Home Care Packages vs Support at Home: What’s Changing?
The Australian Government is updating the way in-home care is delivered. The new Support at Home Program is designed to bring several existing home support programs together into one simpler, more streamlined system. The aim is to reduce confusion, cut paperwork, and give older Australians greater choice, flexibility, and control over the services they receive.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Home Care Packages currently support older Australians who need ongoing help to remain living safely and independently at home. There
are 4 levels of HCP, each offering different amounts of funding based on a person’s needs. Services may include:
Personal care (showering, dressing)
Domestic assistance
Nursing support
Allied health services
Transport and social support
Support at Home (SAH)
From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home Program will replace both the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care
(STRC) programs. Support at Home will introduce 8 classifications of care, allowing for more tailored, flexible support that better
matches each person’s individual situation. The goal is to make it easier to get the right help, at the right time, without
unnecessary complexity.
If you would like help understanding these changes or what they mean for your support with Holistic Horizons, our team is here to
guide you every step of the way.
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Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
As of November 1st, 2025, this program is designed to help older people purchase equipment or small home modifications needed to live safely
and comfortably at home.
What does this mean for you?
-Funding for these items will be separate from your Home Care Package (so it won’t reduce your package funds).
-It will be quicker and easier to access.
You can talk to us about what would make your home safer, things like rails, ramps, or assistive equipment to help with daily home
activities.
If needed, we can arrange for an Occupational Therapist (OT) to visit your home, assess your needs and recommend the right supports.
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