Understanding Your Care Plan Under Support at Home
- Omnicare Alliance
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Introduction
From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). For older Australians and their families, this brings important updates to care plans, service options, and funding arrangements.
This article explains:
How your care plan will look under Support at Home
What changes to the service list mean for you
The new funding types that may be available
Steps you and your family can take to prepare
What Is a Care Plan Under Support at Home?
Your care plan is the personalised document that sets out:
The services and supports you are eligible for
How much funding you receive
What you need to contribute (if anything)
Who provides the services and how they are delivered
Under Support at Home, care plans will:
Be based on a single assessment framework (making access simpler and clearer)
Cover a wider list of services, grouped into categories such as daily living, independence support, and clinical care
Be reviewed regularly to make sure your care continues to meet your needs
Service List Changes: What’s New
One of the biggest shifts is the introduction of a standardised Support at Home service list.
What it includes
Clinical and health services (nursing, allied health)
Independence supports (help with showering, dressing, mobility)
Everyday living supports (meals, cleaning, gardening, transport)
Assistive technology and home modifications (equipment and changes to make your home safer)
What’s changing
Some services that were previously bundled in packages are now clearly separated, with different contribution rules
Independence and everyday living supports may require higher client contributions, depending on your financial situation
A lifetime cap of $15,000 will apply for home modifications
You can only carry forward a limited amount of unused funding each quarter
What this means for families
Greater transparency about what each service costs
Easier to see what the government pays for, and what you contribute
More choice, but also a need to prioritise services that matter most
Extra Funding Types Available
The new system also introduces different funding streams, which may appear in your care plan.
1. Base Care Funding
Covers essential supports like personal care, domestic help, and clinical services
Based on your assessment
2. Extra Add-On Funding
For things like home modifications (ramps, bathroom changes) and assistive technology (mobility aids, safety equipment)
Subject to caps and limits
3. Transitional Protections
If you’re already on a Home Care Package, your current entitlements will continue while you move across
Some clients may keep existing fee arrangements until fully transitioned
4. Short-Term or Flexible Funding
For unexpected needs, like short-term recovery or increased support following illness or hospital discharge
How to Prepare for These Changes
To make sure your care plan under Support at Home works for you and your family:
Review your current services – Write down what you use most and what’s less essential.
Ask about future options – Talk to your provider about which services will change or cost more.
Explore assistive technology early – Consider if equipment or modifications will be needed, and budget for them before the new caps apply.
Have financial conversations – Understand how contributions may affect your household budget.
Stay engaged – Regularly check My Aged Care for updates.
Conclusion
The Support at Home program is designed to give older Australians and their families more clarity, choice, and accountability in aged care.
Your care plan will be more transparent, with services grouped into clear categories and funding types. While this makes the system easier to understand, it also means families may face new decisions about contributions and priorities.
By reviewing your current care, asking questions, and planning ahead, you can make sure your care plan supports the life you want to live — safely, independently, and with dignity.
Want help understanding your care plan?
Our friendly team can guide you through the Support at Home changes — explaining service lists, funding options, and how to plan ahead. Give our aged care experts a call on 1300 336 488 and let us guide you through all of the changes.
