Care Connect will continue to deliver your care services, as part of your current government-funded homecare program, as we prepare for the introduction of the new Support at Home Program on 1 July 2025.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is the Federal Government’s new aged care program that will be implemented on 1 July 2025, merging and replacing current government-funded programs, including:
- Home Care Package program;
- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP);
- Short Term Restorative Care program; and
- Residential Respite programs.
Why are the changes being made?
The final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety <https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au> made a number of recommendations to improve the care of older Australians. Support at Home is one way that the government is actioning the recommendations.
What are the benefits of the change?
Once Support at Home is implemented, it will be clearer what funding stream is used to access services, what supports are available, and how to access them easily. This is because Support at Home is planned to include:
- a single assessment process and assessment team, and an integrated assessment tool to replace the National Screening and Assessment Form;
- individualised support plans, based on assessed aged care needs and personal circumstances;
- greater clarity of services, improved safety and quality of care;
- greater choice, flexibility and transparency;
- better matching of services to a person’s support needs; and
- easier access to goods, equipment, and home modifications.
The new program will also support informal carers, with improved integration between My Aged Care and the Carer Gateway.
Why is it taking so long to implement the change?
For a number of years, there have been plans to overhaul the home care programs in Australia, with a range of different draft models being proposed. It is a massive undertaking to change such a complex and important system, so it is not surprising that it is taking a long time to figure out how to make it work for all the stakeholders involved, most particularly, for older people at the centre of the service system.
Stay informed and get involved:
Over the next 2 years, you will hear more and more about the Federal Government’s new aged care program, Support at Home. While there is still much to finalise with the program, it’s important to be aware that these changes are coming, and how you may be part of influencing them.
To learn more, please visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Reforming in-home aged care webpage. To get involved with the in-home aged care consultations, visit the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub where you can also register for the Aged Care Sector newsletter.
Please contact Care Connect on 1800 692 464, or email service@careconnect.org.au if you think you will require additional support during this time so that we can make your life easier by arranging your assessment, and providing you with the care you deserve.