Support at Home – What you need to know
- Assister
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Starting 1 July 2025, the Australian Government is introducing a new aged care program called Support at Home, replacing the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. This change is part of ongoing reforms to make aged care more accessible, flexible, and tailored to individual needs.
Support at Home combines and simplifies the existing aged care services into a single, more flexible system. The program provides personalised care plans based on individual needs, whether that’s help with daily tasks, nursing care, or therapies to maintain health and mobility.
Key Features
Simplified & Flexible Support
Replaces the four levels of Home Care Packages with tailored support plans that adapt as needs change.
No more waiting for a specific "level" of care - services adjust based on reassessments.
Wider Range of Services
Personal care (bathing, dressing)
Domestic help (cleaning, meals)
Home modifications (safety rails, ramps)
Nursing & therapy (physio, podiatry)
Transport & social support
Assistive technology & medical equipment
Restorative Care Included
Short-term support to regain independence after illness or hospital stays (similar to STRC).
Fairer Access & Reduced Wait Times
Assessments prioritise need rather than demand.
Eligibility determined via the new Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT)
Stronger Quality & Oversight
Regulated by the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission to ensure high standards.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
Be 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
Need support to live independently at home.
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
There is an eligibility tool here (through My Aged Care) as a starting point to determine eligibility.
Transitioning from Current Programs
If you’re already on a Home Care Package or STRC, your care will automatically transition to Support at Home from 1 July 2025, with no disruption. Your provider will guide you through any changes.
How to Prepare
Stay updated via My Aged Care or your provider.
Request a reassessment if your needs change.
Discuss the transition with your provider to understand adjustments.
Need help?
We’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence! 💙 Feel free to send us an email at info@assister.com.au or call us on (02) 8567 2811
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