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Starting in 2024, the Australian Federal Government will be implementing significant changes to the delivery of in-home and community support for older Australians. This includes a new assessment tool and the consolidation of existing programs, such as the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme, and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), into the new Support at Home Program.
Why These Changes?
The overhaul of in-home aged care services comes in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Currently, various programs with different assessments, eligibility, service providers, funding, and fee structures offer in-home care. While these programs support nearly one million older Australians, they can be complex and challenging to navigate. The Support at Home Program aims to simplify and enhance these services, helping older Australians stay at home longer, which aligns with many people's preferences as they age.
What Do These Changes Mean?
From July 2025, the HCP and STRC programs will transition to the Support at Home Program, while the CHSP will transition no earlier than July 2027. This means that by July 2027, all older Australians and their carers will access services and support through a single, unified program.
What Will the Changes Look Like?
Changes to Assessments
Currently, aged care assessments are conducted by the Regional Assessment Services (RAS) for low support needs and the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) for more complex needs. Starting in July 2024, a new, integrated assessment tool will be introduced, and conducted by a single assessment service. This tool will determine eligibility for all aged care programs, including home care, residential care, transition care, multi-purpose services, and respite care. The new tool will also identify the most appropriate home care services for older Australians and their carers and decide if residential aged care is more suitable, providing funding approval as part of the assessment. Additionally, culturally safe First Nations assessment organisations will be introduced progressively from July 2025.
Individualised Support Plans
Post-assessment, older Australians will receive an Individualised Support Plan detailing the services they are eligible for, including their frequency and duration. The older person and the assessor will collaborate to ensure the plan reflects their support needs, circumstances, and preferences. From July 2025, these plans will be managed by a single provider, though services can still be delivered by multiple providers if preferred. By July 2027, the option to have multiple providers manage a plan will be available.
Access to Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
Access to Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (ATHM) is crucial for many older Australians but can be difficult to obtain under current programs. Ongoing consultations aim to simplify ATHM access, eliminating the need to 'save' in-home care funds for these supports.
Plan Management Changes
Under the current system, recipients of a HCP must select one Approved Provider responsible for delivering their care. The new model will support self-management of care, allowing the use of multiple service providers and the option to choose an independent Care Partner to manage changes and ensure services meet the individual's needs. Self-management will be facilitated by a new computer-based payments platform, allowing older Australians and providers to view entitlements and pay for services at delivery, with government-set price caps.
Reablement and Restorative Care Changes
The STRC program currently offers eight weeks of restorative care to help older Australians regain skills or capabilities but is limited to those outside the HCP program. The new Support at Home Program will integrate the STRC program, broaden eligibility to all older Australians who could benefit, and extend the program period to 12 weeks.
Up To Date Timeline for the Support at Home Program
2021
Royal Commission Recommendations: Emphasized the need for reform and integration of in-home care services (CHSP and HCP) under one unified framework.
2022
Consultation and Co-Design: Government consulted with aged care recipients, providers, and advocacy groups to improve accessibility and personalization of care, while simplifying funding and integrating digital technologies.
2023
Program Design Finalization: Based on feedback, the government finalized the Support at Home Program, focusing on personalized care, simplified funding, and technology use.
Legislative and Regulatory Updates: The Aged Care Bill was introduced and passed to support the new system, with guidelines for transitioning from CHSP and HCP.
2024
Final Preparations and Awareness Campaigns: Public education campaigns and training for providers were launched, with pilot testing conducted.
Consultation on Aged Care Rules: Continued through early 2025.
1 July 2025
Official Launch: The Support at Home Program replaces existing in-home care programs (CHSP, HCP, STRC, Residential Respite Care).
Key Features: A single assessment framework, simplified funding, services from integrated providers, and increased use of technology for service tracking.
2025–2026
Post-Implementation Adjustments: Continuous evaluation and feedback lead to service and funding model improvements. Consumer choice and service satisfaction will improve as the program matures.
Beyond 2026
Long-Term Vision: The program will be refined to ensure scalability and sustainability in response to Australia’s aging population while maintaining high standards of care.
What Will Stay the Same?
Services Covered: Support at Home will continue to fund in-home care services, just as Home Care Packages currently do.
How Funds Are Allocated: In-home care funding will still be determined based on an individual’s assessed care needs.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): The services provided through the Commonwealth Home Support Program will remain unaffected until July 2027.
No Increase in Costs for Current Home Care Package Recipients: Seniors who are already receiving a Home Care Package (or are approved for one before July 2025) will transition to the new system but will not be required to pay more for their care than they currently do.
How much will individuals need to contribute for Support at Home?
Under the new system, the government will continue to fully cover health-related expenses. However, seniors with sufficient financial resources will be required to contribute more towards other associated costs.
The amount you pay will depend on your income and assets.
In-home care costs are categorized into three groups:
Category | Details | Who Pays |
Clinical Care | Includes services like nursing and occupational therapy. | Fully covered by government funding. |
Independence Supports | Includes assistance with tasks like medication management, showering, and dressing. | Individuals contribute between 5% and 50% of the costs, based on their financial capacity. |
Everyday Living Supports | Covers services like housekeeping, meal delivery, and mobility aids. | Individuals are responsible for 17.5% to 80% of the costs, depending on their financial situation. |
A lifetime limit will be in place, ensuring that no individual will pay more than $130,000 for non-clinical care costs throughout their lifetime. This cap includes expenses for both in-home care and residential care services.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
For more details and to stay updated on these changes, visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub and the Reforming in-home Aged Care webpage. Explore our detailed and up to date guides to better understand Home Care Packages and how they can work for you:
Stay updated with the latest insights to make informed decisions about your care journey.
FAQs: Understanding Aged Care
1. What is important in aged care?
The key aspects of aged care include providing quality care tailored to individual needs, ensuring dignity and respect for the elderly, and offering support that promotes independence and well-being.
2. What are the aged care reforms in Australia in 2024?
The 2024 aged care reforms focus on enhancing transparency, improving access to care, and ensuring higher quality standards. These changes also emphasize better workforce conditions and more personalized services for in-home care recipients.
3. What are some key issues facing aged care and community support in Australia?
Challenges include workforce shortages, affordability of services, ensuring equitable access across rural and urban areas, and addressing the specific needs of diverse communities, including culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
4. What is the national aged care strategy?
The national aged care strategy aims to create a sustainable and effective aged care system through funding reform, workforce development, and technology integration. It emphasizes person-centered care and supports older Australians to age with dignity.
5. What challenges do the carers face?
Carers face challenges such as emotional stress, physical strain, financial pressures, and a lack of access to adequate support and training. These challenges can impact their well-being and ability to provide quality care.
6. What is social support in aged care?
Social support in aged care involves fostering meaningful connections through companionship, group activities, and community engagement. It helps reduce loneliness, improves mental health, and enhances the overall quality of life for older adults.
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