Clear guidance to help you choose the right support at home.
Support at Home is replacing Home Care Packages as Australia’s main in-home aged care program. This change is designed to make it easier for older people to get the help they need while continuing to live safely and comfortably at home.
While both programs support independence, Support at Home offers a more flexible and needs-based approach to care. It focuses on matching services more closely to each person’s situation, making support simpler to understand, easier to manage, and more responsive as care needs change over time.
Home Care Packages were an Australian Government-funded program designed to support older people to live independently at home. The program included four package levels, with each level offering a different amount of funding based on assessed care needs.
The assigned package level determined how much funding was available and what services could be accessed. While this approach provided structure, it could be limiting when care needs changed, as people often had to wait for a reassessment or a higher package to receive additional support.
Support at Home is the new in-home aged care program replacing Home Care Packages and other existing in-home care arrangements. It is designed to make access to care simpler and more consistent for older people living at home.
Instead of using fixed package levels, Support at Home is based on individual assessed needs. This allows services and funding to be adjusted more easily over time, ensuring support continues to match a person’s changing circumstances.
| Area | Support at Home | Home Care Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Program structure | Single, streamlined program | Four fixed package levels |
| Funding approach | Based on assessed care needs | Based on package level |
| Flexibility | Higher flexibility as needs change | Limited by package level |
| Program complexity | Simplified system | Multiple programs and rules |
| Ongoing review | Regular review and adjustment | Reassessment required to change levels |
Support at Home is specifically designed to improve access to a wide range of services by significantly reducing administrative complexity and enhancing the coordination of care. By simplifying the system, it allows individuals to receive the support they need more quickly and with far less hassle, making the entire process easier to navigate.
This streamlined approach ensures that people receive timely, appropriate, and personalised support without the burden of having to manage or understand multiple program pathways. The goal is to create a smoother, more efficient experience that better meets individual needs.
Unlike traditional Home Care Packages, Support at Home is designed to respond to real-life changes, giving you greater flexibility and timely support when you need it
| Home Care Packages | Support at Home |
|---|---|
| Fixed funding caps based on package levels | Flexible funding that adapts to changing care needs |
| Four set package levels | Multiple funding levels based on assessed needs |
| Funding tied to your package level | Funding adjusts without changing levels |
| Changes often require reassessment and waiting | Adjustments can be made more quickly |
| Less responsive to short-term or changing needs | More responsive to what you actually need |
| Budget-focused model | Needs-based funding model |
People who are currently receiving Home Care Packages will transition to Support at Home when the new program begins. This ensures that individuals continue to receive the care and support they need without disruption during the changeover.
The transitional arrangements are designed to maintain continuity of care while gradually aligning services with the new system. This approach helps make the shift smooth and seamless for everyone involved.
Choosing the right home care option is easier when you understand the key differences. Support at Home offers flexibility and simpler access, while Home Care Packages follow fixed funding levels with more structured rules. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
If you are currently receiving a Home Care Package or planning for future care, understanding the differences between programs is an important step. Being informed helps you make the right choices for your needs and ensures you get the most appropriate support.
Further information is available about eligibility,funding, and how Support at Home works in practice. Accessing these details can help you navigate the system with confidence and plan your care effectively.
Whether you’re ready to start experiencing quality care or just want to learn more about our services, our friendly support team are here to help. Send us a message by filling in the form, or call us anytime on.
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© 2026 My Guardian Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
© 2026 My Guardian Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge
their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures
and the elders past, present and emerging.
