The rollout of Support at Home will transform the way home care services are delivered, with a more person-centred approach that puts the needs of older people first. This means older Australians will have increased access to home care services – but there will be changes to the way these supports are funded.
As with Home Care Packages, Support at Home will see participants paying out-of-pocket contributions for services like domestic assistance and personal care. However, in a significant shift in the way home care services are provided in Australia, clinical care will be fully funded.
This month, we’re looking at why this is good news for older Australians.
What is fully funded Clinical Care?
Under the new model of home care, older Australians will be able to access professional clinical services like nursing care, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy with no out-of-pocket costs.
This is a significant change. With the integration of clinical care with everyday supports, and the removal of financial barriers to accessing it, older Australians will benefit from a more holistic, coordinated and affordable approach to care, as well as improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
Why This Matters
This means that you’ll be able to access the support you need when you need it. For example, if you’re recovering from surgery and you need your dressings changed and your wound cared for, home nursing visits can be arranged to help; and if you’ve had a fall, or you’re simply struggling with everyday tasks due to reduced mobility or function, allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help you to regain your strength and mobility, and access equipment that will make getting around easier—all at no extra cost to you.
This new approach to clinical care offers multiple benefits:
- Improved health outcomes through timely, professional intervention,
- Fewer hospital admissions by managing care proactively at home,
- Better quality of life through person-centred, wrap-around supports,
- Peace of mind for individuals and families, knowing that care is accessible and affordable.
Access to fully funded clinical services will ensure that home care services are not just about help with daily living tasks—they’re about living well, with dignity, and with the care and support you need to maintain your independence and quality of life.
How can I access Support at Home?
Support at Home will roll out across Australia on 1 November 2025. If you’re just starting to explore government-funded aged care support, you can visit My Aged Care or call them on 1800 200 422 to begin the aged care assessment process. After your assessment, you will receive a plan outlining the aged care services you can access.
If you are already receiving home care through Home Care Packages, you will automatically move across to Support at Home; however, if you’re currently receiving services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, nothing will change until July 2027, when you too will transition to Support at Home.
If your circumstances change, and you need to be reassessed, simply visit My Aged Care or call them on 1800 200 422 to arrange to be reassessed.
We’re here to help
At LiveBetter, we understand that navigating the transition to Support at Home may be confusing. If you have any questions about how the new program might impact your care, our team is here to help you every step of the way.
For more information on how to get the most out of Support at Home, reach out to our experienced team today.