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Discover the story behind Home Care Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
At Home Care Assistance, we know that choosing the right care for yourself or a loved one is a big decision. To help guide you, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about home care, funding options, and the services we provide.
Home Care Services
We provide a comprehensive range of in-home care services designed to support older people and individuals with diverse care needs, including:
✔ Hourly Home Care – Flexible care available for a few hours per day.
✔ 24-Hour & Live-In Care – Around-the-clock assistance for continuous support.
✔ Hospital to Home Care – Support during the transition from hospital to home.
✔ Specialised Care – Tailored support for conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, cancer, chronic illnesses, and palliative care.
✔ Respite Care – Temporary relief for family carers while ensuring their loved one is cared for.
In-home care provides personalised assistance to individuals in the comfort of their own homes. Services range from personal care, domestic assistance, and companionship to nursing and post-hospital care.
What are the benefits of in-home care?
✔ Independence – Clients remain in familiar surroundings.
✔ Personalised Support – Tailored care plans based on individual needs.
✔ One-on-One Attention – More dedicated care compared to residential aged care.
✔ Flexibility – Care schedules that can adapt as needs change.
My Aged Care & Home Care Packages
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s aged care support system, providing assessments and funding options for home care and residential care.
A Home Care Package is a government-funded program that provides coordinated support to help older Australians live independently at home.
To apply, you need to undergo an assessment by the Single Assessment System (SAS) team through My Aged Care. To get started, you’ll need to register for My Aged Care either online at www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422. Our team can also help guide you through it.
The Single Assessment System officially commenced on December 9, 2024, as part of the aged care reforms under the Support at Home Program. It replaces the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and Regional Assessment Service (RAS) with a unified, streamlined process. This system ensures older Australians receive one comprehensive assessment for all aged care services, simplifying access to the right level of support as their needs evolve.
Depending on the package level, services may include:
✔ Personal Care – Assistance with dressing, bathing, and grooming.
✔ Domestic Assistance – Cleaning, laundry, and home maintenance.
✔ Meal Preparation – Cooking and nutrition support.
✔ Transport – Assistance with medical appointments and errands.
✔ Social Support – Companionship and community engagement.
✔ Nursing & Medical Support – Medication management and wound care.
The Australian Government funds Home Care Packages, but some clients may need to contribute to the cost based on their income assessment.
Speak to Our Team for Help with Your Home Care Package
✔ Level 1 – Basic care needs.
✔ Level 2 – Low-level care needs.
✔ Level 3 – Intermediate care needs.
✔ Level 4 – High-level and complex care needs.
If your care needs change, you can request a reassessment through My Aged Care to move to a higher package level.
Wait times vary, but it can take several months to receive an approved package. In the meantime, private care services can be arranged for immediate support.
✔ CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) – Entry-level support for basic needs.
✔ HCP (Home Care Package) – More comprehensive, flexible care tailored to higher or more complex needs.
Yes, if your health or personal situation has changed, you can apply for a Home Care Package even if you have CHSP. You will need an assessment for eligibility.
Choosing a Home Care Provider
Consider the following:
✔ Experience & Reputation – Look at reviews and client feedback.
✔ Range of Services – Ensure they offer the support you need.
✔ Caregiver Training & Support – Check staff qualifications and ongoing training.
✔ Flexibility & Personalisation – Customised care plans to suit your needs.
Yes, we offer private care services for clients who are not eligible for government funding or prefer to pay for care privately. We tailor all care plans to match individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Care Workers & Support Services
✔ Aged Care & Nursing Certifications – Many of our caregivers hold relevant qualifications.
✔ Specialised Training – Ongoing education in dementia care, mobility assistance, and medical support.
✔ Background Checks – Comprehensive police and reference checks.
We have backup Care Workers ready to step in to ensure uninterrupted care.
✔ Thorough Onboarding Process - we provide buddy services to ensure care workers are confident and skilled to meet individual needs.
✔ Comprehensive Training – Ongoing education for quality care.
✔ Ongoing Supervision – Regular performance reviews and client feedback monitoring.
Respite Care & Additional Support
Respite care provides short-term relief for family carers, ensuring their loved one receives quality care while they take a break. We offer one-time, short-term, and ongoing respite care options.
Need More Information?
If you have further questions or need personalised advice, our team is always here to help.
Support at Home - Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Support at Home program, launching 1 July 2025.
Home Care Services
Support at Home is a new government-funded aged care program designed to support older Australians to remain independent in their homes for longer. It will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program from 1 July 2025. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
This program introduces simplified funding, a new assessment system, and improved access to services, assistive technology, and home modifications.
For more information, visit the Australian Government Health website to download the Support at Home Handbook:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-handbook
The Single Assessment System officially commenced on December 9, 2024, as part of the aged care reforms under the Support at Home Program. It replaces the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and Regional Assessment Service (RAS) with a unified, streamlined process. This system ensures older Australians receive one comprehensive assessment for all aged care services, simplifying access to the right level of support as their needs evolve.
✔ Service-Based Support – Instead of package levels, clients will receive access to government funding for services based on assessed needs.
✔ Combined Single System – A single system replaces the current Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services models.
Yes. If you already receive Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services, your care will transition into the new program without disruption.
You will still need to be assessed through My Aged Care to determine your care needs. If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, you will automatically transition into the new system.
Yes. The government has indicated that funding structures may change depending on when you are assessed for home care:
- If you receive an HCP before July 2025 → You will transition into the new Support at Home Program without changes to your funding.
- If you apply after July 2025 → Your funding will be based on the new assessment model, which may allocate funding differently.
This means that if you're considering a Home Care Package, it may be beneficial to apply as soon as possible to secure funding under the current system.
Speak to Our Team for Guidance on Your Home Care Package Application
The government has introduced a No Worse Off Principle, ensuring that individuals who, as of 12 September 2024, were:
- Receiving a Home Care Package (HCP)
- On the National Priority System waiting for their HCP Funding
- Assessed as eligible for a HCP
will not pay more under the new Support at Home program than they would have under the previous system. These individuals will retain their current funding levels, transfer any unspent HCP funds to Support at Home, and maintain existing Home Care Package financial contribution arrangements, unless they choose to opt into the new system.
Those who registered with My Aged Care for a Home Care Package assessment after 12 September 2024 will be assessed under the new Support at Home funding model, which determines funding based on their classification and assessed needs.
For detailed information, please refer to the Australian Government's Case Study Guide: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/case-studies-support-at-home_0.pdf
Under the Home Care Packages Program, funding was allocated in four package levels. With Support at Home, funding will be based on individual service needs, determined by an assessment.
Under the Support at Home program, funding will be split into eight classifications, with a quarterly budget provided. Clients will be set a classification Level 1-8 and can request changes to their service mix at any time within their budget.
Support at Home services are divided into three categories:
- Clinical Care (fully funded by the government): Nursing, allied health, medication management.
- Independence Support (partially subsidised): Personal care, social support, assistive technology, home modifications.
- Everyday Living Support (higher contributions required): Domestic assistance, gardening, meal preparation, transport.
Some excluded services are as follows:
- Medical expenses (covered by Medicare or private insurance)
- Acute hospital care
- Specialist services (e.g., psychiatry, dentistry, ambulance costs)
- Long-term accommodation costs
The government will introduce price caps on services starting 1 July 2026. Until then, providers will set their own pricing, as they currently do under the Home Care Packages Program.
From 1 July 2026, set pricing will ensure affordability and transparency across all Support at Home services.
Support at Home funding will be allocated quarterly so care plan budgets will be set up each quarter. Participants will continue to receive a monthly statement outlining:
- Services used
- Remaining budget
- Participant contributions
You can roll over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is higher) to the next quarter. This allows some flexibility but prevents excessive accumulation of unused funds.
Large purchases, such as assistive technology or home modifications, are funded separately through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. This scheme provides upfront funding for approved equipment and home modifications.
Support at Home introduces income-tested contributions for non-clinical services. Contributions are based on your pension status:
- Full pensioners – Pay minimal contributions.
- Part pensioners and self-funded retirees – Contributions are assessed based on income and assets.
- Self-funded retirees (without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) – Expected to pay higher contributions.
Standard Support at Home contribution rates
| Participant contribution levels | Clinical supports | Independence | Everyday living |
| Full pensioner | 0% | 5% | 17.50% |
| Part pensioner | 0% | Part pensioners and CSHC holders will pay between 5%-50% based on an assessment of their income and assets. For part pensioners this will be based on their Age Pension means assessment. CSHC holders will undergo a separate assessment for Support at Home. | Part pensioners and CSHC holders will pay between 17.5%-80% based on an assessment of their income and assets. For part pensioners this will be based on their Age Pension means assessment. CSHC holders will undergo a separate assessment for Support at Home. |
| Self-funded retiree (holding or eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card - CSHC) | 0% | ||
| Self-funded retiree (not eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) | 0% | 50% | 80% |
Individuals who are required to make contribution payments to their services, are required to set up a direct debit with their provider to ensure smooth payment processing.
All Support at Home participants will receive care management services, with 10% of their quarterly budget set aside for care management. This ensures participants receive guidance, service coordination, and ongoing support from their provider.
Need More Information?
If you have further questions or need personalised advice, our team is always here to help.
For more information, visit the official Support at Home page on the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website: health.gov.au/support-at-home
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