Support at Home: Tailored In-Home Care Services for Older Australians

Are you or a loved one looking for in-home support to stay independent and safe? The Support at Home Program is Australia’s new aged care model, designed to make it simpler and fairer for older Australians to receive help at home. Staying in familiar surroundings while getting the right level of care allows you to maintain comfort, independence, and quality of life.

This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to access Support at Home services - from assessment to choosing a provider and ongoing care.

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Step 1: Understand the Support at Home Program

The Support at Home Program replaced the old Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme, bringing everything under one, flexible system.

Support at Home provides a wide range of services, including:

Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Home cleaning, meals, and maintenance
Transport and shopping assistance
Nursing and allied health
Social activities and community connection

Unlike the old programs, Support at Home funding is tailored to your needs rather than fixed package levels. Your support plan adjusts as your circumstances change.

Tip: Learn more about how Support at Home differs from the previous system to understand what’s new and how it benefits you.

Explore the different levels of Support at Home:

Step 2: Contact My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the first step in applying for government-funded home support.

Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.
Request an aged care assessment to determine your eligibility for Support at Home.
Get information about approved providers and services available in your local area.

Step 3: Complete an Aged Care Assessment

Once you apply, My Aged Care will organise an assessment to identify the level and type of support you need.

An assessor will:

Talk to you about your health, mobility, and daily life
Identify what supports would help you stay independent
Develop a personalised care plan under the Support at Home framework

This assessment may be done in your home or over the phone, depending on your situation.

Step 4: Review Your Approval and Plan

After your assessment, you’ll receive an approval letter outlining:

The types of services and supports you’re eligible for
How much government funding you’ll receive
Next steps for choosing your provider

Support at Home removes the old “package level” structure - instead, your funding is flexible and can grow or reduce as your needs change.

Step 5: Choose Your Support at Home Provider

Once approved, you can select a registered Support at Home provider to deliver your services.

When choosing:

Compare pricing, flexibility, and reputation
Check that they meet your personal, cultural, or lifestyle preferences
Review the care plan to ensure it’s tailored and adjustable over time

Accessing Support at Home in Australia is straightforward once you understand the process. Start your journey today to maintain your independence and receive professional care in the comfort of your own home.

Find Support at Home Services in Your State

Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home

Q1: What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia’s new aged care program that helps older Australians live independently by funding in-home services like personal care, domestic help, and health support.

Q2: How do I access Support at Home services?
Start by contacting My Aged Care (1800 200 422). You’ll complete an assessment, receive an approval letter, and then choose a provider to deliver your care.

Q3: What happened to CHSP and Home Care Packages?
They’ve been replaced by Support at Home, which combines both systems into one streamlined, flexible model that adapts to your needs.

Q4: How long does the process take?
Timeframes vary depending on demand and assessment scheduling, but Support at Home aims to reduce wait times compared to the old system.

Q5: Can I change my provider?
Yes. You can switch providers or adjust services anytime - the new system is designed for flexibility and choice.

Q6: Are Support at Home services government-funded?
Yes. Most services are subsidised by the Australian Government, though some co-contributions may apply depending on income and service type.

Q7: How often is my care plan reviewed?
Your plan is reviewed at least once a year, or sooner if your health, circumstances, or goals change.