Support at Home Level 5 Aged Care: Intensive Daily Support & Health Coordination (2026 Guide)
As health needs become more complex, the requirement for support often shifts from “frequent” to “intensive.” At this stage, you or your loved one may be managing multiple chronic conditions, significant mobility limitations, or the middle stages of dementia, necessitating a coordinated team of health professionals.
In 2026, Level 5 (Classification 5) of the Support at Home program is designed for this high-needs “upper-mid” tier. It provides a substantial budget to ensure that personal care is available every single day, alongside regular clinical oversight to prevent health deterioration.
What is Support at Home Level 5?
Level 5 is intended for seniors with intensive daily care needs. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, this classification bridges the gap between standard high-care and the very complex nursing-led levels (6–8).
The hallmark of Level 5 is Health Coordination. Because you are likely seeing multiple specialists—such as a physiotherapist, a wound care nurse, and a podiatrist—your Care Partner plays a vital role in ensuring these services don’t overlap and that your care plan remains consistent and safe.
How Much Funding Do You Receive?
The 2026 funding for Level 5 provides a significant increase to accommodate daily visits:
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Annual Budget: ~$39,697
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Quarterly Allocation: ~$9,924
Care Management: 10% of this budget (~$992 per quarter) is allocated to your Care Partner. At Level 5, this funding supports more frequent “check-ins” and clinical advice, ensuring that if your health changes, your services can be adjusted immediately to keep you safe at home.
What Services Can You Access at Level 5?
With an annual budget of nearly $40,000, most participants receive roughly 10 to 14 hours of support per week. A typical Level 5 schedule often looks like this:
1. Daily Personal Care (Independence Support)
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Morning & Evening Visits: Support for showering and dressing in the morning, and help with “settling” or evening medication in the later hours.
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Mobility & Transfers: Assistance moving safely from bed to chair, often using basic mobility aids like walkers or stand-assist frames.
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Continence Management: High-level assistance to maintain hygiene and skin integrity.
2. Frequent Clinical Nursing ($0 Cost)
Clinical care is fully government-funded in 2026. Level 5 plans typically include:
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Nursing (2–3x Weekly): Regular visits for medication administration, wound monitoring, or managing chronic symptoms.
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Weekly Allied Health: Sessions with a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist to maintain strength and reduce the high risk of falls at this level.
3. Support for Everyday Living
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Specialized Meal Prep: Help preparing meals that meet specific dietary requirements (e.g., soft foods or low-sodium diets).
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Domestic Support: Cleaning and laundry services once or twice a week to maintain a hygienic living environment.
2026 Costs: What Will You Pay?
Your contribution is based on your income status and the service category:
| Service Category | Full Pensioner Pays | Self-Funded Pays |
| Clinical Care (Nursing/Physio) | $0 | $0 |
| Independence (Personal Care) | 5% | 50% |
| Everyday Living (Cleaning/Meals) | 17.5% | 80% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Level 5 enough for someone with dementia?
Level 5 is often highly effective for the middle stages of dementia. It provides enough funding for daily routine support, which is critical for those with cognitive decline. However, if “sundowning” or 24/7 supervision becomes necessary, a reassessment for Level 7 or 8 may be required.
2. How does Level 5 differ from Level 4?
While Level 4 focuses on “high-frequency” help (about 8–10 hours a week), Level 5 is “intensive” (10–14 hours). The extra funding is primarily intended to cover daily personal care visits and more frequent allied health sessions.
3. Can I get a hospital bed or a hoist at Level 5?
Yes. Major equipment is managed through the AT-HM (Assistive Technology) scheme. Level 5 participants have access to “High Tier” funding (starting at $15,000) for specialized equipment like electric hospital beds, pressure-relieving mattresses, or mobile hoists.
4. What if I am waiting for my full Level 5 funding?
If there is a waitlist in your area, the government may offer Interim Funding at 60% of the Level 5 rate. This allows you to start essential daily services immediately while you wait for your full allocation to become available.
