From November 1, 2025, the Home Care Package Program will be replaced by the new Support at Home program. This new program aims to provide more tailored and flexible support, and it will also merge with the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) starting July 1, 2027. The main goal is to keep older Australians living independently in their homes for longer.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the changes:
1. Support at Home Program:
- Transition:
The existing Home Care Package Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme will be replaced by Support at Home on November 1, 2025.
- CHSP Transition:
The CHSP will transition to Support at Home no earlier than July 1, 2027.
- Single Assessment System:
A new Single Assessment System, including a new Integrated Assessment Tool, will be used to assess eligibility for all aged care programs, including home care.
- Increased Funding:
The new program will offer a range of support levels with higher annual funding, potentially up to $78,000 per person.
- Tailored Support:
Support at Home will provide a more personalized approach to care, with three categories: clinical care, independence, and everyday living.
- Improved Wait Times:
The new program aims to reduce wait times for accessing home care services.
2. Key Features of the New Program:
- Upfront Support:
The program will include upfront support for things like allied health, assistive technology, and home modifications.
- New Classification and Budget Levels:
A new classification system will be used to determine the appropriate level of support and budget for each individual.
- Flexible Funding:
Individuals will have a budget to spend on the services they need, with a focus on flexibility and choice.
- Service Price Caps:
Service prices will be capped, and there will be no separate administrative or management fees.
3. Changes to Assessments:
- Single Assessment Service:
A new single assessment service will take over from the current Regional Assessment Services (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs).
- Integrated Assessment Tool:
The new tool will assess eligibility for all aged care programs, not just home care.
- New Classification System:
The assessment will use a new classification system to determine the level of care needed.
4. Transition for Existing Recipients:
- Funding Equivalent:
Home Care Package recipients moving to Support at Home will have their funding adjusted to reflect their current Home Care Package level.
- No Forced Change:
Existing Home Care Package recipients will not be forced to move to Support at Home immediately.
5. Impact on Home Care Providers:
- New Business Systems:
Providers will need to adjust their business systems and payment arrangements to accommodate the new program.
- Staged Transition:
The staged transition will allow providers to prepare for the changes without disrupting their current operations.
- Tighter Regulations:
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has recommended stricter regulations for home care providers, which may be implemented under the new program.
In summary, the new Support at Home program aims to provide more tailored and flexible support for older Australians, with the goal of helping them live independently in their homes for longer. The changes will impact assessments, funding, and the services available, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality and accessibility of in-home aged care.
More information can be found here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home
Ready to find a Home Care provider?
ATZ Home Care is ready to provide you with Support at Home. If you ever need any Home Care Package support or care, we advise you to take our expert advice. Why don’t you contact us to get the benefits of community participation and take control of your life? You can reach us via email at info@atzhomecare.com.au or phone at 1300 101 289.
Or if you would like to see what home care services we offer click here
