Support at Home: Replaced Home Care Packages in Australia
In November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program, replacing the former Home Care Packages scheme as part of significant aged care reforms and updates to the Aged Care Act.
The new program is designed to strengthen quality and safety standards and improve access to services for older Australians.
If you’re looking for more detail about why the Home Care Package program was replaced and what this means for participants, read our article on the transition in What Happened to Home Care Packages?.
How Support at Home Works?
Support at Home begins with your eligibility and assessment through My Aged Care.
After your assessment (typically in your own home), you’ll receive a Support at Home classification with a quarterly budget and plan of services based on your assessed care needs.
An approved provider, like a local Just Better Care office, then works with you to plan, manage and deliver the services that matter most to you.
To help you feel prepared and confident before your assessment, visit our guide to the ACAT assessment for Support at Home, read practical tips in How to Prepare for Your Support at Home Assessment, and explore your options in Changing In-Home Aged Care Providers: Steps to Follow if you are considering switching providers.
Helpful read: For information on our personalised approach to delivering care, you may also find our article Personalised Home Care in Australia helpful — it explains how care planning supports independence, choice and wellbeing.
What Services Are Available Under Support at Home?
The Support at Home program can include:
- Personal care (help with showering, dressing and grooming)
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry and shopping)
- Meal preparation and nutrition support
- Nursing and clinical care
- Allied health services (such as physiotherapy and podiatry)
- Social support and community involvement
- Transport and mobility supports
- Home safety modifications and assistive technology
All support services delivered under the program aim to preserve independence, comfort, connection and quality of life.
How to Apply for Support at Home?
To access government-subsidised Support at Home:
- Register with My Aged Care — call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au.
- Arrange an assessment — an assessor will visit you to understand your support needs.
- Receive your outcome — you’ll be notified of your Support at Home classification and budget.
- Choose Just Better Care — our team will help you create and coordinate your support plan.
You can also explore options for managing your support, including flexible scheduling and service options to match your lifestyle.
Flexible and Self-Directed Care
Support at Home offers flexibility, including options for participants who want greater control of how their services are delivered and how their budgets are used.
Your local Just Better Care Care Partner will inform you of the level of self-management available under the Support at Home program and will work with you to understand the level of choice and direction that suits you best, including personalised care planning and regular reviews.
Why Choose Just Better Care?
As Australia’s largest franchised provider of in-home aged care and disability support, we combine deep local understanding with national experience.
Our approach prioritises respect, compassion and person-first support at every stage of your care journey, regardless of whether you’re accessing government funding or arranging private support directly with your local Just Better Care office.
When you choose Just Better Care, you’re choosing a team that takes the time to understand your preferences, routines and long-term goals. We focus on building trusted relationships, delivering consistent quality, and ensuring your support evolves as your needs change.
That commitment is reflected in the way we deliver care every day:
- Personalised care planning with your goals, choices and independence front of mind
- Compassionate and skilled support workers carefully matched to your needs and preferences
- Clear communication with regular reviews to ensure your services remain right for you
- Flexible funding options through government programs, such as Support at Home, or Private Care
Why families choose us: For a deeper look at what sets us apart, explore our article on 10 Reasons to Choose Just Better Care, where we outline the key benefits our customers and families consistently tell us matter most to them, from personalised support to trusted local care teams and contacts in the community.
Ready to get started?
Whether you’re transitioning to Support at Home, planning future support or exploring private care, we’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
If you’ve been approved for government-funded care, our team can guide you through setting up your Support at Home services and tailoring a plan around your goals.
Get Started with Support at Home
Need care sooner? Private (self-funded) in-home care can often be arranged quickly, without waiting periods or eligibility assessments. Private care offers fewer restrictions and the highest level of control and flexibility over your services, schedules and support team.
Explore Private In-Home Care
Prefer to speak with someone local? Contact your local Just Better Care office for expert advice and personalised guidance on Support at Home or private services.
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