Australia’s aged care system is undergoing significant reforms to enhance the quality and accessibility of in-home care services. These changes, set to commence on 1 July 2025, aim to provide older Australians with greater support to live independently and comfortably in their own homes.
In this month’s blog, we look at what’s happening and what it could mean for you and help distil some of the legislative changes into everyday scenarios.
What are the changes?
There are several changes, but the overarching change is the replacement of the Home Care Package system, and other schemes, with a new program called the Support at Home program.
The Support at Home program will launch on 1 July 2025 to consolidate any existing in-home care services into a more streamlined system, all under one umbrella. The program will replace:
- Home Care Packages Program
- Short-Term Restorative Care Programme
- The Commonwealth Home Support Program (1 July 2027)
By combining all these programs together, the aim is to improve access to a wider range of services, equipment and home modifications.
It’s important to note, the old programs are grandfathered, meaning they remain as they were and will just transition to a new name. If you’re currently receiving funding, your levels and funding amounts will not reduce when the changes come into effect.
When do the changes begin?
The changes will begin to come into effect from 1 July 2025. You don’t need to do anything and will transition over to the new scheme automatically.
Once transitioned, you’ll be independently assessed and placed into one of 10 new funding classifications. This will improve the personalisation of care, with more funding levels and alternatives, dependent on your needs. Anyone with a current package will maintain their level of funding and retain any unspent funds when they transition to the new scheme.
Other changes
On top of these changes, there are other initiatives which will be introduced on 1 July. These include a dementia support, enhanced palliative care services, and improvements for First Nations people.
National dementia support initiatives
As part of the in-home aged care reforms, the Support at Home program will provide specialised services for individuals living with dementia. These services include:
- tailored support plans
- access to assistive technologies
- training for caregivers
Enhancements in palliative care services
The new program will integrate comprehensive palliative care options, allowing individuals with life-limiting illnesses to receive appropriate care in the comfort of their homes.
Older people with a terminal illness and less than three months to live, who want to stay in their own home, will be given priority access to the fund’s highest level of support ($25,000 for 12 weeks). This will ensure high quality end-of-life care in the comfort of the person’s home.
Improvements for First Nations Peoples
The Support at Home program will collaborate with Indigenous communities to develop care plans which respect cultural practices and traditions, ensuring First Nations elders receive care which is both effective and culturally sensitive.
You can find out more about this specific work here https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health/aged-care/programs-and-reforms
What do you need to do?
There is no immediate action needed. Existing care plans will transition into the new system smoothly. However, you may wish to:
- Stay informed by reading updates from My Aged Care https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
- Contact your current provider to understand how the changes may affect your services.
- Reach out for help if you have concerns about eligibility or service continuity.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Focused Health Care team. We’re happy to help you better understand the changes and what it means for your individual services.
