1. What is Changing?
Australia’s aged care system is moving to a new Support at Home program from 1 November 2025.
This will combine the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs into one simpler, more flexible system.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also be included, but not before 1 July 2027.
Aim: To make in-home aged care more tailored to your needs, easier to navigate, and more transparent.
2. Key Changes and What They Mean for You
A. Individualised, Flexible Care
- Up to 10 funding categories will replace the current four HCP levels.
- These tiers cater to varying needs—from basic ongoing care to short-term restorative and end-of-life support
What you can do:
- Prepare to talk clearly about your care goals.
- Ask providers for a written care plan that reflects your preferences.
- Consider care-planning workshops or using an advocate to help with decision-making.
B. Transparent Pricing
Co-payment percentages are not changing for existing care recipients but prices might.
- Nov 2025–June 2026: Providers set their own prices, clearly disclose them and secure agreement from the new care recipients.
- From 1 July 2026: The government will set price caps, informed by the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority, to keep services affordable.
What you can do:
- Always request a clear service agreement in plain language.
- Ask for all costs to be explained, including admin and care management fees.
- Use official price comparison tools when they are available.
C. Focus on Restorative and Preventive Care
- More emphasis on regaining and maintaining independence rather than long-term dependency on ongoing, passive support.
- This means more access to allied health and wellness services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional guidance, as well as home modifications.
- The restorative care pathway will be extended from 8 to 12 weeks, to help individuals regain or maintain independence.
What you can do:
- Ask about restorative options early in your care discussions.
- Work with your GP or local community services to connect you to allied health support like physiotherapy or nutrition.
D. Local, Integrated Services
- Though Support at Home is about individualised budgets, it creates space for local innovation. The new system will support community-based models where social, health, and practical services are delivered together.
What you can do:
- Connect with local councils, neighbourhood centres, and non-profits.
- Engage, share and learn from successful local initiatives.
3. Current Challenges
- The rollout date was delayed to 1 November 2025.
- Many older Australians are still waiting for services, so some delays may continue.
What you can do now:
- Stay in contact with My Aged Care about your application.
- Join advocacy networks like COTA or OPAN to ensure your voice is heard.
- Attend official webinars and read fact sheets to keep up to date.
4. Where to Find Reliable Information
- My Aged Care: www.myagedcare.gov.au
- COTA Australia: www.cota.org.au
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): www.opan.org.au
- Government updates via the Department of Health and Aged Care
- Cost-of-Care Calculator: https://www.caremanagersaustralia.com.au/cost-of-care-calculator
- Family Discussion Checklist: https://unheardconsumers.com/family-discussion-checklist/
5. Key Takeaways
- Support at Home aims to give older Australians more choice, control, and comfort at home.
- It will work best if you and your family stay informed, ask questions, and make use of advocacy support.
- Preparing now — by understanding your care needs, learning about pricing, and connecting with community resources — will help you get the most out of the new system.
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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