• A new era in aged care

    A new era in aged care

    On 1 November, the new Aged Care Act will come into operation, and with it, the new Support at Home program, which will replace the existing Home Care Packages.

    The new national model is designed to help older Australians to continue to live independently at home for longer, provide a standardised national service list, offer funding matched to their requirements, and provide a higher level of care for people with more complex needs.

    Services under the new system will be split into three broad categories: ‘clinical care’, which includes nursing, allied health services and continence; ‘independence’, which includes help getting dressed, taking medications, transport or respite care; and ‘everyday living’, which includes cleaning, gardening, shopping or meal preparation.

    Three short-term services classifications are also available: restorative care, end of life, and assistive technology and home modifications.

    In the new system, individuals may need to contribute to service costs based on the person’s income and assets, and the type of Support at Home services they receive.

    Whilst there will be no contributions required for clinical care, contributions will apply for services that support independence, such as personal care.

    Everyday living services, such as cleaning and gardening, will attract the highest contribution rates.

    For example, for supports in the ‘independence’ category, part pensioners with a Seniors Health Card will pay a contribution of between 5% and 50%, depending on income and assets. Self-funded retirees will be required to contribute 50%.

    Regarding ‘everyday living’ supports, part pensioners will be required to pay between 17.5% and 80%, depending on income and assets, and self-funded retirees 80%.

    As with any new system, there will be changes, and it can be confusing. Aged care providers such as Resthaven are here to help you understand how Support at Home will work, and to ensure your care continues smoothly.

    The Australian Government plans to release 83,000 packages of care between September 2025 and June 2026, to address current wait lists. These new packages will all be operated under the new Support at Home program.

    Click here for further information about Support at Home.

    Opinion piece by Darren Birbeck
    Chief Executive Officer
    Resthaven Incorporated