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.
Navigating the Support at Home program
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:
Funding classification
Quarterly budgets:
Unspent funds:
Longer recovery support:
Dedicated equipment funding:
Enhanced end-of-life care:
Wesley Home Care guidance:
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
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
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?
What if I’m worried about affording the new pricing?
You can also find more information here.
Will I keep my same care workers?
Will my services be interrupted?
Will I need a new service agreement if I have a Home Care Package?
How will I know if my care plan needs updating?
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.