Everyone who is currently on a Home Care Package will be transitioning on to the new Support at Home Program, and it is our goal to keep you updated on the changes as they occur. We will be with you every step of the way.
So what are the key changes for those transitioning on a Home Care Package.
New Classification levels
As part of the Support at Home Program, new classifications will be introduced. You would be familiar with the 4 existing classification levels in a Home Care Package, well in the Support at Home Program there will be there will be 8 different funding classifications that provide ongoing support. (Current Home Care Package clients will not need to be reassessed if your current services are meeting your needs). Plus there will be 3 short term classifications, which are –
– the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
– the Restorative Care Pathway
– the End-of-Life Pathway.
Pricing and Budget Changes
- For the first year of Support at Home, in-home aged care providers will continue to set their own prices for Support at Home services. However, from the 1st of July 2026, there will be an introduction of price caps on services in the new Support at Home program.
- Budgets will now be done Quarterly, so there will be four quarterly budgets within the year. Existing Home Care Package clients will receive a Support at Home Budget which will match their current Home Care Package Budget.
- Home Care Package clients with Commonwealth unspent funds will retain these funds to be used under the Support at Home.
- Upfront Supports: Includes allied health, assistive technology, and home modifications.
- A defined service list that provides clarity on what’s available under the program.
- Capped Care management: 10% of your quarterly budget will be pooled for Australian Unity to deliver care management.
Our Commitment to all clients transitioning to the Support at Home Program
Country Home Services are dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality care throughout the transition to Support at Home. We will ensure that all clients are not financially worse-off through transitioning their services to Support at Home and into the future.
Do you have further questions?
In the lead up to July the 1st, new information is continuing to come to light so please don’t hesitate in contacting us if you have any questions about how to transition to the Support at Home Program.
Note: the information provided was correct at the time of publishing, however there may still be some changes leading up to the beginning of July so we recommend that you visit the Department of Health Website