Wesley Home Care

Navigating the new Support at Home program with Wesley Home Care

The Australian Government is introducing the new Support at Home program from 1 July 2025. You may have received a letter about this already. This will change how in-home aged care, including your current Home Care Package, is delivered. 

We're here to help make the change to Support at Home smooth for you and ensure your care will continue without any disruption.

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What is Support at Home?

 

Starting 1 July 2025, the government's new Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The aim is to help older Australians live independently at home for as long as possible. 

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also transition to Support at Home, but not before 1 July 2027. 

 

Why is in-home care changing? 

In-home care is changing because of the Royal Commission into Aged Care. The Support at Home program aims to create a simpler, fairer, and more accessible system, helping you stay healthy, active, and connected. 

 

Learn more on the official government website 

    Support at Home with Wesley Home Care: Key changes for you

     

    The new Support at Home program is designed to help you live independently at home for longer.  Here’s a quick look at what this means: 

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    Funding amount and financial contributions
    It depends based on your approval date. See details in the table below.
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    Quarterly budgets:
    Your annual budget will now be managed in three-month blocks.
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    Unspent funds:
    Clear rules apply. See details in the table below.
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    Longer recovery support:
    Up to 12 weeks of restorative care after illness or hospital stays (up from 8).
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    Dedicated equipment funding:
    Separate budget for assistive technology (e.g., walkers) and home modifications, so it doesn’t come from your main care budget.
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    Enhanced end-of-life care:
    More support available if needed.
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    Wesley Home Care guidance:
    Your Care Advisor will personally guide you through these changes.
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    Our promise to you 

     

    At Wesley Mission, we’ve been caring for people in our community for over 200 years, and our commitment to you will stay the same. Even though the way the government funds care is changing, we see this as a chance to make sure your care plan continues to give you the support you need to live independently and well. Our Care Advisors are ready to make this process clear and simple for you. 

      How the changes will affect your Wesley Home Care

      The way your care is managed and funded will see some specific adjustments. Understanding these based on your Home Care Package approval date is important:

       

      What's changing

      If your package was approved ON or BEFORE 12 September 2024

      If your package was approved AFTER 12 September 2024 
      Funding amount  Will be transitioned to a Support at Home classification that aligns with your current Home Care Package – No reassessment required.  Will be assessed and assigned a classification using the Government's Support at Home funding model.
      Financial Contributions Will be the same, or less, than what you currently pay, as the no-worse off principle applies.  Will move to the Support at Home contribution model from 1 July 2025. 
      Budget Shifts from an annual budget to a quarterly budget from 1 July 2025.  Shifts from an annual budget to a quarterly budget from 1 July 2025. 
      Unspent funds (your current HCP)   Accrued before 1 July 2025 will carry over in full.  Accrued before 1 July 2025 will carry over in full.
      Unspent funds (from 1 July 2025 onwards)  You can carry over up to $1,000 OR 10% of your quarterly Support at Home budget (whichever is greater) to the next quarter.  You can carry over up to $1,000 OR 10% of your quarterly Support at Home budget (whichever is greater) to the next quarter. 
      Current services   Will continue if they are part of the new Support at Home service list, though there may be adjustments.   Will continue if they are part of the new Support at Home service list, though there may be adjustments.

        Helpful new features in Support at Home

         

        Beyond the budget, the program introduces valuable additions:

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        Longer recovery support
        Up to 12 weeks of 'restorative care' (was 8) after illness or hospital stays, focusing on allied health to regain strength.
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        Separate funding for equipment and home changes
        Separate budget for items like walkers, ramps, or bathroom grab rails, so you don’t use your main care budget.
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        More support for end-of-life care
        A pathway for higher-level care in the final months, if needed.
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        What happens next with Wesley Home Care?

        Before 1 July 2025, your Wesley Home Care Advisor will work with you to: 

        • Review your current care plan to ensure it meets your needs.
        • Advise you of our new pricing.
        • Complete and return your new service agreement.
        • Explain how your new quarterly budget will work and plan services accordingly. 

         

        We encourage you to note any questions for your Care Advisor. 

          Key Contacts & Resources

          Your Wesley Home Care Advisor is your first point of contact. They will be in touch to discuss these changes personally. 

          Wesley Home Care: 1300 086 906 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) 

          Additional Resources:

           

          Australian Department of Health & Aged Care: Website, Phone: 1800 020 103 

          My Aged Care: Website, Phone: 1800 200 422

          Aged Care Quality Commission: Website, Phone: 1800 951 822 

          Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN): Website, Phone: 1800 700 600 

            FAQ

            Why are prices for home care services changing?

            The government is changing how providers like Wesley Home Care are funded under Support at Home. 

            We've updated our prices to align with these new requirements. 

            How will Wesley Home Care set prices from 1 July 2025?

            When the Support at Home program begins on 1 July 2025, care providers (like us) will         continue to set their own prices for services. This is like the current Home Care Packages system.  

            Your Care Management fee will be lower. There will no longer be a Package Management fee. Instead, the costs for managing your overall package will now be included within the price of your direct care services (like help with personal care, cleaning, or nursing). 

            Before July 2025, we will talk with you about our pricing for the Support at Home program and you will need to sign a new service agreement. 

            Later, from 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will introduce price limits (caps) on services. The government has given providers (like us) information and examples to help set fair and clear prices for the new program. 

            When will I see new charges on my Wesley Home Care statement?
            You'll likely see these on your statement for early August 2025.
            What if I’m worried about affording the new pricing?
            Please talk to your Wesley Home Care Advisor. They are here to discuss your situation and     help you navigate through this change.  

            You can also find more information here.
            Will I keep my same Wesley Home Care care workers?
            We understand that consistent care is important. While the new program does not change how we match or roster care workers, some changes may still occur due to availability or other operational needs. Our goal remains to provide you with familiar, trusted, and high-quality support wherever possible. 
            Will my services be interrupted?
            No, your current services should continue without disruption.
            Will I need a new service agreement?
            Yes, your Care Advisor will help you with this.
            How will I know if my care plan needs updating?
            When you are contacted by your Care Advisor, they will discuss if your care plan needs to be updated.  
            How can I help the person I represent?
            • Stay informed: Keep up with news (subscribe to government updates).
            • Advocate: Ensure their needs are in their Wesley Home Care plan.
            • Involve them: Encourage participation in decisions.
            • Offer support: Listen and reassure.
            • Anxiety support: If they are anxious, contact their Wesley Home Care Advisor. Chaplaincy support is also available through Wesley Home Care.