The Australian Government is reforming in home aged care with a new aged care program, Support at Home, which begins on 1 July.
This program consolidates existing government-funded aged care, replacing the Home Care Package (HCP) and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. Here’s what you need to know if you’re currently receiving home care services.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home organises and funds home and aged care services in a new way, aiming to help people live comfortably at home. Its primary goal is to simplify access to the assistance people need to stay healthy, safe, and connected with their community.
Support at Home changes
The Support at Home program introduces a number changes, such as:
More funding levels: There are now eight levels of funding, called classifications, compared to the four under the Home Care Package program.
New pathways and support: There are three new short term pathways of support available, and ongoing funding for Support at Home services. This includes the Restorative Care and End of Life Pathways, and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme.
New service categories: Services are now grouped into three categories of clinical, independence and everyday living supports.
Quarterly budget: Support at Home participants will receive a quarterly budget.
Rollover of unspent funds: Participants can roll over up to $1000 or 10% of your quarterly Support at Home budget (whichever is higher) from one quarter into the next one. If you have unspent Home Care Package funds, these will come across into Support at Home with you.
Care management: 10% of your ongoing funding is set aside for care management, regardless of your provider, how much care management you need, or whether you self-manage your care.
What’s next?
If you are a Silverchain client, we will reach out to you before July to plan your services and ensure there is no interruption in your care. Some details are still being finalised by the Australian Government, and we will keep you updated as we receive more information.
If you were receiving or were approved for an HCP before 12 September 2024, you qualify as a ‘grandfathered participant’ under Support at Home. This means your expected contribution to care will not increase, even if your needs change and you are reassessed to a higher classification.
If you were assessed for an HCP after 12 September 2024, you are classified as a ‘transitioning participant’ in Support at Home. This classification is crucial since it determines that your contribution to care may increase under Support at Home.
For more information about Support at Home, visit the government’s website.
Our commitment
National health care and aged care accreditations: Our services meet the same national safety and quality standards you can expect from a hospital or aged care facility.
Expert, local care team: Access a dedicated team with the experience, qualifications, and checks needed to provide excellent and safe home care.
Investing in the future of care: We are committed to developing the best practice care and support technologies to improve the care we provide you.
Quality care management: Our care team are here to guide and support you and your health. We do regular reviews to make sure your care meets your needs as they change over time.
We’re for community: As a not for profit we invest into improving the care we provide to you.
130 years of care: From our earliest beginnings, our care teams have always looked after people in their own homes. We have always cared for Australia.
