Support at Home Level 7: Intensive Daily Multidisciplinary Care (2026 Guide)
As health and mobility needs reach an advanced stage, the requirement for support often moves beyond “help” and into “intensive coordination.” At this level, many seniors are managing severe physical limitations, advanced dementia, or multiple chronic illnesses that require a team-based approach to remain safely at home.
In 2026, Level 7 (Classification 7) of the Support at Home program is one of the highest tiers of in-home funding available. It is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive alternative to residential aged care, allowing those with very high dependency to stay in familiar surroundings.
What is Support at Home Level 7?
Level 7 is for seniors who require intensive daily multidisciplinary care. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, this level is characterized by multiple daily visits from a coordinated team of carers and clinicians.
The hallmark of Level 7 is integrated support. Your Care Partner—typically a clinical lead—manages a high-intensity care plan where nursing, allied health, and personal care work together seamlessly. This level is often assigned to those who rely on specialized equipment (like hoists) and require full assistance with almost every aspect of daily life.
How Much Funding Do You Receive?
The 2026 funding for Level 7 provides a substantial budget to facilitate a high volume of care hours:
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Annual Budget: ~$58,148
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Quarterly Allocation: ~$14,537
Care Management: 10% of this budget (~$1,453 per quarter) is dedicated to your Care Partner. At Level 7, this covers the complex coordination required to manage a rotating team of staff and ensure your clinical needs are met safely every day.
What Services Can You Access at Level 7?
With a budget of over $58,000, most participants receive approximately 18 to 22 hours of support per week. A typical Level 7 schedule often includes:
1. Full Personal Care (Independence Support)
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Multiple Daily Visits: Support with “morning, noon, and night” routines, including waking up, all meals, and evening settling.
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Full Assistance with ADLs: Complete help with eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting.
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Transfer Support: Safe movement using mechanical aids like hoists or stand-assist frames, often requiring two-person “double-up” care for safety.
2. Intensive Clinical Nursing ($0 Cost)
In 2026, clinical care is fully government-funded. At Level 7, your plan likely includes:
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Frequent Nursing Care: Several visits per week for specialized medical tasks like catheter care, stoma management, or complex pain relief.
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Active Symptom Monitoring: Constant oversight of chronic conditions (e.g., advanced Parkinson’s or heart failure) to prevent crises.
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Allied Health Integration: Regular sessions with a Physiotherapist or Speech Pathologist for maintenance and safety.
3. Comprehensive Support for Daily Living
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Nutritional Planning: Help with specialized meal textures (e.g., pureed diets) and assisted feeding.
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Hygiene Maintenance: Heavy-duty domestic help to ensure a clean, safe, and sterile home environment.
2026 Costs: What Will You Pay?
Your contribution is based on your income assessment and the specific category of service:
| 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 7 an alternative to a nursing home?
Yes. Level 7 is specifically designed to provide the same intensity of care found in residential facilities. It is ideal for families who wish to keep their loved ones at home but can no longer manage the physical demands of high-care alone.
2. Can I get a hoist or specialized wheelchair at Level 7?
Yes. Major equipment is managed through the AT-HM (Assistive Technology) scheme. Level 7 participants are eligible for “High Tier” funding (typically starting at $15,000) for high-cost items like electric hoists or customized wheelchairs, so your daily care budget remains intact.
3. What if 22 hours a week still isn’t enough?
If the person requires constant 24/7 supervision or overnight monitoring, they may need to be assessed for Level 8, which is the highest level of in-home care available and includes palliative pathways.
4. Does Level 7 include respite for my family?
Absolutely. Respite is a key component of the “Independence” stream. Level 7 funding can be used for in-home respite, allowing your family carers to take necessary breaks while professional staff manage your care.
