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Written by Dr.Saadia Shabnam

Date: 26 August 2025

Australia’s Support at Home Program: Understanding the Reform and Its Potential

Background 

Most Australians want to age at home, independently, for as long as possible, supported by Home Care programs when needed, rather than entering residential care. The evidence from national consultations and inquiries, including the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, is very clear: 

“If you’re an independent person, it’s really hard to accept help from other people.” — Mrs Rita Kersnovske, Adelaide Hearing 2 (Home care). (Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Final Report: Volume 4A, p. 37.) 

“Being able to leave residential aged care and live with her husband at their unit made her ‘very happy’.” — Home Care recipient, after receiving Commonwealth Home Support and a Home Care Package. (Final Report: Volume 2, Case study of Mrs Foreman, p. 87). 

“The whole purpose of home care is to allow me to remain in my own home — I don’t want to be forced into residential care.” — Community forum participant. (Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Community Forum Submissions, 2019). 

What these voices show: 

  • Older people see home care as essential to dignity, wellbeing, and family connection. 
  • They want timely access to services, so they are not forced prematurely into residential care. 
  • Remaining at home is linked to happiness, independence, and a sense of control. 

The new ‘Support at Home’ Program 

Australia’s aged care system is entering a significant new chapter with the introduction of the Support at Home program, scheduled to begin in July 2025. This reform replaces the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs with a single, more integrated model of delivering in-home care to older Australians. 

The primary aim of the Support at Home program is to make services more flexible, transparent, and responsive to individual needs — ultimately helping more people to live independently in their own homes for longer. While change in any essential system can bring uncertainty, this reform carries many promising developments that, if implemented thoughtfully, could lead to lasting improvements in aged care. Understanding these changes and how to respond constructively is key for older people, their families, care providers, and community organisations alike. 

A Shift Toward More Individualised, Flexible Care 

One of the most notable aspects of the Support at Home reform is its emphasis on personalised care. Unlike the current system, where individuals are allocated a fixed “package” of services, the new model offers a single assessment framework that better aligns services and funding with each person’s specific needs. 

This change recognises that no two people age the same way, and that the type and level of support someone may need can vary significantly. Some may only need light domestic assistance, while others may benefit from more intensive support or temporary help to regain independence after illness or injury. 

For this approach to be effective, it will be important that older people are supported to express their goals and preferences. Families, carers, and providers can play a vital role by encouraging shared decision-making and helping older individuals plan their care in a way that reflects their lifestyle, values, and future needs. 

Increased Transparency and Clearer Pricing 

Another positive feature of the Support at Home program is the introduction of standardised pricing for services. Under the current system, fees and charges can differ greatly from one provider to another, often leading to confusion and concerns about value for money. The new model aims to resolve this by removing package management fees and requiring providers to present pricing in a consistent, clear format. 

Greater transparency in pricing can help build trust in the aged care system, especially if older people and their families are equipped with the tools and knowledge to compare services. Community organisations and aged care advocacy bodies will have an important role to play in providing education and support to help individuals understand their options and make informed choices. 

A Stronger Emphasis on Wellness and Independence 

The Support at Home reform also prioritises restorative and preventative care — services that help people maintain or regain independence, rather than relying on long-term passive support. There will be increased access to allied health and wellness services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nutrition advice. 

This reflects a broader, more holistic view of ageing — one that sees older Australians as active participants in their health and wellbeing, rather than simply as recipients of care. By focusing on enabling independence, the system hopes to improve quality of life while also reducing long-term care needs. 

To make the most of this shift, communities can complement formal services with social and wellness programs. Initiatives like age-friendly hubs, social prescribing, and group activities can reinforce the goal of keeping older people engaged, connected, and thriving in their communities. 

Opportunities for Local Innovation 

Although Support at Home provides individualised funding, it also allows space for innovation in service delivery. Providers and communities are encouraged to trial integrated, localised care models — for example, one-stop community hubs, day clubs, or co-located wellness centres that combine clinical, social, and practical support in one place. 

This opens opportunities for local councils, neighbourhood houses, and not-for-profit organisations to become more involved in care delivery. Collaboration between government, providers, and communities will be essential in developing, testing, and sharing new models of care that meet local needs. 

Remaining Challenges and the Need for Collaboration 

Despite these promising developments, some challenges remain. Workforce shortages, gaps in rural and remote service delivery, and digital access barriers could limit the reach or effectiveness of the reform if not carefully managed. 

Ensuring that the Support at Home program delivers on its promise will require a strong commitment to collaboration across the aged care sector. Listening to the diverse voices of older Australians — including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and people living with disabilities — will be essential in designing services that are inclusive and effective. 

Conclusion: Turning Reform into Reality 

At its core, the Support at Home program reflects a vision of aged care where older Australians can remain living safely and independently in their own homes, supported by services that are timely, transparent, and tailored to their needs. While the success of this reform will depend on how it is implemented, it presents a meaningful opportunity to reshape aged care in Australia for the better. 

To achieve this, all stakeholders — including service providers, families, community organisations, and policymakers — will need to work together to bring these changes to life. With collaboration, open communication, and a shared commitment to older people’s wellbeing, the potential benefits of this reform can be fully realised. 

For more information on the Support at Home program, visit www.health.gov.au/aged-care-reforms or contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422. 

Disclaimer
The information and insights presented in this article are provided for general informational purposes only. They reflect the views of the author(s) at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as professional or other expert advice. Readers are encouraged to seek independent, qualified assistance before making any decisions or taking action based on this material.

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