Understanding the Australian Government's New Supported at Home Program
If you or a loved one are over 65 and looking for home care package funding, you may have heard about the Australian Government's new Supported at Home program. Set to replace the existing aged home care system in July 2025, this program aims to simplify and improve access to in-home care for older Australians.
What is the Supported at Home Program?
The Supported at Home program is the Australian Government's new approach to in-home aged care. It is designed to replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) with a more streamlined system. The goal is to provide better access to care, reduce complexity, and ensure older Australians receive the support they need to live independently at home for longer.
Key Features of the New Program
1. Simplified Home Care System
The Supported at Home program will consolidate the existing CHSP and HCP into a single, more user-friendly system. This means less confusion for seniors and their families when navigating home care funding.
2. Flexible Care Options
Instead of being locked into a specific care package, individuals will have access to a wider range of flexible care options based on their needs. This allows for a more personalised approach to in-home care.
3. Better Transparency and Choice
The program will offer improved transparency, making it easier for seniors to understand what services are available, how much funding they are entitled to, and how they can use their budget.
4. Stronger Regulation and Quality Control
The government is introducing stronger safeguards to ensure that service providers deliver high-quality care. This means more accountability and better protection for older Australians receiving support at home.
5. More Support for Carers
Recognising the important role of family and informal carers, the Supported at Home program will offer additional resources and respite services to help carers manage their responsibilities more effectively.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility for the Supported at Home program will be similar to the current system. Older Australians who need assistance with daily living activities may qualify for government-funded home care services. Eligibility is determined through an assessment process conducted by My Aged Care.
How to Apply for Funding
If you or a loved one need home care support, follow these steps:
Contact My Aged Care – Visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 to start the process.
Get an Assessment – A face-to-face assessment will determine the level of support you need.
Choose a Provider – Once approved, you can select a home care provider that suits your needs and budget.
Start Receiving Care – Your chosen provider will deliver the services you need to help you live independently at home.
How Supported at Home Benefits Older Australians
The new program aims to create a fairer, more efficient, and easier-to-navigate home care system. Key benefits include:
Less paperwork and confusion – A single system means fewer administrative hurdles.
More personalised care – Flexible support options ensure care is tailored to individual needs.
Improved quality and safety – Stronger regulations mean better service standards.
Greater independence – Seniors can remain in their own homes longer with the right level of support.
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
With the Supported at Home program rolling out in 2025, now is the time to start preparing. If you’re currently on a Home Care Package or receiving CHSP services, it’s important to stay updated on how these changes may affect you.
At Supported at Home, we are committed to helping seniors navigate these changes and access the best possible care. If you have any questions about home care funding, feel free to contact us today for expert guidance.
Need Help with Home Care?
If you’d like assistance in understanding your home care options or need help choosing a provider, our team at Supported at Home is here to help. Call us on 5293 7515 or email contact@supportedathome.com.au for personalised support.