Support at Home Program: What Australian Families Need to Know

Australia's in-home aged care system is changing. The Support at Home program is the Australian Government's reform to make in-home aged care simpler, fairer, and more transparent. If you or a loved one receives — or is waiting for — home care, here's what you need to know.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is a reformed in-home aged care program designed to replace the older Home Care Packages program and, over time, bring in-home services together under one clearer system. The goal is to help older Australians stay independent at home with support that's easier to understand and access.

What's changing for families?

• A clearer set of service categories so you can see exactly what your funding covers.

• More defined funding levels matched to your assessed needs.

• Greater transparency on fees and how your contributions are calculated.

• A focus on staying independent through restorative care, equipment, and home support.

Will my existing care be affected?

Government reforms include arrangements to protect people already receiving care, so existing clients are not left worse off during the transition. The exact details depend on your individual situation, which is why it's worth speaking with your provider about what the changes mean for you specifically.

If you're already receiving a Home Care Package, you don't need to panic — but it is worth understanding how the new program affects your services and fees.

What should I do now?

1. If you already receive care, ask your provider how the changes affect your plan and fees.

2. If you're waiting for care, stay registered with My Aged Care and keep your details up to date.

3. If you're new to aged care, get assessed early — demand for in-home support continues to grow.

A note on timing: aged care rules and dates can change. For the most current details, check the official My Aged Care information or speak with our team — we stay across the changes so you don't have to.

How CareU supports you through the change

CareU helps Australian families make sense of aged care — old rules and new. Our multilingual team explains your options in plain language, helps you plan your services, and makes sure you get the most from your funding.

Not sure where to start? CareU's friendly team helps Australian families navigate aged care every day — including support in your language. Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat about your options.