• What is Support at Home?

Australia’s new government funded aged care program. It replaces Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme under one system, helping older Australians and seniors access home care services to continue ageing in place.

• Who qualifies for Support at Home?

Australians aged 65 and over, or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, who are assessed as needing aged care support to live safely at home. Eligibility is determined through a needs assessment coordinated by My Aged Care.

• How do I apply?

Contact My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422 or registering online at myagedcare.gov.au. You can do this on behalf of your elderly parent.

• How long does the assessment take?

Wait times vary depending on location and demand. After registering with My Aged Care, an assessor is referred to visit your parent at home. The assessment itself usually takes one to two hours.

• Can I choose my own aged care provider?

Yes. Your parent chooses which approved aged care provider delivers their home care services. The funding follows your parent, not the provider. They can choose any home care provider across Melbourne, regional Victoria, Tasmania, or anywhere in Australia.

• Can I change my home care provider?

Yes, at any time. Your parent does not lose their Support at Home funding when they switch aged care providers. A notice period may apply depending on the home care agreement.

• What home care services are covered?

Personal care, nursing care at home, domestic assistance, respite care, dementia support, medication management, allied health, and home modifications. Your aged care provider can explain what falls inside and outside your parent’s Support at Home budget.

• How much will I pay?

Most home care clients pay a base contribution. If your parent’s income is above a certain threshold, an additional income tested contribution may apply. No one is refused aged care services because of cost. Hardship provisions exist.

• What happened to Home Care Packages?

They have been replaced by Support at Home. If your elderly parent had a Home Care Package, their aged care services have transitioned automatically. They keep their aged care provider, their care worker, and their home care visits.

• What happened to the CHSP?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme has been merged into Support at Home. Existing CHSP clients may need a new assessment to determine their support classification under the updated aged care system.

• Can my family be involved in managing my parent’s home care?

Yes. Families can be involved in care planning, choosing home care services, and communicating with the aged care provider. Your parent’s wishes lead the decisions, but family input is welcomed and encouraged.

• What if my parent’s needs change?

Your parent can be reassessed through My Aged Care at any time. If their aged care needs increase, their Support at Home funding can be adjusted to match. Contact your home care provider or My Aged Care to request a reassessment.

• How quickly can home care start after approval?

It depends on the aged care provider. A home care provider with a large aged care specific workforce and genuine workforce depth can start home care visits within days. A provider with a small aged care team may take longer.

• What if my parent is not approved?

They can request a review of the assessment decision. They can also access private in home care while waiting or explore other government funded programs. Reassessment through My Aged Care is available as needs change.

• Does Support at Home cover 24 hour care?

Support at Home funding can contribute toward overnight and extended home care, but may not cover the full cost of 24 hour aged care at home. Your aged care provider can explain what your parent’s budget supports and what private home care options are available.

• Still have questions?

At Chris Barnard Health, we answer these questions every day. As an approved aged care provider and registered NDIS provider delivering Support at Home and home care services across Melbourne, regional Victoria, and Tasmania, our aged care specific workforce of more than 1,000 aged care professionals is here to help your family understand the system without jargon.

Call 1300 602 469. It is what Melbourne’s leading and largest aged care specific workforce was built for. So your family gets clear answers, not more confusion.