08 Oct 2025

A Guide to the Latest Changes in Australian Home Care

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Key Takeaways

• Simplified system: As of 1 November 2025, the Support at Home Program will replace Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care, resulting in a single, streamlined model.
  
   
• Flexibility in care: Families can more easily adjust in-home support as needs change, ensuring services remain responsive and personalised.
  
   
• Transparent costs: A clearer funding model and standardised pricing help families understand costs upfront and avoid unexpected fees.
  
   
• Gradual transition: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will continue until at least July 2027, ensuring continuity while reforms are rolled out.
  
   
• No need to reapply: Existing Home Care Package recipients will automatically transition into the new program, ensuring continuity of care plans.
  
   
• Practical preparation: Families are encouraged to register early with My Aged Care, gather health and financial information, and research providers ahead of the transition.
  
   
• Trusted support: Providers like The District Nurses will continue guiding families through reforms with reliable, compassionate care.

Australia’s ageing population means that more families are considering how to support themselves or a loved one at home. Longer life expectancy brings many opportunities for connection, but it also raises important questions about health, independence, and quality of life in later years.

For many Australians, caring for themselves or a loved one is one of the most meaningful responsibilities they will face. Most want their loved ones to remain safe, comfortable, and independent in familiar surroundings. Yet navigating the aged care system can be challenging, particularly when it’s unclear where to begin.

This guide is designed to provide clarity. You’ll learn about the latest changes in home care services, understand how funding works, and discover practical steps to help your family access the right support.

Why These Changes Are Happening

Australia’s aged care system has been under review for several years to make it more straightforward and more consistent for families. The government recognised that many people found the system confusing, with separate programs, complex assessments, and differences in the way services were delivered. These issues often left families unsure about what support was available or how to access it.

The latest reforms are designed to address these concerns. By creating a single, streamlined program, the government aims to simplify the process, enhance transparency, and offer families greater flexibility in selecting the care that best suits their needs.

For families, this means fewer barriers, clearer information, and more consistent access to home care and community care. While change can seem unsettling, the goal is to create a stronger and more reliable system that ensures older Australians receive the right support at the right time.

The Current System Explained

Before examining the upcoming reforms, it is helpful to understand how the aged care system currently operates. At present, two main programs support older Australians who wish to remain at home rather than move into residential care.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides entry-level support for older people who require only a small amount of assistance to continue living independently. Services may include cleaning, meal preparation, transport, social activities, and basic personal care. Families contribute a small fee, while the majority of costs are covered by government funding. This program is often the first step for those beginning to explore home care.

Home Care Packages (HCPs)

For individuals with ongoing or complex needs, Home Care Packages provide more structured and flexible support. There are four levels of packages, ranging from basic assistance to high-level care for complex conditions. Services can include nursing, allied health, personal care, equipment, and transport. These are delivered by approved home care providers, providing families with choice and control over the type of in-home care services they receive.

Challenges with the Current System

Although these programs provide vital support, families often face long waitlists, complex application processes, and uncertainty about eligibility. The separation between CHSP and HCP can create confusion, making it difficult for families to know which program is most appropriate for their needs. These challenges are a key reason why reforms are now underway.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home Program is the new model of aged care that will begin on 1 November 2025. It will replace the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, combining them into one streamlined system. The goal is to make aged care easier to navigate, more flexible in delivery, and more consistent for families across Australia.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program will continue until at least July 2027, before being transitioned into Support at Home. This staged approach ensures families have continuity while the system is updated.

Once the program begins, older Australians will access services through a single point of entry. Families will no longer need to manage multiple programs or worry about changing support levels. Services will be tailored to individual needs, with benefits such as a simpler funding model, clearer pricing, and transparent information. Providers will continue delivering trusted in-home care services, helping families experience a system that feels more coordinated, transparent, and supportive.

Key Changes Families Need to Know

The Support at Home Program introduces several significant changes that will affect how families access care. Understanding these updates will help you plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary confusion.

One Unified Program

Previously, people had to choose between different programs depending on eligibility and level of need. These have now been brought together into a single program, making the system easier to navigate and more consistent.

Greater Flexibility

Support will be tailored more closely to individual circumstances. People will find it easier to adjust services as needs change, whether that involves additional personal care, allied health support, or transport. This means in-home care services can be adapted over time to meet you or your loved ones’ changing needs.

Simplified Funding Model

The new structure creates more consistency in how fees and contributions are applied. This makes it easier for everyone to understand costs upfront and avoid unexpected financial pressure.

Transparent Pricing and Services

Providers will be required to clearly outline services and pricing, so everyone can see exactly what is included in the care plan. This creates greater accountability and builds trust.

Reforms Timeline

The program begins in November 2025, with Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care included from the start. The Commonwealth Home Support Program will continue until at least July 2027 before moving into the new system. This gradual transition allows families and providers to adjust without interruption to essential community care.

Together, these changes are designed to make aged care more straightforward, more transparent, and easier for families to manage, while ensuring older Australians receive consistent, high-quality support.

What the Changes Mean for Families Now and in the Future

Whether you or your loved one is already receiving support or your family is just beginning to explore home care, the upcoming reforms are designed to make the transition straightforward and reassuring.

For those with an existing Home Care Package, services will continue without disruption. Starting in November 2025, packages will be automatically transitioned into the new Support at Home Program. Families will not need to reapply, although providers may review care plans to ensure they align with the new structure. The priority is continuity, so you or your loved one’s care remains stable and reliable.

For families considering care for the first time, now is the right time to take action. Services are still available through the current system, and applying early ensures you or your loved one is receiving support before the new program begins. Any support started today will carry forward, giving you peace of mind and avoiding potential delays.

Taking steps now helps your family secure the right level of support and begin building a relationship with a trusted provider. This also ensures you’re ready to benefit from the added flexibility and transparency that the Support at Home Program will deliver.

How to Access Support at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for support can feel daunting, but breaking the process into clear steps makes it easier to manage. Here is what families can expect:

• Register with My Aged Care: Begin by calling or completing an online form to open a case for you or your loved one.
  
   
• Arrange an assessment: A trained assessor will visit the home (or conduct a phone assessment) to understand health, lifestyle, and daily living needs.
  
   
• Receive approval and funding level: Based on the assessment, you or your loved one will be approved for a level of support and may be placed on the National Prioritisation Queue if required.
  
   
• Choose a home care provider: Families can review approved providers, such as The District Nurses, and select the one that best matches their values and requirements.
  
   
• Create a personalised care plan: Work with your chosen provider to develop a care plan that includes the right mix of in-home care services.
  
   
• Transition into Support at Home: Services will continue under the new program from November 2025, with providers guiding families through the change.

Following these steps helps you and your family feel confident and supported throughout the process of accessing care.

How Families Can Prepare Now

Planning ahead can make the transition into the Support at Home Program smoother and less stressful. Here are practical steps your family can take now:

• Discuss needs as a family: Talk openly about daily challenges, health concerns, and goals for independence. This helps everyone feel included and ensures priorities are clear.
  
   
• Gather important information: Collect medical records, lifestyle details, and financial documents. Having this information ready speeds up the assessment process.
  
   
• Research providers: Take time to compare home care providers and look for those with a strong reputation for personalised care and transparent pricing.
  
   
• Register early with My Aged Care: Starting the process now ensures your loved one is registered before November 2025 and avoids unnecessary delays.
  
   
• Stay informed: Keep up to date with changes through government updates and communication from trusted providers. Awareness helps families feel more confident and prepared.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your loved one’s needs are understood, your family is prepared for the reforms, and the right support is in place before changes take effect.

Why Families Trust The District Nurses

Choosing the right home care provider is one of the most important decisions you or a family will make. Families across Tasmania trust The District Nurses because of our long history, commitment to quality, and personalised approach to care.

Our team of experienced nurses, support workers, and care partners works closely with you to design care plans that adapt as you or your loved one’s needs change. We focus on supporting independence, dignity, and well-being, while providing the reassurance that comes from reliable, professional support.

With over 125 years of service, The District Nurses has become a trusted name in home and community care services. Our trusted team is here to guide you through these aged care reforms with confidence and compassion.

If you are ready to explore how the Support at Home Program can help your family, contact The District Nurses today to start the conversation and find the right support for you or your loved one.

FAQs

Q1. Will services become more expensive?
Most services remain subsidised by the government. Families may contribute based on income, but the new model is designed to keep care affordable and transparent.

Q2. Do we need to reapply in 2025?
No. Families with existing Home Care Packages will automatically transition into the Support at Home Program. Providers may review care plans, but there is no need to reapply.

Q3. What happens to my parents’ current carer or provider?
You may continue with the same provider if preferred. The reforms are designed to create continuity, so trusted relationships between families and providers are not disrupted.

Q4. What if needs change suddenly?
The Support at Home Program is designed to be flexible. Families can adjust the mix of services as needs evolve, ensuring care remains suitable and responsive over time.

Q5. How will community care fit into the new system?
Community care remains a priority. Services such as transport, social activities, and companionship will continue to be part of funded options, supporting independence and reducing isolation.