What is the Support at Home program?

As we grow older, many of us want the same thing: to live independently in our own homes, surrounded by the people and things we love.

To help make that possible, the Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program, which is commencing from late-2025. This new program will replace the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, and provides a simpler way for older Australians to access the right support at the right time.

To understand what we can expect, we asked Amanda Hawton, General Manager of Reform and Insights at Australian Unity, to take us through what’s changing. Amanda also discusses how the new Support at Home program puts wellbeing and independence back at the heart of aged care.

Why is the system changing?

The aged care system in Australia is about to get a much-needed makeover.

“The current Aged Care Act was implemented back in 1997, and it’s no longer fit for purpose,” says Amanda. “It was designed around providers and funding mechanisms, not the older Australians who should really be at the heart of the system.”

Following the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the government is moving to a model that is more respectful, empowering and accessible for older Australians.

“The new Aged Care Act 2024 enshrines older people’s rights into legislation, and makes sure the whole system orients around preserving their wellbeing, dignity and independence,” says Amanda.

How will the Support at Home program work?

Under the Support at Home program, older Australians will still have access to a wide range of services to help them live independently, but with a clearer structure and more flexibility to suit their individual needs.

Services will be grouped into three broad categories:

• Clinical support services: Includes nursing, physiotherapy and counselling, which will be fully funded by the government.

• Independence support services: Include personal care (showering support and grooming), social support and respite care, which will be part-funded by the government, with a moderate means-tested co-contribution.

• Everyday living services: Includes home maintenance (such as gardening and repairs), domestic assistance (cleaning and laundry) and meals, which will also be part-funded, with a higher means-tested co-contribution.

Importantly, all services will come from a defined services list that outlines the services available and what’s out of scope of the program. Meaning transparency across all providers.

Support at Home eligibility

Eligibility for the Support at Home program is determined through a single, streamlined assessment, making it much simpler to access the services you need.

Broadly speaking, those eligible include:

• People aged 65 and older.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older.

• People aged 50 and older who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.

“This single-assessment model is a huge improvement,” says Amanda. “The system used to be fragmented, with multiple pathways and confusing steps. Now there’s one clear entry point, making it easier and quicker for people to get support.”

Support at Home classifications explained

Another important improvement is the way services will be matched to individual needs through more targeted support classifications.

When you apply for Support at Home services, an assessment team will work with you to understand your situation. Based on your needs a personalised support plan will be developed and a funding classification that reflects the type of help you require.

“A key difference with the Support at Home program is that it introduces eight ongoing support classifications, compared to four under the current Home Care Packages,” explains Amanda.

There are also three short-term pathways designed to provide additional support:

1. End-of-life care: This helps people remain at home with dignity and comfort in their final stages of life.
   
   
2. Restorative care: Offers up to 12 weeks of allied health support to regain strength and independence after an illness or injury (this is an increase from the eight weeks under the Short-Term Restorative Care program).
   
   
3. Assistive technology and home modifications: Provides quick access to essential aids and home improvements.

“The goal is to offer more targeted, proportionate levels of support, so people can get the right care earlier, and stay independent at home for longer,” says Amanda.

Amanda is particularly passionate about the new end-of-life pathway, stating, “we haven’t always got end-of-life care right in Australia or in a lot of Western cultures, so this pathway is a really important and compassionate step forward.”

What kind of support is available?

Whether you’re just starting to notice small changes in your day-to-day life or need more complex help, the Support at Home program is designed to adapt to your needs over time.

“You might first reach out because you’re finding it harder to clean your house or get to the shops,” explains Amanda. “Over time, you might start to need more help with personal care or even clinical support—and that’s when you would seek a reassessment for additional support.”

Support at Home services include:

• domestic support like cleaning, shopping, and gardening

• personal care, including help with showering and dressing

• allied health services, such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy

• nursing and clinical care

• respite care for carers

• home modifications and assistive technology support.

These services are designed to grow with you as your needs change. But reaching out early is key to getting the most benefit.

“The reality is that the earlier you get support, the better it will be for your long-term health, autonomy and independence,” says Amanda.

How much will it cost?

The Support at Home program is designed to be affordable and accessible, with means-tested contributions for certain services.

For new Support at Home customers:

• Clinical services will be fully funded.

• Independence and everyday living services will require a means-tested co-contribution.

• From mid-2026, capped pricing will apply across all providers, ensuring consistency and protecting customers from unexpected costs.

Amanda compares the Support at Home costs to the subsidised childcare model.

“It’s a partnership—so you’re paying a contribution towards your care, but it’s designed to be affordable and offer real value, particularly as your needs grow and you require more clinical support,” she says.

“I think for the majority of Australians—even self-funded retirees—being in the system can be of real benefit. That’s because clinical services are fully funded by the government”

Support at Home checklist: getting started

If you or someone you care about is considering Support at Home, here are some first steps to get you started:

• Understand the program: Read about the Support at Home program and how it differs from current services.

• Check your eligibility: Most people aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) are eligible.

• Organise an assessment: Apply through My Aged Care to start your streamlined eligibility assessment.

• Think about your priorities: Reflect on which types of support (such as housework, personal care, or nursing) would make the biggest difference to your life.

• Choose a trusted provider: Look for a provider who values wellbeing, independence and personalised care.

• Ask questions: “If you’re feeling unsure or anxious about the process, reach out to your care partner or provider. We’re here to guide you,” says Amanda.

What to look for when choosing a Support at Home program provider

Choosing the right provider can make a world of difference to your experience. Having navigated the system for her own family, Amanda has some personal insights to share.

“Find a Support at Home program provider you can trust—one that gives you peace of mind and truly partners with you in your care journey,” she says. “You want a team that respects your choices, supports your independence and works with you, not just for you.”

She adds that finding a provider with well-trained, compassionate staff is essential.

“It’s about having a team around you that understands what matters most to you, and makes you feel safe, supported and respected.”

Navigating Support at Home with Australian Unity

Research from the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, developed in partnership with Deakin University, shows that living independently, feeling connected and having control over your environment are some of the biggest drivers of personal wellbeing, especially as we age.

That’s why, at Australian Unity, home care isn’t just about delivering services. It’s about building relationships, listening to what matters to you, and designing support around your life—not the other way around.

“We have the enormous privilege of serving over 50,000 older Australians right across the country, from remote areas like Lightning Ridge to metro hubs in Sydney and Melbourne,” Amanda says. “We really want to make sure that wherever Australians need support and care, we are there to provide that.”

For Amanda, it all comes back to the idea that getting the right help when you need it is a powerful act of self-care—and one of the best ways to safeguard your autonomy, agency and independence for the long term.

“Accessing support isn’t about giving up your independence—it’s an investment in yourself, your wellbeing and your future,” she says. “It’s about living the life you love for longer, surrounded by the people, things and places that matter most.”