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on Wednesday, December 18, 2024
A significant transformation is underway in Australia’s aged care system, with the introduction of the Support at Home program. This program is set to replace the existing Home Care Package levels, aiming to provide more tailored and flexible services for older Australians. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming changes.
Support at Home will feature eight classifications for ongoing services, replacing the four Home Care Package levels currently in place. Each classification is designed to align with the varying needs of participants and will come with a specific budget to access services.
| Classification | Quarterly Budget | Annual Budget |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~$2,750 | ~$11,000 |
| 2 | ~$4,000 | ~$16,000 |
| 3 | ~$5,500 | ~$22,000 |
| 4 | ~$7,500 | ~$30,000 |
| 5 | ~$10,000 | ~$40,000 |
| 6 | ~$12,000 | ~$48,000 |
| 7 | ~$14,500 | ~$58,000 |
| 8 | ~$19,500 | ~$78,000 |
A participant’s classification and budget will be determined during an initial assessment based on their individual needs. This ensures that support levels are appropriate and reflective of their requirements.
For those already receiving services under the Home Care Package or waiting on the National Prioritisation System, the transition to Support at Home will not require a new assessment. Instead, these individuals will be allocated a budget aligned to their current Home Care Package level or the level they have been approved for but are awaiting access.
If a participant’s needs change in the future, they can undergo reassessment to move into a higher Support at Home classification with a larger budget.
Annual budgets under the Support at Home program are divided into quarterly allocations, providing participants with more regular access to funds. Additionally, participants can carry over unspent funds up to a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of their quarterly budget, whichever is greater. This flexibility ensures participants can plan and manage their care effectively.
Tailored Support: With eight classifications, Support at Home provides a more granular approach to meeting diverse care needs.
Fair Budgeting: Regular assessments ensure participants receive an appropriate level of support based on their needs.
Flexibility: Quarterly budgets and carry-over provisions allow for better financial and service planning.
The new Support at Home program reflects a commitment to improving aged care services in Australia. By tailoring support to individual needs and ensuring fair resource allocation, the program is set to provide a more responsive and effective framework for home care.
Stay informed about these changes by reaching out to aged care providers or visiting the official government website. Planning ahead will help ensure a smooth transition and continued support tailored to your needs.
Home Care Packages (soon to be renamed Support at Home) are available Australia-wide. To begin your search for home care providers in your area, simply click on your state below:
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