Understanding aged care funding is critical as Australia prepares for major regulatory shifts. Commencing July 2023, the Australian government will introduce a single Support at Home Program (SHP) to replace ALL other aged care funding programs.
This unified model aims to streamline access while ensuring senior Australians receive tailored, flexible care to remain independent in their own homes for longer.
Aligning Choice and Control with NDIS Standards
The changes are expected to align with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that gives participants ‘choice and control’ over what services they want / need. As such, the changes are expected to attract more services to the sector (especially those currently doing NDIS).
Senior Australians will gain individualized support plans tailored to their assessed personal circumstances, alongside the flexibility to choose multiple service providers.
What’s Expected to Change in Aged Care Funding?
SHP will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, the Short-Term Restorative Care Program (STRC), and Residential Respite Programs.
Consumer classification and aged care funding will be assessed during a new screening process with outcomes ranging from “service-only” events to more complex needs necessitating a specific funding entitlement with perhaps up to 9 levels of care in lieu of the 4 HCP levels.
Providers will be funded at the point-of-delivery. A new payments platform will provide for payment for services at the point of delivery and allow both consumers and providers to view the status of their support plans. Additionally, participants will gain access to a new program for equipment, assistive technologies, and home modifications needed to live safely and independently.
Why the change?
First and foremost, the plan is in line with the many recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safeguards. The new program is designed to help senior Australians stay at home for as long as possible before entering a residential aged care facility, thereby addressing the desired ‘win-win’ objective—reducing long HCP wait times whilst taking pressure off distressed residential facilities.
It will also provide for access to a new program for equipment, assistive technologies, and home modifications needed to live safely and independently.
What’s next?
The department has commenced a consultation process with sector providers and other community stakeholders with the likelihood of trials commencing after final details are announced in the next few months or so.
VisiCase is closely watching these developments with a view to incorporating the new requirements well in advance of deadlines. Timely availability of systems that support the new model will be paramount to successful adoption by both the established aged care providers and new entrants alike.
Providers will be funded at the point-of-delivery. A new payments platform will provide for payment for services at the point of delivery and allow both consumers and providers to view the status of their support plans.
For more information, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health website.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Australian aged care funding changing?
Australian aged care funding is transitioning into a single Support at Home Program (SHP). It consolidates multiple older programs into one streamlined model, giving senior citizens tailored care plans, point-of-delivery funding, and freedom to choose multiple service providers.
Which programs are affected by the aged care funding consolidation?
The new system replaces the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, Short-Term Restorative Care Program (STRC), and Residential Respite Programs into a unified funding structure.
How will service providers receive aged care funding under SHP?
Care providers will receive aged care funding at the point of delivery via a new digital payments platform. This platform allows both providers and consumers to monitor support plan statuses and payment flows transparently.
Why was the aged care funding model restructured?
The restructuring aligns with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safeguards. It helps seniors live independently at home longer, reduces Home Care Package wait times, and eases pressure on residential care facilities.
What are the new assessment levels for aged care funding?
The new screening process evaluates participants for individualized entitlements, replacing the previous 4 HCP levels with potentially up to 9 distinct care levels ranging from basic service-only events to high-complexity care needs.
