Key Points:
- The Federal Government has announced some changes to Support at Home.
- From October 2026, the Government will fully subsidise the cost of personal care services like showering and grooming.
- This change will benefit older people and their families by making essential home care services more affordable.
- The Government has also announced, a delay in price caps on services, stronger consumer protections, and greater price transparency.
Summary:
The Commonwealth Government has announced changes to the Support at Home program. We’ve taken a closer look at what’s changing and how it might make things easier for you and your family member.
Outline:
- Introduction
- Personal care to be fully funded
- Who will benefit?
- What happens until October 2026?
- Other important budget updates
- Why these changes matter
Introduction:
The Commonwealth Government recently announced changes to the Support at Home program. These changes, confirmed when the Federal budget was handed down in May, will ensure vital home care services are more affordable for older Australians.
Personal care to be fully funded
From October 2026 the Commonwealth Government will fully subsidise the cost of personal care services. This mean you won’t be asked to contribute to the cost of essential supports like:
- Showering and bathing
- Dressing and grooming
- Mobility assistance
- Non-clinical continence care
Who will benefit?
The decision to fully fund personal care will make a meaningful difference to Support at Home participants who, from October, will not be required to contribute to the cost of their personal care.
What happens until October 2026?
The changes are expected to be introduced in October 2026.
Until then:
- The current co-contribution model for personal care services remains in place
- Older Australians entering the program before this date will still need to contribute to personal care costs
- Providers and families can begin planning ahead, knowing costs for personal care services will be fully subsidised from October.
Other important budget announcements
The Government has also announced further adjustments aimed at strengthening the Support at Home program.
- Delay to price caps
Following feedback from providers, consumers and advocacy groups, plans to introduce price caps on services from 1 July 2026 have been deferred, meaning that for now, providers will continue to set their own fees.
As yet, no new date has been announced, and the Government continues to monitor the market and gather further evidence before making any final decisions.
- Stronger consumer protections
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will be given greater powers to ensure providers are transparent and accountable, and will be able to:
- Order refunds where providers have overcharged aged care consumers
- Take action against providers who fail to issue monthly statements
- Publicly report on investigations and enforcement outcomes
- Greater price transparency
A new National Summary of Support at Home Prices will also be introduced and published quarterly. This report will show:
- Median service prices
- Pricing ranges across providers
This will make it easier for older Australians and their families to compare the pricing across different providers and make more informed decisions about their care.
Why these changes matter
These changes mark an important step toward making Support at Home more affordable and accessible for older Australians.
Stronger consumer protections mean older people can raise concerns with confidence, knowing that they will be addressed, while greater price transparency will help families make informed decisions about their care.
And, perhaps most importantly, the removal of co-contributions for personal care means older people will be able to access these vital supports more easily, acknowledging that these supports are not optional – they are fundamental to the dignity, safety and independence of older people who wish to age well and safely at home.
