Will Home Care Package inclusions and exclusions change under the Support at Home program?

Yes, some important changes are coming to in-home aged care services with the introduction of the Support at Home Program, scheduled to launch on 1 November 2025. This new program will replace the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, aiming to create a more straightforward system for everyone.

One of the biggest improvements with the Support at Home Program will be greater clarity around what's included and what's not. There will be a Defined Service List that clearly outlines which services and items can be funded. This aims to make it much easier for everyone to understand exactly what support can be accessed, removing some of the confusion that can sometimes happen in the current system.

The services will be organised into three main categories:

• Clinical Care (like nursing services)
• Independence Supports (such as personal care)
• Everyday Living Supports (things like house cleaning and gardening)

While most of the services currently available under Home Care Packages will continue to be offered, ensuring a smooth transition for existing recipients, there are some important changes to how you'll contribute to the cost.

Changes to Clinical Care services

The government will fully fund nursing and most allied health services under the new scheme. This means you won't need to make any co-contribution for these often essential services. For Independence Supports and Everyday Living Supports, you'll likely still need to contribute, with the amount depending on your financial situation.

Generally speaking, you can expect to contribute more toward Everyday Living Supports (like cleaning) than toward Independence Supports (like personal care).

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

Rather than using your core care budget for things like equipment or home modifications, there will be dedicated funding specifically for these purposes. This should ensure that your ongoing care services aren't compromised when you need a one-off modification or piece of equipment.

The general principles around what's excluded are expected to remain fairly similar, but general living expenses and services covered by other government programs will still typically be excluded. However, the new Defined Service List will provide much clearer guidance on specifics.

If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, the government has committed to ensuring that people won't receive less support under the new program than they currently do. Your provider will work with you during the transition to ensure your care continues smoothly, and the clearer guidelines should actually make it easier to understand what support you can access.