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the need for a more streamlined, equitable, and flexible aged care system. Support at Home has been designed to integrate and improve existing programs, ensuring better access to services, assistive technology, and home modifications to help older Australians stay independent for longer.

The Australian Government is implementing Support at Home in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The new program also directly addresses Principle 1 of the Aged Care Taskforce: the aged care system should support older people to live at home for as long as they wish and can do so safely. Around 1.4 million older people will benefit from the new Support at Home program, which prioritises supported and independent ageing.

Support at Home will:

• Better support older people to remain independent at home through an increase in places, with an additional 300,000 people supported by 2034-35.

• Bring together current in-home aged care programs over time.

• Introduce new assessment and classification arrangements to ensure the program is more equitable.

• Increase focus on early interventions to help people stay active and independent.

• Ensure higher levels of care for those with complex needs who require more help to remain at home.

With funding set to grow with the needs of an ageing population, Support at Home will provide timely access to the services people need to remain living at home.

What’s Changing on 1 July 2025?

1. A Simpler System with a Single Assessment Process

A new Single Assessment System will determine eligibility and support needs, providing each person with an individual support plan. This plan will outline their care requirements and budget allocation.

2. New Classifications and Budgets

Support at Home introduces eight classifications (instead of the current four Home Care Package levels), allowing for more tailored support. These classifications come with set quarterly budgets, ensuring greater flexibility for participants to choose and adjust their services as needed.

3. Improved Access to Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, participants will no longer have to save funds from their individual budgets for essential modifications and equipment. The scheme provides funding tiers of up to $15,000 for home modifications and assistive technology to support mobility, safety, and independence.

4. Short-Term and End-of-Life Pathways

New pathways will offer targeted support:

• Restorative Care Pathway – Expanded access to allied health services for up to 12 weeks (previously limited to 8 weeks) to help participants regain independence, with available places increasing from 2,269 to 5,000 per quarter.

• End-of-Life Pathway – Provides up to $25,000 in funding over 3 months to enable palliative care at home, ensuring dignity and comfort in the final stages of life.

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5. Higher Levels of Funding for In-Home Aged Care

Support at Home will increase the maximum annual amount of funding available for in-home aged care from $61,440 to $78,000, ensuring better access to care for those who need it most.

6. Access to a Care Partner for Better Support

Participants will be supported by a care partner within a registered provider to help them manage their care plans effectively and ensure they receive the best possible outcomes.

7. More Equitable Participant Contributions

Government funding will remain focused on care needs, with participant contributions introduced based on the type of service and individual financial status. Clinical support services (e.g., nursing and physiotherapy) will remain fully funded, while other services will have moderate to higher contributions depending on pension status and financial resources.

8. Faster Access to Services

Support at Home aims to reduce wait times between approval and funding allocation. By July 2027, the target is to ensure all participants receive funding within three months of approval.

What Will Happen to Existing Home Care Recipients?

If you currently receive a Home Care Package, you will transition to Support at Home without requiring reassessment. Your allocated budget will align with your existing package level, ensuring you continue to receive the care and support you need.

Why Choose Omnicare Alliance?

At Omnicare, we understand that change can feel overwhelming, but we are ahead of the curve in preparing for these reforms. As a leading aged care provider, we ensure:

• Seamless transition to Support at Home services.

• Personalised care plans to match your evolving needs.

• Access to the latest assistive technology and home modifications.

• Expert guidance on government contributions and funding options.

We are committed to making this transition easy and stress-free for our clients and their families.

Need More Information?

If you or a loved one are currently receiving home care or want to learn more about the upcoming changes, contact Omnicare Alliance today. Our team is here to provide expert guidance and ensure you continue to receive quality care in the comfort of your own home.

📞 Call us on 1300 336 488 📧 Email us at mylife@omnicare.org.au

Omnicare Alliance – Leading the way in in-home aged care.