What Is the Support at Home Program and How Does It Work?

Navigating aged care services can feel complex. That’s why the Support at Home program aims to make aged care simpler, fairer, and more flexible. The intention of the program is to give older Australians more choice and control over their care. This is to ensure that every dollar of funding is used to support your independence at home.

The main goal of Support at Home is to improve your wellness, independence, and safety, allowing you to live comfortably in your own home for longer. This guide explains how the program works, its key benefits, and how you can make the most of the services available.

How Support at Home program Funding Works

A key feature of the Support at Home program is its quarterly funding model. This approach offers greater flexibility to manage your care needs. For example, you may need extra support after a hospital stay or rehabilitation. The program allows you to increase services when you return home. This ensures your funding is used effectively throughout the quarter.

The program also encourages you to use the support you have been assessed as needing. Each quarter, you can only roll over 10% of your unused funds or $1,000, whichever is higher. This “use it or lose it” approach ensures you receive the full benefit of the care and services you are eligible for.

To help you get started sooner, the government is reducing wait times for accessing services. You may be approved to access 60% of your funding initially, with the full 100% becoming available within about 10 weeks.

Clinical Support at No Cost to You

One of the most significant benefits of the Support at Home program is that all clinical support comes with no out-of-pocket expenses for all older Australians. This is the only category of service with no contribution required. For example, you can receive treatment from a physiotherapist in the comfort of your own home or attend a clinic, depending on what suits you best.

Additionally, the program includes clinical oversight from a Registered Nurse at least once a year, or more frequently if your needs change. The program also provides this service at no expense to you, ensuring your health is professionally monitored.

Your Care, Managed Your Way

Under the Support at Home program, a skilled customer care manager will support you directly. They provide care management at least once a month. This helps you understand which services best support you at home. Your care manager will also oversee your budget and encourage you to utilise your funding effectively.

The program empowers you to decide how your services are delivered. You can choose to get help with tasks like lawn mowing and domestic assistance, freeing up your time for the things you love. This allows you to maintain your independence by continuing with the tasks you enjoy while getting support for the ones that are more difficult.

Specialised Pathways for Targeted Support

The Support at Home program introduces new pathways to provide targeted assistance based on your specific needs.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)

If you are approved for the AT-HM pathway, you no longer need to save up for essential equipment or home modifications. This ensures your home is made safer for you sooner. At HCA Home Care, our team will work with you to understand the AT-HM service list. We can also help you access equipment that promotes your independence. This pathway is available to all Support at Home recipients, including those waiting for their funding to commence.

Restorative Care

This pathway is designed for individuals who have recently been in hospital, been diagnosed with a new medical condition, or experienced reduced mobility. If you are approved for restorative care, you will be eligible for extra funding to help increase your independence and delay the need for long-term care services.

End-of-Life Care

For those approved for this pathway, the funding enables you to remain at home during the end-of-life stage, if that is your choice. It provides the necessary clinical care and support to ensure you are comfortable in a familiar environment.

More Than Just Care: Services for Your Lifestyle

Support at Home is about enhancing your overall quality of life. The program supports your lifestyle and social connections through a range of services.

• Social Support: You can join our group social outings, either in person or remotely. These groups are a wonderful way to meet new people, see new sights, or learn a new skill.
• Meal Services: Answering the daily question of “what’s for dinner?” is easier. You may be able to access prepared meals from services like Lite n’ Easy, which are dietician-approved and delicious.
• Transport Services: Getting to appointments is made simpler with accessible transport. You vcan have access to a support worker who can take you where you need to go. You may also have the option to use a taxi service.

Transitioning to the New Support at Home Program

For those who transitioned from previous programs, the “no worse off” principle applies. This ensures that you will continue to receive a level of support that is at least equal to what you had before.

The Support at Home program represents a positive shift in how aged care is delivered in Australia. It places you at the centre of decision-making, offering flexibility, choice, and comprehensive support.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes affect you, our team at Healthcare Australia is here to help. We are committed to providing clear information and guidance. Our goal is to help you feel confident and supported throughout your care journey.

Contact us today to learn more about Support at Home, or answer any questions you may have.