What you need to know—made simple
Support at Home Program
What it means for you
From 1 November 2025, the current Home Care Package program will be replaced by the new Support at Home program. As part of Australia’s aged care reforms, this change will affect all Home Care Package recipients.
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The goal? To make aged care simpler, more flexible, and better suited to your needs—now and into the future. The Support at Home program is designed to provide more funding, improve the quality of care, and create a system that grows with our ageing population.
No Worse Off Principle.
As the aged care system transitions to Support at Home, we want you to feel confident and supported every step of the way. That’s why the government has introduced the “No Worse Off” principle—to make sure your funding won’t be reduced during the change.
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If you're already receiving a Home Care Package, are on the National Priority System, or have been assessed as eligible by 12 September 2024, you’ll continue receiving the support you need, without paying more than you would have under the current system.
At Omnicare, we’re here to make aged care simple—and that means keeping you informed, supported, and reassured throughout the transition.
What's changing and how it helps you
The Support at Home program is designed to make care easier to access, more transparent, and better tailored to your needs. Here’s how the new system will make things simpler and fairer for you:
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✔ Faster access to funding – so you can get the support you need sooner, without long wait times
✔ More flexible funding categories – with ten care levels to better match your personal needs and goals
✔ Clearer list of services – so you’ll always know what’s included and what to expect
✔ Fair pricing system – putting a cap on prices so you’re not overcharged and can get more hours of support where it counts
Supporting your independence at home
Holiday Sale
Staying independent in your own home is more achievable than ever under the new Support at Home system. With a strong focus on helping you live safely and comfortably, you’ll have easier access to the things that make daily life easier—like equipment, technology, and home modifications.
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Through the new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, you’ll no longer need to dip into your regular care funding. This separate scheme covers everything from prescriptions and purchases to delivery and installation.
There’s also additional support available when you need it most, with extra funding for restorative care and end-of-life care—up to $25,000 over a 12-week period.
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At Omnicare, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence and care.
Understanding the fees
The fee structure under the Support at Home program is different from the current Home Care Package model. This new approach is aimed at supporting older Australians to remain in their homes. Services are grouped into three main areas: clinical care, independence support, and everyday living assistance.
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Clinical care (such as nursing or physiotherapy): These services are fully funded by the government to help maintain health and wellbeing.
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Independence support (like personal care): These receive partial government funding due to their role in helping individuals remain self-sufficient.
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Everyday living assistance (including tasks like cleaning or gardening): These services usually require higher out-of-pocket contributions, as they are less commonly funded by the government.
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The amount you contribute will vary based on your level of funding and individual circumstances—whether you receive a full or part pension or are a self-funded retiree. Importantly, under the government’s "no worse off" commitment, those already receiving aged care will not face higher fees when transitioning to the Support at Home program.
When do the changes take effect?
The Support at Home Program is set to launch on 1 November 2025, giving care recipients, carers, providers, and the My Aged Care system time to get ready for the change.
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Although the aged care system is being reformed, the new Support at Home model is designed to deliver more consistent, higher-quality care for people living at home. These changes aim to improve the overall support older Australians receive.
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To learn more, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website or register for an upcoming online webinar.
Discover more about Support at Home
Our friendly Home Care team is here to help.
Simply fill in the form, and we’ll give you a call to discuss how we can support you or your loved one.
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We look forward to speaking with you soon!