Wesley Home Care

Navigating the Support at Home program

The Australian Government introduced the new Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. This changes how in-home aged care, including previous Home Care Packages, are delivered.  

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

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What is Support at Home?

 

On 1 November 2025, the government's new Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Support at Home program aims to create a simpler, fairer, and more accessible system, helping you stay healthy, active, and connected.  

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also transition to Support at Home from 1 July 2027.  

Learn more about Support at Home on the official government website

    Support at Home at a glance

     

    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 classification
    Eight different funding classifications for ongoing services to make sure your individual needs are supported, and additional funding for three short-term services.
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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. You can carry over up to $1,000 OR 10% of your quarterly Support at Home budget (whichever is greater) to the next quarter.
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    Longer recovery support:
    Up to 12 weeks of restorative care after illness or hospital stays (up from 8), focusing on allied health to regain strength.
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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 for higher-level care in the final months, if needed.
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    Wesley Home Care guidance:
    Your Care Advisor will personally guide you through the process so you can get the care you need.
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    Our promise to you 

     

    Government programs may change over time but at Wesley Mission we remain committed to serving Australians for the long term. For more than 200 years, we've been supporting people in our community by seeing each person for who they are and recognising the life they lead. Our promise remains, quality care and reliable support to help you live independently and well, because every life matters.  

      How Support at Home affects those with Home Care Packages

      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 November 2025. 
      Budget Shifts from an annual budget to a quarterly budget from 1 November 2025.  Shifts from an annual budget to a quarterly budget from 1 November 2025. 
      Unspent funds (your current HCP)   Accrued before 1 November 2025 will carry over in full.  Accrued before 1 November 2025 will carry over in full.
      Unspent funds (from 1 November 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.

        Support at Home services

        We create flexible care plans that fit around what matters to you – whether that's tending to your garden, keeping up with grandkids or simply having help when you need it.

         Clinical services


        • Care guidance
        • Nursing care
        • Health therapies
        • Nutrition support
        • Restorative care

         Independence services


        • Social connection
        • Getting out & about
        • Personal care
        • Respite for carers
        • Helpful home tech

        Everyday living services


        • Home & garden upkeep
        • Help around the house
        • Meal prep   

         Short-term support


        • Equipment or home changes (assistive technology and home modifications)
        • Building your physical strength (restorative care)
        • End-of-life support
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        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 has changed how providers like Wesley Home Care are funded under Support at Home. Our prices are updated to align with these new requirements.  

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

          Under the new Support at Home program, care providers (like us) will continue to set their own prices for services. This is like the previous 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).  
           
          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 December 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 care workers?
          We understand that consistent care is important. While the new Support at Home 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 if I have a Home Care Package?
          Yes, your Care Advisor will help you with this.
          How will I know if my care plan needs updating?
          If you need extra care, speak to your Care Advisor who’ll discuss your needs and guide you through the process 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.