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Support at Home

From 1 November 2025, the Home Care Package (HCP) Program will be replaced by the new Support at Home (SAH) program, marking the first stage of a broader reform.

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VMCH aged care resident doing light exercise at home with support from a staff member, using therapy balls and weights for strength and mobility.

What’s changing in Home Care?

Government-subsidised home care in Australia is undergoing a major transformation.

These changes stem from the new Aged Care Act, which has bipartisan support, and have been shaped by the Department of Health and Aged Care in consultation with the aged care sector and participant groups. The key goals are to:

Implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
Create a more accessible, sustainable, and person-centred home care system.

VMCH is well-prepared for this transition, and we’ll update our website with all the details as they become available. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about the key aspects of Support at Home.

VMCH aged care resident using a tablet with support from a staff member, promoting digital inclusion and personalised care.

Introducing Support at Home (SAH)

The new home care system marks a significant change, directly addressing Principle 1 of the Aged Care Taskforce.

VMCH aged care staff member assisting a resident with groceries in the kitchen, fostering independence and daily living support.

What Support at Home means for current home care recipients

The Australian Government has outlined plans to help HCP recipients transition to Support at Home.

VMCH aged care staff member supporting a resident with grocery shopping, smiling together while pushing a trolley filled with fresh food and flowers.

Understanding the single assessment system

A simplified process for older Australians to access aged care.

VMCH aged care resident enjoying time outdoors with gardeners, surrounded by greenery and flowers while staff tidy the garden.

SAH classification and funding explained

The Government is introducing a new classification framework for home care, starting 1 July 2025.

VMCH aged care staff member assisting a resident to stand from the couch, providing supportive and compassionate in-home care.

How services and pricing will work under Support at Home

Services will be categorised into three key areas, clinical, independence and everyday living.

VMCH aged care resident sitting at a table with a coffee, smiling while talking on the phone at home.

Understanding co-contributions: What you'll pay for care

The government has introduced a more sustainable, fair, and equitable home care system.

VMCH aged care resident smiling and chatting over tea with a staff member in the kitchen, enjoying companionship and conversation.

What are care services and how do they impact me?

Care management services are designed to help you get the most from your Support at Home package.

Two VMCH aged care residents sitting together at a table, reading documents and discussing plans over coffee at home.

Can I modify my home to suit my needs?

If you need help with mobility or everyday items, consider assistive technology and home modifications.

VMCH aged care staff member supporting a resident using a walker at home, providing mobility assistance and encouragement.

What is the Restorative Care Pathway?

Designed to help older people regain function and avoid the need for longer-term care.

VMCH aged care resident enjoying family time on the balcony, smiling with his daughter and granddaughter over tea and conversation.

New End-of-Life Pathway explained

Supporting people who wish to remain at home during palliative care.

One of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was that in-home aged care should offer better support for people who are nearing the end of life.

As part of this response, the Support at Home (SAH) program, launching on 1 November 2025, will introduce a dedicated End-of-Life (EOL) Pathway. This new initiative will support older people who have been diagnosed with three months or less to live and who wish to stay at home during the palliative process.

Learn more