Understanding Support at Home

Australia's in-home aged care system has undergone major changes.

Since 1 November 2025, the Australian Government's Support at Home program has replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The purpose is to help eligible older people remain living safely and independently at home for longer.

For families, understanding the system can sometimes feel complicated.

What services are available? Who qualifies? How does the assessment work? How can a family find the right care provider?

This guide explains the basics.

What Is Support at Home?

Support at Home provides coordinated aged care services for eligible older Australians according to their assessed care needs.

The program includes ongoing services as well as short-term pathways for areas such as restorative care, end-of-life care, assistive technology and home modifications.

The overall goal is to enable older people to remain active, healthy and connected while living at home.

Who Can Access Support at Home?

The program is primarily designed for eligible older Australians.

The Australian Government states that Support at Home generally serves people aged 65 and over, with certain exceptions including some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness from age 50.

Eligibility and funding depend on individual circumstances and assessment.

How Does the Process Work?

The first step is generally to register with My Aged Care and request an assessment.

An assessment organisation considers the person's strengths, difficulties and ageing-related care needs.

The assessment determines eligibility and priority.

Once approved and funding becomes available, the older person can choose a provider to deliver their services.

What Kind of Help Can Be Provided?

Support can vary according to assessed needs.

Services may include assistance with everyday activities, personal support, meal preparation, household tasks, mobility-related assistance and other services.

The program can also include access to equipment and home modifications where appropriate.

What About Personal Care?

Personal care is an important aspect of home support.

This can include help with activities such as dressing, personal hygiene and other daily routines.

The Australian Government has also announced changes to personal-care funding under Support at Home, including full funding of personal care for eligible participants from October 2026. Families should check current government guidance when making decisions because program rules can change.

Why Families Choose In-Home Care

For many older people, home is more than a physical location.

It is where they have built memories, relationships and routines.

Remaining at home can provide familiarity and independence while allowing professional support to be introduced where it is needed.

Finding the Right Caregiver

Government funding and care eligibility are only one part of the process.

Families also need to think carefully about who will provide day-to-day assistance.

Important factors can include:

• Experience
• Qualifications
• Communication
• Reliability
• Professional conduct
• Compassion
• Cultural understanding
• Compatibility with the client

How CareNest Australia Can Help

CareNest Australia focuses on connecting families and individuals with caregivers who can provide professional and compassionate support.

Where a client is accessing government-funded care, the precise services and arrangements should always be confirmed with the relevant provider and government programme.

Our focus is on helping families find appropriate caregiving support while keeping the individual at the centre of the conversation.

Final Thoughts

The Support at Home system is an important part of Australia's evolving aged care landscape.

For families, the best starting point is understanding the individual's needs and learning what assistance may be available.

For more information about eligibility and government-funded aged care, families should consult My Aged Care and official Australian Government resources.

CareNest Australia
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