What is replacing Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages are being replaced by the Support at Home program.
Changes to Home Care Packages in Australia
Since November, 2025, Home Care Packages have been replaced by the Australian Government’s new Support at Home program. Support at Home brings together existing government-funded aged care services, including Home Care Packages and other in-home supports, into a single, simpler, and more flexible system.
Rather than relying on fixed package levels, Support at Home focuses on an individual’s assessed needs to determine the type and level of support provided. This personalised approach aims to help older Australians remain living safely and independently at home for longer, with care that can adapt as their needs change over time.
Quality and safety standards
Home care providers must now comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards which include requirements for delivering safe, effective, and person-centred care. These standards cover areas such as:
- Dignity and respect for the individual
- Partnering with the recipient in their care
- Ensuring personal safety and risk management
- Continuity of care, especially for recipients with complex or changing needs
The guidelines also require regular reviews of the recipient’s care plan and services to ensure that they continue to meet their needs.
What happens to existing Home Care Package recipients?
People currently receiving a Home Care Package will move to the new Support at Home program over time.
Transition to
Support at Home
People currently receiving a Home Care Package will move to the Support at Home program when it commences.
Continuity of Care
Transitional arrangements are designed to ensure individuals continue receiving support without interruption.
Ongoing Support
Recipients can maintain access to in-home services while the transition takes place.
Government Guidance
The transition process will follow government policy and consider each individual’s unique circumstances.
When are Home Care Packages being replaced?
Home Care Packages are being gradually phased out as the Australian Government introduces the Support at Home program. The transition is designed to ensure continuity of care while creating a more flexible and personalised in-home aged care system.
The timing of the transition will vary depending on government implementation schedules and individual circumstances. Recipients and their families will be provided with up-to-date information throughout the process to stay informed, plan ahead, and make the move to Support at Home as smooth and seamless as possible.
How Is Support at Home Different From Home Care Packages?
How is Support at Home different from
Home Care Packages?
While both programs support people to live at home, Support at Home changes how care is assessed, delivered, and adjusted over time.
| Home Care Packages | Support at Home |
|---|---|
| Based on fixed package levels | Based on individual assessed needs |
| Funding and services linked to assigned package level | Care can be tailored, adjusted, and scaled over time |
| Changes often require reassessment or waiting for a new package | Adjustments can be made as circumstances change |
| Multiple in-home programs sit alongside HCP | Combines multiple in-home support programs into one system |
| Can feel fragmented across services | Designed to be more streamlined and coordinated |
| Structured around budgets | Structured around personal care needs |
Will people need to reapply for care?
Existing Home Care Package recipients may undergo reassessment during the transition, helping align support with the new program. This process is designed to maintain continuity of care, allowing older Australians to continue receiving in-home services without interruption.
Care plan development
A crucial element of the home care package guidelines 2025 is the focus on personalised care plans. After a recipient is assigned a home care package, they work with their chosen service provider to develop a care plan tailored to their specific needs.
This care plan outlines the types of services the recipient will receive, how often those services will be provided, and any necessary adjustments as their needs evolve over time.
Financial contributions
The home care package guidelines 2025 maintain the principle that recipients may be required to contribute to the cost of their care, depending on their financial situation. There are three types of fees:
Basic Daily Fee
This is a contribution that all recipients may be asked to pay, depending on the provider.
Income-Tested Care Fee
Individuals with higher incomes may be required to pay an additional amount based on their income.
Additional Fees
The guidelines ensure that the costs are transparent, and all charges are discussed and agreed upon with the recipient.
It’s essential for recipients to understand their financial obligations and review these costs with their service provider. The guidelines also provide financial hardship assistance for those who may struggle to meet their contributions.
Next steps
The introduction of the Support at Home program is designed to create a simpler and more flexible system, making it easier to access appropriate support. Learning how Support at Home works, including assessment processes, funding arrangements, and transition pathways from existing programs, can help with informed decision-making.
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