Home Care Packages / Support at Home
NEW Support at Home Program
The landscape of aged care in Australia is undergoing significant reforms to create a more streamlined and effective system for older Australians. These changes are being implemented in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which highlighted the need for improvements in the quality and accessibility of aged care services. A key component of these reforms is the transition from the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to the new Support at Home scheme.
From 1 November 2025 – The Support at Home program will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
From 1 July 2027 – The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to the new Support at Home program.
About the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program is designed to consolidate several existing in-home care programs into a simpler, fairer system. The primary goal is to improve access to services, equipment, and home modifications, thereby helping older Australians remain healthy, active, and socially connected to their communities.
There will be distinct service categories, including:
- Independence at home
- Social connections
- Personal care
- Health and specialised support
- Care management
- Digital technologies, equipment, and home modifications
- Respite care
Existing Home Care Package Consumers will retain their home care packages under the no worse off principle. If your needs increase in the future, you can be reassessed into a new support at home classification.
What will these changes look like?
Reforms to the in-home care system will mean there are a series of changes made to assessments, available services, funded providers and regulation of the market. Hesse Rural Health continues to work with the Australian Government Department of Health on these changes and will update you as we learn more about these upcoming changes.
Learn More
Click to learn more about the new Support at Home Program
Q&A Sheet
Click to read Question & Answer Sheet about the new Support at Home Program
Eligibility
To find out if you are eligible for support at home or other government funded home care services:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Contact us
Hesse can arrange an appointment at one of our centres or your home to meet and provide you with information and support you with this process. Please contact reception on (03) 5267 1200 to book an appointment today.