What is Support at Home?

Australia's aged care system is evolving, and Support at Home represents a significant shift in how in-home care is delivered. For allied health, this new program creates opportunities to provide earlier, more flexible, and more preventative support for older Australians living at home.

Support at Home is the Australian Government's new in-home aged care program that launched in November 2025, replacing the former Home Care Packages Program. Its purpose is to help older people maintain independence, safety, and quality of life in their own homes through coordinated, person-centred supports.

The Role of Allied Health in Support at Home

Allied health is a cornerstone of the Support at Home model. Services are designed to support older people to maintain or improve their functional capacity, rather than waiting until support needs become complex or crisis-driven. Allied health services under Support at Home may include occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, and psychology.

Support Service Categories

Support at Home services are grouped into three main categories:

Clinical Supports – This includes health-related care that supports ongoing wellbeing, such as nursing care and allied health services. The government fully funds clinical care, meaning clients do not contribute toward eligible clinical services.
Independence Supports – These services help people manage personal care and participate in community life. Clients may need to contribute to the cost of these services, depending on their income and assets.
Everyday Living Supports – These are services that help with everyday tasks and maintaining a safe living environment. Client contributions for these supports are also based on income and pension status.

Client Contributions

Support at Home introduces a structured client contribution system. Rather than paying a fixed daily fee, clients may be required to contribute a percentage toward the cost of Independence and Everyday Living Supports, while clinical services are fully funded by the government. The exact contribution depends on a person's income and assets assessment through Services Australia.

Short-Term Pathways and Dedicated Funding

Support at Home also includes separate, dedicated pathways outside the regular budget for specific needs:

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme – funding for equipment like mobility aids and home modifications to improve safety and independence.
Restorative Care Pathway – targeted, short-term rehabilitation support to help maintain or restore function.
End-of-Life Pathway – additional funding for clients choosing to remain at home near the end of life.

Accessing Support at Home Services

Older Australians access Support at Home through My Aged Care, which coordinates assessment, funding, and connection to approved providers. Once approved, allied health services can be delivered as part of an integrated care plan that supports the person's goals, environment, and overall wellbeing.