Big Changes Are Coming to In-Home Aged Care

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace current in-home care programs, including Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). These changes are designed to make accessing care simpler and help older Australians live independently at home for longer.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is a new, streamlined way to deliver in-home aged care services. It brings all care types under one umbrella with one assessment, one budget, and a personalised mix of services based on your goals.

How Will You Be Assessed?

You will be assessed for eligibility under three Participant Contribution Categories, which determine what services you may receive:

Clinical

• Nursing care
• Allied health and other therapeutic services
• Nutrition support
• Care management (Read more in our blog: “What Care Management Means for You”)
• Restorative care (Read more in our blog: “Understanding the Restorative Care Pathway”)

Independence

• Personal care
• Social support and community engagement
• Therapeutic services for independent living
• Respite
• Transport
• Assistive technology and home modifications (Read more in our blog: “Everything You Need to Know About AT-HM”)

Everyday Living

• Domestic assistance
• Home maintenance and repairs
• Meals

Two New "Add-On" Pathways

In addition to regular services, there are now two flexible, goal-based pathways available if your needs change:

Restorative Care Pathway

• Short-term support (up to 12 weeks) to help you regain independence
• From $6,000–$12,000 in extra allied health and or nursing services are funded per annum

Want to know more? See our blog on Understanding the Restorative Care Pathway.

End-of-Life Pathway

• Urgent, compassionate care in the final stage of life
• Up to $25,000 available over three months (can be extended to 16 weeks) to access approved services from the Support at Home service list, including care management for palliative care support at home

Want to learn more? See our blog on What You Need to Know About Support at Home End-of-Life Care Pathways.

These pathways offer targeted support when you need it most.

Other Key Changes

Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

• Up to $15,000 in funding is available to a Support at Home Participant for home modifications and assistive devices, based on your needs

Want more information? See our blog on Everything You Need to Know About AT-HM.

Personalised Budgets

• A quarterly budget tailored to your care plan
• Flexibility to adjust your services as your needs change

Want to understand more about budgets? See our blog on Support at Home: Budgets, Statements, and How They Work.

When Will These Changes Happen?

• Support at Home starts 1 November 2025
• It replaces the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs
• The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will continue until at least 2027

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a Home Care Package recipient:

• Your current funding level will transition to a matching Support at Home budget
• Your services will continue uninterrupted
• Any unspent funds will carry over to the new program
• Budgets will now be issued quarterly

Want to understand how this effects you? See our blog on Support at Home: Grandfathering and Co-Contributions Explained.

If you’re on the CHSP:

• No immediate changes
• You’ll stay on your current program until after 2027

If you’re newly approved:

• Expect faster access to services
• More flexibility in how you use your home care and support budget

Navigating change can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to help. Our team will guide you through the transition and explain your options. We help you understand the new system, apply for Support at Home funding, or explore private care if needed. Whether you’re transitioning from HCP or applying for the first time, we build a plan that fits your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I lose my current services under Support at Home?
A: No. Your current services will carry over and align with the new funding model. Nothing changes for you unless your needs do.

Q: How do I prepare for the changes?
A: Start learning about the services available under Support at Home. Right at Home can help you prepare and ensure you continue receiving the support you need.

Q: Can I adjust my services?
A: Yes! If your needs change, you can be reassessed and adjust your services at any time.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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