%20LOGO%20-%20COLOUR%20-%20CMYK.jpg)
Support At Home Information Hub
RangeCare is continuing to advocate for our clients wellbeing and will continue to provide safe quality care so that our clients can live their best lives!
Support at Home Information
In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Government will be making changes to the way older people are supported in the community and in their homes, commencing on 1 July 2025. The changes reflect the New Aged Care Act 2024 and the associated Strengthened Aged Care Standards, promoting person-centered care and has been designed to improve outcomes for older people and set clear expectations for providers who deliver care. The Statement of Rights outlined in the New Aged Care Act is fundamental in providing person-centered care. ​
​
The Statement of Rights includes the right to:​
​
-
Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice​
-
Equitable access​
-
Quality and safe funded aged care services​
-
Respect for privacy and information​
-
Person-centered communication and ability to raise issues without reprisal
-
Advocates, significant persons and social connections.​
Replacing the Home Care Package will be the Support at Home Program, prioritising supported and independent living, with the government continuing to be the main funder of the new program. The CHSP program will not change until at the earliest 2027.​
Clients will benefit from:​
​
-
Reduced wait times from approval to assignment of packages. ​
-
Increased levels of ongoing care from 4 to 8 levels, ​
-
Access to a maximum higher level of funds​
-
Clinical care and allied health fully subsidized by the government​
-
No monthly administration and care management fees, instead 10% of the client’s allocated budget will be set aside for care management. ​
-
Client contribution is calculated only on the services used and the client’s financial status.​
​
The Department of Health and Aged Care is hosting a free webinar that provides information for existing home care package clients transitioning into Support at Home. Click on the link to view Support at Home Program update for older people
Important Information
Please see below some useful information for your understanding:
​
​
​
​
​
Useful Resources and Links
For further information:
​
-
The Department of Health and Aged Care is hosting a free webinar that provides information for existing home care package clients transitioning into Support at Home. Click on the link to view Support at Home Program update for older people​
-
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website MyAgedCare.gov.au​
-
Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website https://www.health.gov.au/​
Click on the links provided below:
​
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Support at Home and when will it start? ​
​
A: The Australian Government is enhancing in-home aged care to help older people live independently at home for longer. Under the new Support at Home program, there will be improved access to services, products, equipment, and home modifications to help older people remain healthy, active, and socially connected to their community. The Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program from 1 July 2025.
​​
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will continue operating as usual until it transitions to Support at Home, no earlier than 1 July 2027.
​
Q: I currently have a home care package. What will change for me? ​
​
A: If you commenced a Home Care Package, were in the National Priority System, or were deemed eligible for a Home Care Package by an Aged Care Assessor prior to 12 September 2024, you will be financially no worse off, even if you currently pay an income-tested fee and therefore will contribute the same or less once you transition to Support at Home.
​
If you were approved for a package after 12 September 2024, you will automatically transition to the Support at Home program and will be expected to contribute to some services.
Q: Will I still pay an Income Tested Fee? ​
​
A: Eligible clients will no longer pay a daily income tested fee, instead clients who meet the contribution criteria will only contribute a percentage of the hourly rate of services received.
​
Q: Will I still have access to my existing unspent funds? ​
​
A: You will continue to have access to your Home Care Package unspent funds until they are exhausted.
Q: What happens if I am a current Home Care Package recipient and require a reassessment due to increased care needs? ​
​
A: When transitioning to a higher care category, the ‘financially no worse off’ policy will apply to clients who, on or before 12 September 2024, were receiving home care or had been approved for a home care package. If your care needs increase, your Care Partner will assist in requesting a support plan review. For further information, refer to page 37 of the Support at Home program handbook.
​
If you were approved for a home care package after 12 September 2024, you will automatically transition into the Support at Home program. If your care needs have increased, your Care Partner will assist with requesting a support plan review.
Q: How does the quarterly budget work? ​
​
A: For pre-existing HCP and Support at Home recipients, your annual government subsidy will be divided into four quarters based on the assessed classification. Your Care Partner will create and manage a quarterly budget based on the care services you require.
Q: How will I know how much I must contribute to services? ​
​
A: The government will notify you nearer the time.
​​​​​​
For approximate contribution percentages, click on the link provided: Support at Home service category and approximate client contribution
Referenced from Department of Health and Aged Care, Australian Government About the Support at Home program
*Information current as of April 2025