Understanding the Move from Home Care Packages to Support at Home

At Medgear Care, we believe in keeping our valued older customers and their families well informed about significant changes that affect aged-care services. On 1 November 2025 the Australian Government will officially launch the Support at Home program, replacing the current Home Care Packages Program (HCP) and the Short‑Term Restorative Care Program (STRC). (Department of Health)

This landmark reform is designed to provide more tailored, flexible and person-centred care so that older Australians can live safely and independently in their own homes for longer. (Department of Health)

What does this mean for you?

If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, or you are applying for government-funded in-home aged-care, your service will transition automatically into Support at Home on 1 November 2025. (My Aged Care). There will be no interruption to your care. If you currently hold a Home Care Package funding approval, that funding level will continue until you are reassessed. (Department of Health). Reassessments will only occur if your care needs change. (My Aged Care)

Key changes under Support at Home

Here are some of the major differences between the old Home Care Packages model and the new Support at Home model:

• Eight classifications (levels) for ongoing support: Under Support at Home there are eight care classifications (or levels) rather than the four levels under the Home Care Packages system. These levels enable more precise matching of care to individual needs.
• More flexible budget allocations and rollover of unspent funds: Budgets will be allocated quarterly (every three months) rather than simply annual, giving more flexibility. (Department of Health). If you don’t use all your funds, you’ll be able to carry over up to a set limit into the next quarter. (Department of Health)
• Broader range of services, including assistive technology and home modifications: The new program emphasises improved access to services, equipment and home modifications so older people can remain healthy, active and socially connected. (My Aged Care)
• Short-term pathways added: In addition to ongoing care, Support at Home introduces specific short-term pathways, such as a restorative care pathway and an end-of-life pathway.
• No loss of funding for current HCP recipients: If you already have a Home Care Package or are approved for one, you will transition into the new program without having your funding reduced or your service interrupted.

Why is the change happening?

The reform is part of a major overhaul of in-home aged care following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, to create a rights-based, sustainable and more responsive aged-care system under the new Aged Care Act 2024. (Department of Health)

How can Medgear Care help you?

As an NDIS-registered and government approved provider, Medgear Care will continue to offer expert guidance, quality products and personalised care solutions for our customers. If you have questions about how assistive technology to support your independence, our friendly team is here to assist. Explore our Online Store Directory for a wide selection of assistive technology devices designed to support your independence and improve daily well-being.

For further detailed information, you can visit the Australian Government’s official Support at Home program pages on My Aged Care and the Department of Health & Aged Care. (Department of Health).