The way aged care services (including block-funded programs) are delivered in Australia is about to change. From 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Package program and the Short-Term Restorative Care program. The transition will continue in stages, with the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) shifting to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
This shift is designed to provide older Australians with better access to care, equipment, and home modifications, helping them remain in their homes longer. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes and how they will impact both care recipients and service providers.
What This Means for Existing Home Care Recipients?
If you or your clients currently receive care through a Home Care Package (HCP), there’s no need to worry about disruptions. Those who are already on HCPs before 1 July 2025 will be automatically transitioned to the Support at Home program. Their funding will match their current package, and reassessments will only be required if their care needs have changed.
For Australians on the National Priority System, Support at Home funding will reflect the level of HCP they have been approved for, ensuring continuity of care without additional financial burdens.
New Assessment and Eligibility Process
A new assessment process will be introduced to determine eligibility and care levels. Three groups will qualify for Support at Home:
- People over 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50
- Individuals over 50 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
Assessments will be conducted through the Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). This system will allow assessors to gather vital details and create a support plan that aligns with each individual’s needs and goals.
Reduced Wait Times and Streamlined Prioritisation
The government plans to add 300,000 more home care places over the next decade, aiming to serve around 1.4 million Australians by 2035. Initially, wait times will remain similar to those under the Home Care Package system. However, as Support at Home expands, delays are expected to decrease.
Key improvements to the prioritisation system include:
- Automatic priority ratings based on assessment responses, with categories of High, Medium, or Standard.
- Interim funding for those on waitlists, allowing them to access 60% of their budget immediately, with the remaining 40% allocated once full funding becomes available.
Changes in Pricing and Contributions
Under the new system, care funding will continue to be based on individual needs, with government support covering health-related expenses. However, Australians with greater financial means will contribute more toward their care.
Here’s how contributions will be structured:
- No Contribution: Clinical supports, such as nursing care and physiotherapy, will be fully funded by the government.
- Moderate Contribution: Services that support independence, like personal care and home modifications, will require a small payment.
- Highest Contribution: Everyday living services, including domestic assistance and gardening, will have the highest cost-share.
For those currently on HCPs, contribution arrangements will follow a ‘no worse-off’ principle. If you are already paying income-tested fees, you will transition into Support at Home with discounted contributions, ensuring financial stability.
Expanded Support Categories and New Funding Levels
One of the biggest shifts in Support at Home is the introduction of eight care levels, compared to the current four under the Home Care Package system. Funding will range from $11,000 to $78,000 per year, depending on the level of support needed.
Additionally, two short-term care pathways will be available:
- Restorative Care Pathway: Extends care from 8 to 12 weeks to help individuals regain independence and avoid further interventions.
- End-of-Life Pathway: Offers increased support for those who wish to remain at home during their final months.
What Services Will Be Covered?
Support at Home will continue funding in-home care services currently available under Home Care Packages. However, all services will be grouped into three categories:
- Clinical Care (e.g., nursing care)
- Independence (e.g., help with showering)
- Everyday Living (e.g., household cleaning)
To ensure transparency, price caps will be introduced for all services, preventing providers from charging beyond government-set limits. This change will help service providers offering Block-Funded Programs manage costs efficiently while ensuring fair pricing.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
A separate funding scheme will be introduced for assistive technology and home modifications. Those assessed as needing additional support will receive dedicated funding, allocated within three tiers:
- Low: $500
- Medium: $2,000
- High: Up to $15,000
Providers offering Block-Funded Programs will benefit from these structured allocations, allowing them to plan and deliver necessary equipment and modifications more effectively.
A New Approach to Aged Care Management
The Support at Home program will bring substantial changes, particularly for providers managing Block-Funded Programs. With new funding structures, defined service lists, and capped pricing, aged care providers must be prepared to adapt their service models.
At VisiCase, we are committed to helping service providers streamline their operations through our care management software. Whether you’re managing clients under Block-Funded Programs or traditional aged care services, our platform simplifies data handling, funding allocations, and compliance tracking.
As these changes unfold, staying ahead with the right tools will be crucial. If you’re looking for a smarter way to manage aged care services, explore how VisiCase can support your organisation. Book a demo today and see how our solutions can make service management easier and more efficient.
The aged care sector is evolving, and with the right approach, service providers can continue delivering high-quality care while meeting new regulatory requirements. The Support at Home program presents opportunities to enhance service efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve outcomes for older Australians. Now is the time to prepare for the shift ahead.
