What Does Support at Home Mean for You?

From November 1, 2025, Support at Home will replace the Home Care Packages program, bringing with it a fresh approach to aged care designed to put independence, choice, and wellbeing first.

Your Independence, Your Way

Support at Home isn’t just a program – it’s a commitment to helping you live life on your terms in the comfort of your own home. The program recognises what we at Dovida have always believed: there’s immense value in growing old at home, surrounded by the memories, comforts, and community connections that matter most to you.

This new program brings together three key service categories to support every aspect of your daily life.

Clinical supports like nursing care, personal care and physiotherapy ensure your health and wellbeing needs are met with professional expertise and dignity.

Independence supports help with transport, social support and respite, so you can stay connected and keep doing the things you enjoy.

Everyday living supports cover household tasks like cleaning, meal preparation, and shopping – the practical elements that keep your home running smoothly.

More Support, Better Access

One of the most significant improvements under Support at Home is the increased funding available. The maximum annual funding has increased from $61,440 to $78,000, meaning those with complex care needs can access higher levels of support while remaining in their own homes.

The program also introduces three specialised pathways for specific situations. The Restorative Care Pathway provides up to $6,000 over 16 weeks to help you regain independence after a health event. The End-of-Life Pathway offers $25,000 over 12 weeks for palliative care at home. Most importantly, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme provides up to $15,000 for equipment and home modifications without you needing to save from your regular budget.

Fairer Contributions, Better Value

Under the system, you’ll only pay contributions for the services you actually receive, and only for Independence and Everyday Living services. Clinical care like nursing remains fully government-funded. This means you’re not paying a daily fee regardless of whether you use services – you pay only for what you need when you need it.

For those currently receiving Home Care Packages, there’s reassurance in the “no worse off” principle. If you were approved for a package before September 12, 2024, your contributions will be the same or lower than what you currently pay.

Contributions

Information is current as of 1 October 2026.

Contributions do not change for grandfathered participants when accessing services.
Contributions are calculated on an hourly rate.
From 1 October 2026, personal care is part of Clinical Support, so eligible participants no longer pay a contribution for it.

Service	Grandfathered	New and transitioning participants
Clinical Support (such as nursing care, personal care, occupational therapy and physiotherapy)	0%	0%
Independence (such as social support, respite care and transport)	0% to 25%	5% (full pension) 5% to 50% (part pension) 50% (self funded)
Everyday Living (such as domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and meals)	0% to 25%	17.5% (full pension) 17.5% to 80% (part pension) 80% (self funded)

Your Care Partner Journey

Central to Support at Home is the care partner model. Your care partner, formerly known as Care Managers, will be your dedicated point of contact, working closely with you to understand your needs, goals, and preferences. They’ll help you navigate the system, coordinate your services, and adjust your care plan as your needs change.

At Dovida, our experienced Care Managers already embody this approach. We’ve always believed in putting you at the centre of everything we do, creating a “Circle of Care” that unites you, your family, our caregivers, and the wider healthcare community.