Taking the confusion out of Australia’s new in-home aged care system
If you, or someone you care for, has been receiving a Home Care Package, you’ve likely heard about the recent changes to Australia’s aged care system.
As of 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program officially replaced the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.
The change is already in effect – so if you were receiving a Home Care Package, you should now have been automatically transitioned into the new Support at Home system by your provider.
But with so much information circulating, it’s understandable that many people are unsure about what’s changed, or whether they’re fully up to date.
Here’s what should have happened by now, how to check your transition, and what the new system means for you.
What should have happened by now
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package before November 2025:
- You should have been automatically transitioned into the Support at Home program – there’s no need to reapply or complete a new assessment.
- Your services should have continued without interruption, delivered by the same provider.
- Your provider should have contacted you to explain the changes and update your service agreement to match the new system.
- Your package level should now align with one of the new Support at Home classifications – eight levels instead of the previous four.
If any of these steps haven’t happened yet, it’s important to follow up – just to make sure everything is in place.
Note: For people already on Home Care Packages before certain cut-off dates, the “no-worse-off” principle applies.
How to check if you’re up to date
If you’re unsure whether you or your loved one have been fully transitioned:
- Check your paperwork: Have you received a new or updated service agreement from your provider since November 2025? This confirms your transition.
- Ask your provider: Contact your Home Care provider and ask them to confirm your move to the Support at Home program and tell you what classification you’ve been mapped to.
- Still unsure? Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or speak to an aged care advocate through OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network). They can confirm your status and guide you on next steps.
What’s better about Support at Home
While the transition may have caused confusion, the new Support at Home program brings meaningful improvements:
- More personalised care – Eight funding levels allow care to be more closely matched to your needs.
- Greater transparency – Budgets are now issued quarterly, rather than annually, giving you clearer insight and control into how your funds are being used.
- Simpler pricing – Providers must publish service rates, making it easier to compare and choose.
- More flexible support – In addition to personal care and domestic help, you may now have access to more allied health, restorative care, and assistive technology options.
The goal is simple: to give older Australians more choice, clarity, and confidence to live safely and independently at home.
You can read more about the program on the Department of Health and Aged Care website and My Aged Care.
We’re here to help
The move to the Support at Home program is one of the biggest changes Australia’s aged care system has seen – but it’s all about giving older Australians more choice, transparency, and confidence to keep living safely and comfortably at home.
If you’re already a For Care customer, you can rest easy knowing your transition has gone ahead as it should. One of our team members will have walked you through what’s new, explained the changes in plain language, and updated your agreement to reflect the new system.
If you’re thinking about switching providers or you’re not sure where things stand, our friendly team is here to help. We’ll take the time to explain your options, make sure everything’s up to date, and ensure your support continues seamlessly – with no interruption to the care you rely on.
