News
8 September 2025
What to Expect with the Support at Home Rollout
On November 1, 2025, the Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages for all recipients. Understanding what this transition involves can help you prepare for the changes ahead.
A Smooth Transition Process
If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, the transition to Support at Home is designed to be seamless. You won’t lose access to services during the changeover, and your current provider can continue supporting you under the new program. This continuity ensures that the relationships you’ve built with your caregivers and care team remain intact.
Your provider will work with you to review your current care plan and develop an updated service agreement that reflects the new program structure. This process ensures your care is documented according to the new requirements and may identify additional services you’re now eligible to access.
Your Notice of Decision and Support Plan
When Support at Home begins, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision and support plan that outlines your classification, quarterly budget, and approved services. This document becomes your roadmap for accessing care and will be shared with your provider to ensure they understand exactly what support you’re entitled to receive.
Your classification corresponds to your funding level, ranging from Level 1 ($2,683 quarterly) to Level 8 ($19,526 quarterly). If you’re transitioning from a Home Care Package, your classification will provide equivalent funding to your current package level, ensuring you’re not disadvantaged by the change.
Monthly Budget Statements
One practical improvement you’ll notice is enhanced transparency around your budget. Each month, your provider must provide you with an itemised statement showing how your budget has been spent and your remaining funds. This statement will also detail any contributions you’ve made, giving you complete visibility into your care costs.
This monthly reporting helps you stay informed about your budget usage and plan for the months ahead. It also ensures accountability from your provider and gives you the information needed to make informed decisions about your care.
New Assessment Opportunities
The rollout includes improved assessment processes designed to ensure you receive the right level of support. If your needs have changed since your original assessment, your provider can help you request a reassessment to ensure your classification and services remain suitable.
These assessments focus on your goals and preferences. The aim is to understand what you want to achieve and how aged care services can support those goals, whether that’s maintaining your garden, staying connected with your community, or simply feeling confident and safe at home.
Two Distinct Implementation Phases
The Support at Home rollout follows a staged approach. The first phase, beginning November 1, 2025, transitions Home Care Package recipients and introduces the new program structure. The second phase will see the Commonwealth Home Support Programme transition to Support at Home no earlier than July 1, 2027.
This staged approach allows the system to adapt and refine based on early experiences, ensuring that when each group transitions, the process is as smooth as possible.
Enhanced Provider Standards
The rollout coincides with new quality standards under the Aged Care Act. Providers must register under the new regulatory framework, ensuring higher standards of care and greater accountability for providers. This means there will be a renewed focus on service quality and stronger protections for your rights as a care recipient.
At Dovida, we’re already aligned with these enhanced standards through our commitment to person-centred care, thorough caregiver screening and training, and regular quality assurance visits. The new framework formalises many practices we’ve long considered essential to delivering high-quality care.
Looking Ahead
The Support at Home rollout represents the beginning of a new era in aged care, one that prioritises your autonomy, choice, and wellbeing. While change can feel uncertain, this transition is designed to enhance rather than disrupt your care experience.
As we move through this transition together, remember that the fundamental goal remains the same: supporting you to live well at home. The new program simply provides better tools and more resources to achieve that goal, ensuring you receive the care you need while maintaining the independence you value.