“Putting people at the centre of their care and delivering great services is at the heart of what Life Without Barriers does,” Brendan Smith, Executive Director, Aged Care.
Image: An older man standing in a park smiling at the camera.
On 1 November 2025, the Australian Government’s Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs, marking a shift in how aged care is delivered at home.
At Life Without Barriers, we welcome this change and are committed to supporting older Australians to live their best lives at home, whether they’re already receiving care or just beginning their journey.
“Support at Home is a significant shift in how aged care is delivered, with a stronger focus on transparency, flexibility and individual choice,” said Brendan Smith, Life Without Barriers’ Executive Director, Aged Care.
“We’re here to guide both existing clients and those new to aged care through this transition, ensuring they feel confident and supported every step of the way.”
For existing Home Care Package clients
If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, you’ll automatically transition to the Support at Home program. There’s no need for reassessment, and your existing funding level will continue.
You’ll also retain any unspent funds, which can be used for additional services, assistive technology, or home modifications.
The new program introduces quarterly budgets, giving you more visibility and control over your care funding. Care management costs are capped at 10%, and any other costs involved in delivering your services are now included in service prices, making costs more transparent and easier to compare.
For those starting their aged care journey
If you're just beginning to explore in-home aged care, the Support at Home program aims to offer a simplified and more personalised experience. There is now a single assessment process for those needing low-level care through the Commonwealth Home Support Program or higher level care through Support at Home.
The new assessment process is easier to navigate and matches you to one of eight Support at Home funding levels, ensuring your care is tailored to your individual needs.
Services are grouped into three clear categories:
Everyday Living: such as cleaning, meals, and home maintenance.
Independence: including personal care, transport, social support, and respite.
Clinical Care: covering nursing, allied health, and medication management.
This makes it easier to understand what services you are approved for and what support is available to help you maintain your independence and wellbeing at home.
You’ll also have access to short-term pathways if you have accessed needs for targeted support, including:
Restorative care: to help you regain independence after a setback.
End-of-life support: for those in their final months.
Assistive technology and home modifications: with separate funding available to improve safety and accessibility.
While you will never have to pay contributions towards any clinical care services you receive, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of your Everyday Living and Independence services. The amount you will need to pay is based on income and asset information through Services Australia. These contributions are designed to be fair and manageable, ensuring that support remains accessible to those who need it most.
Strengthening rights and protections
One of the most important aspects of the Support at Home program is its foundation in the new Aged Care Act, which strengthens the rights, safety, and quality of care for older Australians.
All providers must adhere to a national Code of Conduct, strengthened aged care quality standards and uphold a Statement of Rights, ensuring that clients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. These reforms aim to build a more accountable and person-centred aged care system.
“Putting people at the centre of their care and delivering great services is at the heart of what Life Without Barriers does,” Brendan added.
“We’re proud to walk alongside older Australians and their families as they navigate this new chapter in aged care.”
Learn more
To find out more about the Support at Home program and how Life Without Barriers can support you or your loved ones, visit our Support at Home page or reach out to our national Aged Care team on agedcareenquiries@lwb.org.au or 1800 792 359.
