Providers Prepare for Governments “Support at Home” Programme.
- adaptiveclothingau
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
About the Program
The Support at Home program is being introduced as a key response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
This new program will consolidate existing in-home aged care services into a streamlined and more equitable system. Its primary aim is to support older Australians in maintaining their independence and continuing to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible.
Support at Home will enhance access to a broad range of services, including assistive equipment and home modifications, promoting better health, mobility, and social engagement. The program is designed to foster greater wellbeing and stronger connections within local communities for older people receiving care.
Commencement of the Support at Home Program
Starting on 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) program.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to the new system no earlier than 1 July 2027.
This phased approach will allow CHSP providers adequate time to adjust their business systems and adapt to the new payment structures, ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions to client services.
The implementation of Support at Home will be facilitated by a Single Assessment System, which began with the launch of the Integrated Assessment Tool on 1 July 2024. This tool is designed to streamline and enhance access to aged care services, improving the experience for older individuals seeking support. In the meantime, existing in-home aged care programs will continue to operate as usual until they are incorporated into the new program.
What the Reforms Mean for Providers
This transformative package includes a $5.6 billion investment, a substantial portion of which is allocated to the new Support at Home program. The reform reshapes service delivery models, funding mechanisms, and compliance obligations.
How will these reforms impact day-to-day operations? Expect increased accountability, more structured care planning, and stronger integration between clinical and non-clinical services. Providers will need to ensure efficient systems are in place to manage these evolving demands.
What steps can providers take to prepare? Providers should review the new classifications and compliance requirements, invest in staff training, and adopt digital solutions for care management, scheduling, and reporting.
Providers must take proactive steps to understand the implications for their operations, systems, and client engagement strategies. The summary below outlines key changes by program type and provides a timeline for transition planning.
Comparative Overview of Program Changes
Funding Model
Home Care Packages (HCP): 4-tier package levels
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Means-tested, per-service contributions
Support at Home (from 1 July 2025): 10 funding classifications
Care Management Fees
HCP: Varies by level
CHSP: Not applicable
Support at Home: Capped at 10% of individual budgets
Assessment Approach
HCP: Based on care level
CHSP: Based on individual needs
Support at Home: New structured assessment across 10 categories
Eligibility
HCP: Age, care needs, asset tests
CHSP: Age and low care needs
Support at Home: Age, care needs, with focus on independence
Technology Access
HCP: No specific funding
CHSP: No specific funding
Support at Home: Dedicated funding available
Short-Term Care
HCP: Limited
CHSP: Limited
Support at Home: Up to 12 weeks of intensive allied health support
Rural Access
HCP: Limited
CHSP: Limited
Support at Home: Targeted grant funding available
Residential Care Adjustments
HCP: Minor pricing changes
CHSP: Low-level residential service updates
Support at Home: Revised funding model to address service gaps
End-of-Life Care
HCP: Included in packages
CHSP: Limited services
Support at Home: Specific funding for tailored end-of-life care
Participant Contribution
HCP: Based on income/assets
CHSP: Based on income/assets and service
Support at Home: Means-tested contributions, higher for daily living support
Key Considerations for HCP Providers
Transitioning from HCP to Support at Home requires a strategic realignment of care delivery and financial management processes. Key preparatory actions include:
By Mid-2025:
System Alignment: Upgrade internal systems to accommodate the transition from four-tiered HCP levels to ten Support at Home classifications.
Fee Structuring: Implement adjustments to ensure compliance with the new 10% cap on care management fees.
Staff Training: Deliver structured training programs focused on new funding models, care classifications, and assessment frameworks.
Client Engagement: Begin communicating changes with clients through clear, accessible messaging that outlines how services and costs may be impacted.
Preparations for CHSP Providers
CHSP providers must prepare to align their service models and funding practices with the incoming classification structure under Support at Home. Required steps include:
Before 1 July 2025:
Service Model Revision: Restructure services to integrate basic support with increased clinical involvement under the new classification model.
Financial Planning: Adapt budgeting tools to reflect new funding flows and client contribution mechanisms.
Client Communication: Proactively inform clients about upcoming changes and potential enhancements to their available support services.
Transition Timeline for Providers
Now – Early 2025
Infrastructure upgrades
Assess current systems and begin transitioning to accommodate new classification and funding models.
Workforce training
Develop training modules for new assessment criteria and care delivery expectations.
Internal briefings
Communicate reform impact and timelines to operational and care teams.
Mid-2025
Client outreach
Implement education sessions, webinars, and written updates for clients.
Compliance readiness
Ensure software and processes meet revised regulatory standards.
Transition documentation
Prepare client-friendly guides and transition materials.
1 July 2025
Go-live: Support at Home
Begin operating under the new care structure and funding arrangements. Monitor implementation closely.
Post-July 2025
Evaluation and optimisation
Collect client feedback and monitor service delivery. Offer ongoing staff development and system refinements.
The introduction of Support at Home marks a defining shift in Australia’s aged care landscape. For providers, success will hinge on early preparation and comprehensive staff and client engagement strategies. Being reform-ready by 1 July 2025 is not just a compliance requirement it’s an opportunity to enhance service quality and strengthen relationships with the individuals and communities.
===================================================
Disclaimer
The information provided by Adaptive Clothing Australia is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, Adaptive Clothing Australia makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any information provided.
We are not responsible for any changes to government regulations, policies, or other official information that may affect the content provided. Should government-provided information change in the future, Adaptive Clothing Australia disclaims any responsibility for updating or amending any previously provided information
Sources
.png)