Navigating aged care in Australia can feel overwhelming especially when you are trying to stay independent and comfortable in your own home. From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program, designed to simplify and improve how older Australians access care services at home.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed by aged care options, you are not alone. Many older Australians find the current system confusing, but help is available to guide you through every step.
The Support at Home program is a government-funded program that replaces several existing services, including Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-term Restorative Care. These will be combined into one streamlined model that is easier to understand and access.
The program was developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Its goal? To make aged care simpler, faster, and more tailored to your needs.
Here is what you can expect:
- no administration fees
- faster access to services
- more flexibility and support, especially for those with complex needs
- by 2027, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing expects average wait times to drop to just three months
- extra support when you need it, including funding for home modifications, assistive technology, and end-of-life care.
Support at Home offers three categories of services:
- Clinical: fully funded services like nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition, and medication support
- Independence: help with personal care, transport, social activities, and in-home respite
- Everyday Living: domestic assistance, meal preparation, shopping, and gardening.
You will also have access to short-term funding pathways, including:
- Restorative Care – up to 16 weeks of focused support to help you regain independence
- Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) – up to $15,000 for each, with more available if you need it
- End-of-Life Pathway – up to $25,000 in support to help you remain at home with dignity and comfort.
The government remains the main funder of aged care, but if you can afford to contribute, you will be asked to pay a portion of the cost, only for the services you use.
If you access services in the Clinical category, you will not have to pay; these services are fully funded for everyone. Pensioners who access services in the Independence category will pay 5% and self-funded retirees up to 50%. Pensioners who access services under the Everyday Living category will pay 17.4% and self-funded retirees will pay up to 80%.
You will no longer pay separate fees for package management, and the cost for care management will be reduced. Instead, you will pay a higher hourly rate for each service you use. However, the benefit for most people is that this change means more hours of care and support overall.
If you are already receiving an HCP, you do not need to do anything. You will automatically transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Your funding level and any unspent funds will carry over.
If you are on the waitlist, you will be assigned a Support at Home classification when a place becomes available — no new assessment needed unless your care needs have changed.
Importantly, the government has committed to a “no worse off” principle, meaning you will not lose access to services or funding you currently rely on.
Feeling Confused? Mercy Health Can Help.
Understanding aged care reforms can be daunting, but you do not have to do it alone. Mercy Health is a trusted not-for-profit provider with a long history of supporting older Australians. Their team understands the system inside and out, and they are ready to walk alongside you every step of the way.
With over 100 years of experience, local teams, and a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted brands, Mercy Health Home Care is committed to helping you live well at home. Whether you are planning or need help right now, reach out today and discover how aged care can work for you.
Call Mercy Health Home Care on 1300 478 776 or visit their website mercyhealth.com.au/homecare
