31 Aug 2026

How to Choose the Right Home Care Support (Previously Home Care Package) for You or Your Loved One

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Key Takeaways

• Understanding Support at Home: Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program, helping older Australians remain independent and live safely at home for longer. 
• Recognising the right time: Changes in mobility, confidence, health, or daily routines may indicate that additional support could be beneficial.
• Understanding funding classifications: Support at Home uses eight funding classifications, providing a more personalised approach to care based on individual needs. 
• Additional support options: The program includes pathways for assistive technology, home modifications, restorative care, and end-of-life support. 
• What to look for in a provider: Experience, the range of services offered, pricing transparency, and quality standards are important criteria to base your decision on.
• Funding options available: Government-funded, privately funded, and combined care solutions offer flexibility for families.
• How My Aged Care helps: My Aged Care connects older Australians with assessments, funding, services, and approved providers. 
• Why choose The District Nurses: With more than 130 years of service, The District Nurses delivers personalised care that supports independence, dignity, and wellbeing.

As more Australians choose to age in place, finding the right support at home has become increasingly important. Support at Home is the Australian Government's in-home aged care program, helping older Australians access services that promote independence, safety, and quality of life while remaining in familiar surroundings. Introduced in November 2025, Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, creating a more flexible and personalised approach to aged care at home. 

Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one navigate care options, understanding how Support at Home works can make the decision-making process easier. This guide explains funding classifications, available services, provider selection, and how to make informed choices that support long-term wellbeing.

At The District Nurses, we have been helping Tasmanians remain independent in their own homes for more than 125 years. Our experienced team works closely with clients and families to deliver personalised care that evolves with changing needs.

Understanding Support at Home

Support at Home helps older Australians remain living independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes for longer. The program provides access to a broad range of services designed to support wellbeing, maintain independence, and improve quality of life. 

Services may include:

• Nursing care
• Personal care
• Allied health services
• Domestic assistance
• Meal preparation
• Transport support
• Social support and community engagement
• Respite support
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications

Support is tailored to each person's assessed needs, giving individuals greater control over the services they receive and how they achieve their personal goals. 

Learn more about Support at Home with The District Nurses.

Recognising When Support at Home May Be Needed

It can be difficult to know when additional support would be beneficial. Often, the signs appear gradually and can be easy to overlook.

Common indicators include:

• Difficulty managing household tasks such as cleaning, shopping, or meal preparation
• Changes in balance, mobility, or confidence
• Increased reliance on family members for assistance
• Forgetting medications or appointments
• Reduced social engagement
• Health conditions becoming more difficult to manage independently
• Family carers feeling overwhelmed or experiencing burnout

Recognising these signs early can help prevent larger challenges and ensure support is in place before a crisis occurs.

Understanding Support at Home Funding Classifications

One of the biggest changes introduced through Support at Home is the move away from the previous four Home Care Package levels.

Instead, Support at Home uses eight funding classifications, allowing funding to be more closely aligned with an individual's specific care requirements. As needs increase, people can access higher funding classifications through reassessment. 

Classifications 1-2: Entry-Level Support

These classifications are designed for people who require a relatively low level of assistance to maintain their independence.

Services may include:

• Domestic assistance
• Shopping support
• Meal preparation
• Basic transport assistance
• Social support
• Limited personal care

This level focuses on maintaining confidence, wellbeing, and independence at home.

Classifications 3-4: Moderate Support Needs

Individuals in these classifications may require more frequent assistance and a broader range of services.

Support may include:

• Personal care
• Medication support
• Transport services
• Allied health services
• Mobility assistance
• More regular domestic support

The goal is to help people remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.

Classifications 5-6: Higher Care Needs

These classifications support individuals living with more complex health conditions or mobility challenges.

Services may include:

• Nursing support
• Chronic disease management
• Enhanced personal care
• Continence support
• Allied health interventions
• Coordinated care planning

Care at this level often involves multiple health professionals working together to support ongoing wellbeing.

Classifications 7-8: Complex and Intensive Support

The highest classifications provide significant levels of support for people with substantial care needs who wish to remain at home.

Services may include:

• Frequent nursing visits
• Complex clinical care
• Extensive personal care
• Mobility and transfer assistance
• Advanced care coordination
• Multidisciplinary support

These classifications help ensure people receive the support they need while maintaining comfort, dignity, and independence.

Support That Changes with Your Needs

A significant advantage of Support at Home is its flexibility. As circumstances change, reassessments can be conducted to ensure your classification and funding continue to align with your needs. 

Additional Supports Available Under Support at Home

In addition to ongoing funding classifications, Support at Home includes dedicated pathways that provide specialised support when required.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Funding may be available for equipment and home modifications that improve safety, accessibility, and independence.

Examples include:

• Walking aids
• Shower chairs
• Mobility equipment
• Handrails
• Ramps
• Bathroom modifications

Restorative Care Pathway

This short-term pathway provides intensive allied health and nursing support designed to help individuals regain confidence, functionality, and independence after illness, injury, or a decline in health. 

End-of-Life Pathway

This pathway provides additional support for people who wish to remain at home during the final stages of life, allowing them to receive appropriate care in familiar surroundings. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Provider

Choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you can make.

Consider the following:

Experience and Reputation

Look for a provider with a strong track record and proven experience delivering person-centred care.

Range of Services

Choose a provider capable of meeting both your current and future care needs.

Communication and Responsiveness

A quality provider listens carefully, communicates clearly, and keeps clients and families informed.

Transparent Fees

Make sure all fees and service costs are explained clearly before commencing services.

Qualified and Compassionate Staff

Look for providers whose teams are appropriately trained, experienced, and committed to delivering respectful care.

Flexibility

Your provider should be able to adapt your services as your needs evolve over time.

With more than 130 years of experience supporting Tasmanians, The District Nurses understands the importance of building care plans that place people, not programs, at the centre of every decision.

Comparing Support at Home Options

Government-Funded Support at Home

Government-funded Support at Home provides subsidised services based on assessed care needs. Funding is allocated through My Aged Care and can be adjusted as needs change. 

Privately Funded Care

Private care can commence immediately without the need for an assessment or government approval. Many families use private services while waiting for funding or to supplement existing support.

Combining Both Approaches

Many people choose a combination of funded and private services, providing greater flexibility and ensuring support remains consistent throughout different stages of care.

The Role of My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government's entry point for aged care services and Support at Home. 

The process typically includes:

1. Registration

Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or register online.

2. Assessment

An aged care assessment determines your care needs, goals, and eligibility.

3. Funding Classification

Based on the assessment, you will be assigned a Support at Home classification that reflects your care requirements and available funding. 

4. Choosing a Provider

You can then select an approved provider that best aligns with your needs and preferences.

The District Nurses can help guide you through this process and support you from assessment through to service delivery.

Final Tips for Making the Right Choice

When choosing a Support at Home provider:

• Start researching providers early
• Ask detailed questions about services and fees
• Understand how care plans are reviewed
• Confirm staff qualifications and accreditation
• Consider future care needs, not just current ones
• Choose a provider that values communication and collaboration

Making informed decisions today can help ensure a more confident and comfortable care journey tomorrow.

Why Families Trust The District Nurses

For more than 130 years, The District Nurses has been supporting Tasmanians to live safely and independently at home.

Our experienced team takes the time to understand each person's goals, preferences, and circumstances before developing tailored care plans that promote dignity, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Whether you need help navigating Support at Home funding, arranging clinical services, or accessing everyday assistance, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Choosing Support at Home is about more than accessing services. It's about finding a trusted partner who understands your goals, respects your independence, and delivers care that evolves as your needs change. With more than 130years of caring for Tasmanians, The District Nurses continues to help older people live confidently, comfortably, and safely in their own homes.