Support at Home Program for those new to Home Care
Introducing the Support at Home Program
If you or someone you care about needs a little extra help to continue living independently at home, the upcoming Support at Home Program may be a great fit. Set to begin in July 2025, this new government initiative will gradually take the place of the current Home Care Package (HCP) program, aiming to provide more personalised support and a simpler way to access the services that matter most.
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At Omnicare, we’re here to guide you through this new system and help you gain access to the support you need to stay living independent and empowered.
What is the support at Home Program?
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The Support at Home Program is designed to help Australians who need ongoing assistance to live independently in their own homes. Unlike the Home Care Package (HCP) program, which has 4 levels of funding, the Support at Home program offers 8 levels of ongoing support, as well as two short-term care pathways, ensuring you receive care that is better aligned with your individual needs.
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This program offers a wide range of services, including personal care, allied health services, assistive technology, home modifications, and more, helping you to live as safely and comfortably as possible at home.
Who is eligible for the support at home program?
The Support at Home Program is available to individuals who:
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✔ Are aged 65 or older (50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness).
✔ Need help with daily tasks such as personal care, household chores, or accessing health services.
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Special arrangements will apply for individuals who are already in the Home Care Package (HCP) program when the Support at Home program commences. If you are currently in the HCP program, we have a page to explain all changes for you here.
How do I apply for the Support at Home Program? ​
To access the Support at Home Program, you'll need to go through an assessment process to determine your care needs and eligibility. Here's what you can expect:
What's different about the Support at Home Program?
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Unlike the Home Care Package Program, the Support at Home Program offers quarterly budgets based on your support level, making it easier to manage your care needs throughout the year. This funding covers a broad range of services and is divided into 4 quarterly payments.
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Other key differences include:
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✔ 8 Levels of ongoing Support and 2 short-term pathways: A more tailored approach to your care, with funding that reflects your specific needs.
✔ Upfront Funding for Home Modifications and Assistive Technology: You won’t need to save funds from your budget for these services.
✔ Capped Care Management: A portion of your funding is allocated to ensure that you have ongoing support from a service coordinator or Care Manager to manage your care.
✔ Participant contributions: Under Support at Home, participants will only pay contributions on the services they have received. The contributions will be calculated on a rate per hour (or unit of service) at a set percentage of the price for each service type, where applicable. For example, if a person receives two hours of personal care, they will pay a contribution per hour received.
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The contribution rate will be based on two factors:
1. The type of service received: e.g. clinical services will have lower contribution than services like domestic assistance and gardening.
2. The participant’s age-pension status, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card status, and means.
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The “no worse off principle” will also apply to relevant participants.
Why apply for the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is built around a person-centred approach to care.
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Whether you need assistance with personal care, mobility equipment, or support to stay independent at home, the program offers services tailored to your individual needs.
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At Omnicare, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from helping you explore your options to putting your care plan into action—so you can feel confident in the choices you make for your health and wellbeing.
Need Help Getting Started?
Let Omnicare help you
If you're ready to get started with the Support at Home Program or if you'd like more information about the assessment process, get in touch with us today. We're here to help answer your questions.
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For more information about the Support at Home Program, visit the Australian Government's Support at Home FAQs website