Support at Home Program 2025: What It Is and How It Differs from Home Care Packages - Your Sunshine Coast Guide

Written By Dan Blundell

Introduction

Starting November 1, 2025, Australia's aged care landscape will undergo its most significant transformation in decades with the introduction of the Support at Home program. For Sunshine Coast residents, this new system will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, fundamentally changing how older Australians access in-home care services from Noosa to Caloundra.

At Supported at Home, we're here to guide Sunshine Coast families through this transition and help you access the nursing and clinical care services you need under the new system.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is Australia's new in-home aged care system designed to help older Australians live independently at home for longer. Developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, this program aims to address longstanding issues in the aged care sector by providing more flexible, responsive, and sustainable support.

Key Features of Support at Home:

Eight Classification Levels - Unlike the current four Home Care Package levels, Support at Home introduces eight ongoing classifications ranging from approximately $11,000 to $78,000 per year. This expanded range allows for more precise funding that better matches individual care needs across the Sunshine Coast region.

Quarterly Budget Management - Annual budgets are replaced with quarterly allocations, allowing for more responsive adjustments to changing needs. Up to 10% or $1,000 of unused funds can roll over between quarters.

Defined Service List - The program provides a clear list of services available, grouped into three categories: clinical care, independence services, and everyday living support.

Short-Term Pathways - Three specialized pathways are available: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM), Restorative Care (up to 16 weeks), and End-of-Life Care (up to 12 weeks with $25,000 funding).

How Support at Home Differs from Home Care Packages

Funding Structure
The most significant difference lies in the funding approach. While HCPs offer four rigid levels, Support at Home provides eight flexible classifications that better align with individual needs. The highest classification under Support at Home ($78,000) exceeds the current Level 4 HCP ($59,593).

Service Categories
Support at Home organizes services into three distinct categories:

  • Clinical Care (nursing, physiotherapy, etc.) - fully government funded

  • Independence Services (personal care, transport, etc.) - moderate participant contributions

  • Everyday Living (cleaning, gardening. etc.) - highest participant contributions

Payment Model
Unlike HCPs where providers manage an annual budget, Support at Home uses an invoice-based system where providers bill the government after delivering services. This ensures more transparent pricing and better cash flow for providers serving the Sunshine Coast.

How Supported at Home Can Help You Access These Services

As a trusted provider serving the Sunshine Coast region, Supported at Home is preparing to deliver Support at Home services from November 1, 2025. Our experienced team understands the unique needs of Sunshine Coast residents, from beachside communities like Coolum and Mooloolaba to hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville.

Our Sunshine Coast Service Areas Include:

  • Noosa and Noosa Heads

  • Tewantin and Cooroy

  • Nambour and Palmwoods

  • Maroochydore and Mooloolaba

  • Caloundra and Kings Beach

  • Buderim and Sippy Downs

  • Kawana Waters and Birtinya

  • Glass House Mountains and Beerwah

What We Offer Under Support at Home:

  • Expert guidance through the new classification system

  • Seamless transition from your current HCP

  • Access to fully funded clinical nursing services

  • Coordination with local Sunshine Coast healthcare providers

  • Support with assistive technology and home modifications

  • Regular care plan reviews to ensure your needs are met

Current Home Care Package System (Until November 2025)

Before the transition, it's important to understand the current system:

Home Care Package Levels:

  • Level 1: $10,931 annually for basic care needs

  • Level 2: $19,224 annually for low-level care

  • Level 3: $41,847 annually for intermediate care

  • Level 4: $59,593 annually for high-level care

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP provides entry-level support for older Australians who need minimal assistance with daily tasks. It offers subsidized services up to approximately $8,000 annually and will continue operating until at least July 2027.

Benefits of the New System for Sunshine Coast Residents

Reduced Wait Times - Additional funding over the first two years aims to reduce average wait times to three months by July 2027.

Better Care Matching - Eight classification levels provide more precise funding aligned to individual needs.

Fully Funded Clinical Care - Nursing, physiotherapy, and other clinical services will be completely government-funded.

Improved Access to Equipment - The AT-HM scheme provides upfront access to assistive technology and home modifications without impacting your care budget.

Transition Process for Sunshine Coast Residents

Existing HCP Recipients - All current Home Care Package recipients will automatically transition to Support at Home on November 1, 2025, with equivalent funding levels. No reassessment is required unless care needs have changed.

CHSP Recipients - The Commonwealth Home Support Program will continue until at least July 2027, allowing a staged transition.

Financial Protection - A "no worse off" principle ensures current recipients won't pay more during the transition.

Why Choose Supported at Home for Your Sunshine Coast Care Needs

Local Expertise - Our team understands the unique lifestyle and healthcare landscape of the Sunshine Coast, from coastal living challenges to accessing services in hinterland communities.

Comprehensive Services - We provide the full range of Support at Home services, from basic domestic assistance to complex clinical nursing care.

Experienced Team - Our qualified nursing staff have extensive experience in aged care delivery across the Sunshine Coast region.

Community Connections - Strong relationships with local healthcare providers, hospitals, and community services ensure seamless care coordination.

Conclusion

The Support at Home program represents a fundamental shift toward more personalized, flexible aged care that better meets individual needs. For Sunshine Coast residents, this means access to improved services, fully funded clinical care, and better support to remain living independently at home.

At Supported at Home, we're here to guide you through this transition and ensure you receive the care and support you need to continue enjoying the Sunshine Coast lifestyle you love. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for the new Support at Home program.

Ready to learn more? Contact Supported at Home today for a free consultation about your Support at Home options on the Sunshine Coast. Call us or visit our website to speak with one of our experienced care coordinators.

Australian Government References

Dan Blundell
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