The Support at Home Program: A Complete Aged Care Solution

Launching on 1 July 2025, the Australian Government's Support at Home program represents a major transformation in aged care. It is designed to improve in-home support for seniors, consolidating existing programs such as the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). This initiative is a response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, with the goal of helping older Australians live independently at home for as long as possible.

The program offers a range of benefits, from expanded care options to a more streamlined assessment process, prioritising equitable access to support for an ageing population. Here's a detailed look at how the Support at Home program will improve aged care and how Bannister In Home Care can guide clients through the transition.

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Key Dates and Phased Implementation

The transition to Support at Home will be implemented in phases:

  • 1 July 2025: The program will replace the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. Seniors currently receiving these services will be automatically transitioned to Support at Home. They will retain their existing funding levels under the new framework, with no need for reassessment unless their circumstances change.

  • No earlier than 1 July 2027: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also transition into Support at Home, consolidating all major in-home aged care programs under a single system.

During the initial phase, home care recipients will be allocated Support at Home funding equivalent to their existing package levels, ensuring a seamless transition with minimal disruption. Providers like Bannister In Home Care will adhere to the new regulatory framework, including capped prices for services.

A New Approach to Assessment and Prioritisation

The introduction of the Single Assessment System, using the Integrated Assessment Tool, will standardise the evaluation process. This system will be in place from 1 July 2025, enabling more accurate determination of each individual’s care needs. The assessment will result in a detailed support plan that outlines the participant's condition, goals, and required services. This streamlined approach helps ensure that the right level of support is provided from the start.

The program introduces eight funding classifications, replacing the current four levels of Home Care Packages, as well as two additional short-term classifications: the Restorative Care Pathway and the End-of-Life Pathway. Each classification is designed to match the assessed needs of participants, providing higher funding levels for those with more complex requirements.

Service Delivery and Capped Prices

A significant change under Support at Home is the introduction of a service list with capped prices, ensuring fair and transparent pricing for aged care services. Providers will no longer be able to charge separate administrative or management fees, as the price caps include these costs. This approach makes budgeting easier for clients and their families, as there are no unexpected fees.

The Support at Home service list covers three main categories:

  1. Clinical services, such as nursing and allied health;

  2. Independence supports, including personal care and assistive technology; and

  3. Everyday living services, like domestic assistance and gardening.

For cleaning and gardening, the program sets annual caps of 52 hours for cleaning and 18 hours for gardening. This ensures that funds are focused on essential needs, such as clinical services and maintaining independence at home.

Quarterly Budgets and Flexibility

Funding will be allocated on a quarterly basis, with budgets tailored to each participant's classification. Unspent funds can be rolled over into the next quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever is higher. This flexibility allows participants to manage unexpected changes in their care needs.

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Enhanced Care Management

Every Support at Home participant will have access to care management services, which are critical for coordinating and optimising care plans. Under the new system, 10% of the quarterly budget will be allocated to care management, pooled together to deliver a higher level of oversight. This approach ensures that as participants’ needs change, they can receive more or less care management as required.

A dedicated care partner will oversee the coordination of services, ensuring that all aspects of a participant’s support plan are effectively managed. This model promotes better health outcomes and helps maintain quality of life at home.

Expanded Pathways for Restorative and End-of-Life Care

Support at Home offers enhanced short-term support through two pathways:

  1. Restorative Care Pathway: Replacing the existing STRC, the new pathway will offer up to 12 weeks of support (increased from the current 8 weeks). The focus is on early intervention, enabling participants to regain or maintain independence through allied health services. Up to 5,000 places per quarter will be available, significantly increasing access to restorative care.

  2. End-of-Life Pathway: For participants with a prognosis of less than three months to live, this pathway provides $25,000 over three months to facilitate dignified end-of-life care at home. It enables individuals to stay in familiar surroundings during their final days, complementing existing palliative care services offered by state and territory programs.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme

A vital component of the program is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which provides upfront funding for products, equipment, and modifications to help seniors live safely at home. Eligible participants can access up to $15,000 annually for home modifications and assistive devices, with three funding tiers catering to different levels of need.

The scheme includes a National Assistive Technology Loans Trial, providing a loan-before-buy option for some items, which helps reduce costs and improve accessibility. The trial began in July 2024, and its outcomes will inform future enhancements to the scheme.

Participant Contributions

Under the new framework, participant contributions are based on income, with clinical services like nursing remaining fully subsidised. For other categories, contributions will be capped at percentages based on the participant's financial status:

  • Full pensioners will pay 0% for clinical services, 5% for independence services, and 17.5% for everyday living services.

  • Self-funded retirees may contribute up to 80% for some services, depending on their income.

The contribution model ensures that those with higher means contribute more while safeguarding affordability for lower-income participants. Importantly, a no worse off principle applies to existing home care recipients, ensuring they do not pay more than they would under the current system.

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The Support At Home Program for Existing Clients

For clients already receiving Home Care Packages or on the waitlist, Bannister In Home Care will assist in transitioning to the new program. Current funding levels will be maintained, and clients will not need to undergo reassessment unless their care needs change significantly. This seamless transition ensures that seniors continue to receive the support they need without any interruption.

How Bannister In Home Care Can Help

Bannister In Home Care is well-equipped to guide clients through the changes brought about by the Support at Home program. With extensive experience in aged care services, Bannister can help navigate the transition, offering advice on assessment processes, funding classifications, and care management options. Our care coordinators will work closely with clients to develop tailored support plans that address individual needs and preferences.

By staying ahead of regulatory changes and aligning our services with the new program, Bannister In Home Care ensures that clients receive the highest quality care, empowering them to live independently and safely at home.