Australia’s aged care system is changing to better support older people who wish to remain independent in their own homes. The new Support at Home program introduces a simpler approach to delivering in-home care by matching funding and services to individual needs. Understanding how the program works can help older Australians and their families make informed decisions about future care.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is Australia’s new government-funded in-home aged care program, designed to provide personalised support for older Australians who wish to remain independent at home.
The program focuses on providing care that reflects each person’s circumstances rather than following a standard approach. After an assessment, participants receive support based on their individual care requirements, helping them maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
Who Is Eligible?
Older Australians who meet the eligibility requirements and require assistance to continue living safely at home may qualify for the program. Eligibility is determined through a My Aged Care assessment, where trained assessors review a person’s health, mobility, daily activities and overall support needs.
Following the assessment, eligible individuals are assigned a funding classification that determines the level of support they can receive. This outcome also helps identify the services that best meet their care requirements.
How Funding Works
Funding under the program is linked to an individual’s assessed care needs. The Australian Government funds approved services, while some participants may need to contribute towards certain service costs, depending on the type of service they receive and their individual circumstances.
The funding is intended to help participants access services that improve safety, wellbeing and independence. Regular reviews ensure that the support continues to reflect any changes in care requirements over time.
What Services Are Covered?
The program offers a broad range of services to help older Australians manage daily life at home. Depending on an individual’s assessed needs, these services may include:
- Personal care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and other daily activities.
- Nursing care: Clinical support provided by qualified nurses.
- Allied health services: Care from professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Domestic assistance: Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and other household tasks.
- Home maintenance and modifications: Minor repairs, safety improvements and approved assistive equipment to support independent living.
The services provided depend on each participant’s approved funding and assessed care needs, ensuring that support remains appropriate over time.
Understanding Service Levels
The program assigns participants to one of eight funding classifications based on their assessed care needs. People with lower support needs receive lower funding, while those with more complex care needs receive higher funding to access additional services.
Understanding the Support at Home package levels helps participants understand how funding is allocated and how available support may increase if their care needs change over time.
Conclusion
The Support at Home Program provides a more personalised approach to in-home aged care by linking funding, eligibility and services to individual needs. Understanding how the program operates can help older Australians and their families prepare for the assessment process and make informed choices about ongoing care and support.
