Support at Home Program: changes to in-home aged care

Learn about the changes happening to aged care, what they mean for you, and what they will look like in the future.

In 2021, the Federal Government delivered a $18.3 billion investment to provide higher quality and safer care for older Australians. The five-year reform plan is being implemented from 2021-2025 following the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

From July 2025 there will be a new program that provides in-home care services for older Australians. This new program is called the Support at Home Program and it will replace the current Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. allcare will continue to deliver services under the Support at Home Program.

WHY ARE THESE CHANGES HAPPENING?

Changes are being made to in-home aged care services following a series of recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Currently, in-home care services are delivered by several programs which have different approaches to assessment, eligibility, service providers, funding and fees. While these programs offer meaningful care and support to almost one million older Australians, the existing system can be complicated and confusing to navigate. Some older Australians and their carers may also have different service experiences based on which program they access, which can lead to inequitable outcomes. The new Support at Home Program aims to improve and streamline existing in-home aged care services, supporting older Australians to stay at home for as long as possible, in line with current care needs and preferences.

WHAT DO THESE CHANGES MEAN?

Changes to in-home care mean that the CHSP, HCP and STRC programs will transition into the Support at Home Program. This means that all older people and their carers will access services and supports from the same, single program. allcare will deliver services under the Support at Home Program.

WHAT WILL THE CHANGES LOOK LIKE?

Reforms to the in-home care system will mean there are a series of changes made to assessments, available services, funded providers and regulation of the market. allare continues to work with the Australian Government Department of Health on these changes, and will update you as we learn more about these upcoming changes.

To learn more about the new Support at Home Program, click here