Understanding the New Support at Home Program
Starting from 1st July 2025, the Australian Government is launching the Support at Home Program, a significant update to aged care services. This initiative is designed to help older Australians stay in their homes, replacing the current Home Care Packages Program and other related schemes. The new framework promises more streamlined and personalised support.
Key Features of the Support at Home Program
-
Comprehensive Services: Clinical Care: Includes nursing, occupational therapy, and similar services. Independence Support: Assistance with daily activities like showering, dressing, and taking medication. Everyday Living Activities: Help with cleaning, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation.
-
Budget and Allocation: A quarterly budget is allocated based on an Aged Care Assessment Team ACAT classification. Unused funds can be carried forward to the next quarter, up to a certain limit.
-
New Classification System: The program introduces funding classifications, including ongoing levels and short-term pathways for restorative and end-of-life care.
-
Government Price Caps: Service costs will be regulated with price caps to ensure affordability and fairness.
-
Contribution Toward Costs: Clinical care is fully funded by the government. Individuals contribute towards services for maintaining independence and everyday living. Contributions are means-tested based on income and assets: Full Pensioners: Pay a small percentage for independence and everyday living services. Part Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Holders: Contribution ranges between modest percentages. Self-funded Retirees: Pay a higher percentage for independence and everyday living services.
-
End-of-Life and Short-Term Restorative Care: End-of-Life Support: Eligible individuals receive up to 3,000 over eight weeks for additional services. Restorative Care Pathway: Enhances support for recovery and maintaining independence with increased access and duration of care.
-
Transition for Current Home Care Package Recipients: Existing recipients will transition to the new system without losing their current funding levels. Unspent funds under the current system will carry over. Individuals on the national priority system as of June will receive equivalent funding under the Support at Home Program.
How ActOn Wealth Can Assist
The Support at Home Program brings significant changes that may affect your financial planning. At ActOn Wealth, we can help you navigate these changes with ease.
Clarify Costs: We explain funding allocations and contributions under the new framework. Optimise Resources: We help you navigate means-tested contributions to minimise financial strain. Tailored Support: Our expert advice ensures you or your loved ones maximise care while safeguarding financial security.
Contact ActOn Wealth today to learn how we can guide you through the new Support at Home Program and ensure peace of mind for your future care needs.
