How it works
Understand the steps, fees, and support available to access Support at Home funding.
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How Support at Home Works
Home care provides practical, personal and clinical support to help older Australians stay safe, independent and comfortable in their own homes for longer. Depending on your needs, this could include help around the home, personal care, transport and social support, through to nursing and allied health services.
Government-funded home care is available through Support at Home and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), while some older Australians continue to receive support under previous Home Care Package arrangements. Private care is also available for those who want to fund their own services or access additional support.
Wherever you are in your home care journey, HCA Home Care has the experience and expertise to help you understand your options, navigate the process and make the most of the funding and support available to you.
What Is Home Care?
Home care is a range of services and supports that help older Australians continue living safely and independently in their own homes.
Depending on your needs, this could mean help with everyday tasks such as cleaning, meals and transport, personal care and social support, or more specialised support such as nursing and allied health.
Government-funded home care is available through different programs depending on your needs, circumstances and when you entered the aged care system.
Support at Home
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s comprehensive in-home aged care program, helping older Australians with increasing care needs stay living safely and independently at home.
It replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025 and offers eight funding classifications, with funding increasing based on your assessed care needs. Support can cover clinical care, help with independence and everyday living, with additional short-term pathways available for specific needs.
What Happened to Home Care Packages?
Before Support at Home, many older Australians received their home care funding through a Home Care Package (HCP). Home Care Packages provided four levels of government funding, from basic through to higher and more complex care needs.
If you were already receiving a Home Care Package before Support at Home was introduced, your arrangements may be different from someone entering home care today. Transitional and grandfathering arrangements apply to some existing Home Care Package recipients.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides entry-level support for older Australians who need a smaller amount of help to remain independent at home.
Paying Privately
You can also pay privately for home care services if you’re not eligible for government funding, are waiting for funding or want additional support.
How Do I Get Home Care?
Accessing government-funded home care starts with My Aged Care. While everyone’s situation is different, the process generally follows these steps.
1
Contact My Aged Care
Register with My Aged Care and request an aged care assessment to understand what support may be available to you.
2
Have Your Needs Assessed
An assessor will talk with you about your health, daily routine, what you can manage independently and where you may need some extra support.
3
Receive Your Outcome
You’ll receive an outcome explaining the services you’ve been approved for and, if eligible for Support at Home, your funding classification and priority for funding.
4
Wait for Your Funding
If you’re approved for ongoing Support at Home funding, you may need to wait for funding to become available. This is a good time to research providers and think about the support you want.
5
Choose a Provider & Start Your Care
Once your funding is assigned, you can choose a provider. They’ll work with you to develop your care plan, organise your services and get your support underway.
Where are You in Your Home Care Journey?
Everyone’s home care journey is different. Choose the option that best describes your situation to understand what happens next.
I’m Waiting On Funding
Explore suitable services and take the next step after your assessment.
Learn moreStart Thinking About Your Support
Your assessment will identify the types of services you have been approved to access. While you’re waiting, it can be helpful to understand how those services could support you at home.
HCA Home Care provides a broad range of services delivered by experienced, qualified care professionals, with support tailored around your assessed needs.
Clinical Care
Nursing, allied health, nutrition and other professional healthcare services to support your health and wellbeing at home.
Services include:
Independence
Transport, respite and social support to help you stay active, connected and independent.
Services include:
Everyday Living
Domestic assistance, meals and home maintenance to make everyday life at home easier.
Services include:
Why Choose HCA Home Care?
Local Customer Care Manager
Your dedicated local Customer Care Manager understands your needs, coordinates your services and remains your consistent point of contact.
24/7 Support
Our dedicated support line means there is always someone there to help when it matters most.
Qualified, Experienced Workers
Our care team includes qualified, compassionate professionals committed to your wellbeing.
More Home Care Explained
Ready to Discuss Your Home Care Options?
Whether you’re ready to arrange your home care services, or are still exploring options, we can help.