Home Care Package Inclusions & Exclusions 2025

The Home Care Package (HCP) program helps older Australians live safely and independently in their own homes, with support that’s tailored to their personal needs and preferences. At its core is the principle of consumer-directed care, a model that puts the individual in charge of their support.

This means that rather than having services decided by a provider, people can choose the types of care they receive, who delivers it, and when. If you’re applying for yourself or helping a loved one, we’ll help you understand what is and isn’t included in the program.

A support worker assisting a client during physical therapy.

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Common inclusions in Home Care Packages
What will the Support at Home Program change?
Exclusions under the Support at Home Program
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

An important note before we dive in

There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each offering a different budget based on the level of support needed. This funding can be used for a wide range of services, such as personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, transport, social connection, and home modifications.

On 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will introduce a new program called the Support at Home Program to simplify aged care and improve access to essential services at home. This new program will replace the current Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

Common inclusions in Home Care Packages

It’s helpful to know what your Home Care Package can cover, so you can plan support and services that fit your life. Each package is customised through a comprehensive assessment of individual needs and goals, and here are some of the services you can access:

Personal Care

Assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, and medication management.

Domestic Assistance

Help with cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and basic maintenance.

Nursing Care

Professional support for wound management and chronic condition monitoring, which can be particularly important for those requiring high-level care.

Allied Health

Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and dietetic services.

Social Support

Help maintaining community connections to avoid feelings of isolation.

Transport

Assistance with attending medical appointments, shopping, and social activities.

Respite Care

Temporary relief for informal carers.

Home Modifications

The installation of safety features like grab rails and ramps can significantly enhance home accessibility.

Assistive Technology

Funding for mobility aids, personal alarms, and other supportive devices.

What will the Support at Home Program change?

The Support at Home Program, which starts on 1 November 2025, will introduce a Defined Service List to make things a little simpler for those using in-home aged care services. This list will be similar to the services mentioned above to ensure a smooth transition for existing recipients.

The Defined Service List will cover three main areas:

Clinical Care

Specialised services help to maintain and restore functional and cognitive abilities. With the Support at Home Program, the government will fully fund clinical care services, so you or your family member won’t be required to make a co-contribution for these health-related supports. These services are allocated based on assessed needs and prioritisation.

Independence Supports

This category will provide assistance with daily activities and skill maintenance to help people live independently. This will include things like: personal care, social support and community engagement, therapeutic services for independent living, respite care, transport, assistive technology and home modifications.

Depending on a participant’s income and asset assessment, these services may require a moderate contribution. Home care package providers will play a crucial role in delivering these personalised services funded by the Australian Government.

Everyday Living Supports

This category will address the support needed to keep the participant's home in a liveable state while maintaining their independence. This can include services like domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and meal services, including meal preparation and delivery.

Exclusions under the Support at Home Program

Some expenses are not covered by HCP funds. As a general rule, funds are to be used appropriately for services directly related to assessed aged care needs. Examples of costs that won’t be covered can include:

General Living Expenses

Rent or mortgage payments
Utility bills
Standard groceries and personal items

Medical and Health Costs

Services covered by Medicare or PBS

Entertainment and Leisure

Club memberships
Event tickets
Holidays

Major Home Renovations

Extensive structural changes
Renovations primarily that increase property value

Luxury Items and Services

High-end services that are not essential for well-being

Costs Covered by Other Programs

Services funded by other government initiatives (e.g. NDIS)

Home Care Package Fees

Provider administration fees

Depending on your (or your loved one’s) income, there may be a contribution toward the cost of support. A financial assessment helps work out what that looks like.

The new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

The Support at Home Program will also introduce a new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, with dedicated funding tiers:

Low – Under $500
Medium – Up to $2,000
High – Up to $15,000

In some cases, higher funding may be available with a professional prescription. This includes major home modifications, which are often necessary to ensure the safety and accessibility of the home environment.

Funding is designed to support safety and independence at home, and will typically need to be used within 12 months and is not expected to accrue over time. Understanding the package inclusions can help you plan for the support you need to stay comfortable and independent at home:

A client uses a ramp to exit their home.

What’s covered

Mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers, canes)
Toileting and shower supports
Personal alarms and communication devices
Home modifications like grab rails, ramps and stairlifts

What’s not covered

Items funded by other government schemes (e.g. NDIS or DVA)
Every day household or discretionary items
Equipment for workplaces or public transport
Items designed for children

How to understand what your plan will look like

The new Support at Home Program aims to make aged care funding clearer and more consistent. As the program is rolled out, it’s a good idea to speak with your provider or care manager to understand how your support may be affected. For those who are yet to sign up, the Defined Service List and AT-HM Scheme guidelines are great resources to help with your planning.