Support at Home Services

The Services Available in the Support at Home Program

Australia’s new Support at Home program, due to roll out from 1 July 2025, will reshape how older Australians receive help to keep living independently in their own homes. It combines what was previously covered by Home Care Packages (HCP), the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) into one simpler, more flexible system.

So, what types of services can you actually receive under Support at Home? Here’s a detailed look at what will be on offer, how they work, and how they can be tailored to match your unique needs.

Why the Change?

Before diving into the list, it helps to understand why these services are being updated. The new Support at Home program was designed to:

• Streamline the way people access care, replacing three separate programs with one.
• Give older people more control and flexibility to choose services that suit them.
• Ensure better value for money through fair, transparent fees and budgets.
• Make it easier to adjust services as needs change over time.

Most importantly, it recognises that older Australians want to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible — and that the right mix of services can make that possible.

Categories of Services You Can Access

The Support at Home program offers a wide range of services, grouped into categories to help you understand what’s available:

• Personal Care and Daily Living
• Domestic Assistance and Home Maintenance
• Clinical and Nursing Care
• Allied Health and Therapy Services
• Meal Preparation and Nutrition
• Transport and Shopping
• Social Support and Connection
• Home Modifications and Equipment
• Respite and Carer Support

Let’s explore each in detail so you know what they include and how they could help you or a loved one stay safe and comfortable at home.

Personal Care and Daily Living

Personal care services help with tasks that you may no longer be able to manage alone. Examples include:

• Assistance with showering, bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Help with toileting and continence management.
• Support with mobility around the home.
• Managing medications and ensuring they’re taken safely.

These tasks help prevent falls, maintain hygiene and dignity, and reduce the stress on family carers who may otherwise struggle to help.

Domestic Assistance and Home Maintenance

Keeping a home clean, safe, and functional can become harder as you age. Support at Home services can include:

• Cleaning and tidying inside the home.
• Laundry and linen changes.
• General household chores like dishwashing, dusting, and vacuuming.
• Gardening, lawn mowing, and pruning.
• Minor home repairs and basic maintenance to remove hazards.

These practical supports can make a huge difference to your quality of life, helping you maintain pride in your home while staying safe.

Clinical and Nursing Care

Some older people need more complex healthcare delivered in the home. Support at Home will cover:

• Wound care, catheter care, and continence management.
• Medication administration and monitoring by nurses.
• Health monitoring for chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
• Coordination with your GP or other health professionals.

Bringing clinical care into your home can reduce hospital visits and keep you healthier in familiar surroundings.

Allied Health and Therapy Services

Maintaining mobility, strength, and mental health is vital for staying independent. Allied health professionals can provide:

• Physiotherapy — for falls prevention, strength, and balance.
• Occupational therapy — to assess risks and recommend equipment or modifications.
• Speech therapy — for swallowing or communication issues.
• Podiatry — foot care to prevent pain and infections.
• Dietetics — advice on healthy eating for seniors.
• Psychology or counselling — support for mental wellbeing.

These services can be arranged as needed and adjusted if your health changes.

Meal Preparation and Nutrition

Good nutrition keeps you healthy, but cooking can be difficult if you have mobility, strength, or cognitive challenges. Services may include:

• Meal planning and preparation at home.
• Help with grocery shopping.
• Delivery of ready-to-eat meals or meal kits.
• Dietary advice and monitoring for medical conditions.

Keeping up a nutritious diet helps maintain strength and prevents unplanned weight loss or malnutrition.

Transport and Shopping Assistance

Staying connected with your community means being able to get out and about. Support at Home can include:

• Transport to medical appointments or allied health visits.
• Transport for social activities, group events, or religious services.
• Help with shopping trips, or a support worker to shop on your behalf.

Reliable transport can reduce isolation and help you maintain independence.

Social Support and Connection

Loneliness can affect mental and physical health. Support at Home encourages social wellbeing through:

• Individual social visits from a support worker for conversation and companionship.
• Group activities and day programs in your community.
• Help to access technology for virtual catch-ups with friends or family.

Staying connected helps you remain active and involved in community life.

Home Modifications and Equipment

Sometimes small changes make a big difference to staying safe. The program will cover approved modifications and equipment such as:

• Grab rails in bathrooms or hallways.
• Handheld shower heads and non-slip flooring.
• Ramps for easier entry and exit.
• Shower chairs, toilet risers, or mobility aids.
• Emergency call systems for safety and peace of mind.

Respite and Carer Support

Support at Home recognises that unpaid family carers often need a break to look after their own wellbeing. Services may include:

• Short-term in-home respite care so the carer can take time out.
• Emergency respite for urgent situations.
• Day respite programs outside the home for social engagement.

This helps family carers stay healthy and continue their role without burning out.

Flexible Funding and Packages

Under the new program, you’ll have more say in how your funding is used. You can:

• Work with your provider to create a personalised plan.
• Adjust services if your needs change.
• See clearly how your funds are spent through transparent monthly statements.

Funding levels range from entry-level support for just a few hours a week to more complex packages for daily or clinical care.

Quality and Choice

All providers must meet the Aged Care Quality Standards. This means you should expect services that are:

• Safe and effective.
• Delivered by qualified, respectful staff.
• Tailored to your individual goals and preferences.
• Flexible enough to change as your circumstances do.

You can switch providers if you’re unhappy with the services you receive.

14. How to Get Started

To access Support at Home services:

• Register with My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting www.myagedcare.gov.au.
• Get an in-home assessment to determine your needs and funding level.
• Choose a provider and develop your support plan.
• Start using your services — and adjust them as you need to.

Final Thoughts

The Support at Home program gives older Australians more choice, control and peace of mind about staying at home safely. Whether you need a little help with the shopping or daily nursing care, the goal is to put you — and your wellbeing — at the centre of every decision.

At OMS, we’re here to help you navigate the aged care system, understand your options, and feel confident about planning for your future. If you’d like tailored guidance on how to choose services, compare providers or manage costs, don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our free resources.

Staying independent starts with good information — and we’re glad you’re here.