How to self-manage Your Support at Home Funding

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is the government-funded system that replaced Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC), on November 1st, 2025. It is designed to help older Australians live independently and safely in their own homes.

Through Support at Home, you receive a personalised quarterly budget to spend on a wide range of services, such as personal care, domestic assistance, gardening, and clinical support. If you are interested in how to self-manage a home care package, you will be pleased to know that the same self-management approach applies within the new Support at Home framework. You are in charge of deciding how your budget is used, choosing the services you need and the people who provide them.

At Homecare My Way, we provide flexible self-management options to make this process clear and manageable:

Our self-managemnet model gives you full control. You handle day-to-day decisions, including finding, hiring, and scheduling your services. We support you by ensuring everything remains compliant and are available to help you maximise your budget.

What Does it Mean to Self-Manage Your Funding?

Self-managing your Support at Home budget puts you in control of your own care journey. It allows you to make the key decisions about how your support is structured and how your funding is allocated.

Here is what’s typically involved:

• Choosing and Engaging Providers: Select the individuals or companies that will deliver your services—whether it’s a cleaner you already know, a gardener recommended by a friend, or a qualified therapist you have researched.
• Organising Your Schedule: Arrange the timing and frequency of your services to match your preferences and needs.
• Overseeing Your Budget: Work with your provider, like Homecare My Way, to ensure your funds are spent wisely and are directed toward the care and services that are most important to you.
• Continued Support: Even as you manage your care daily, we provide ongoing guidance and regular check-ins to make sure everything stays on track.

If you ever wondered, “Can home care packages be self-managed?” or, “Can you self-manage a home care package?”—the Support at Home program upholds these self-management principles, offering a straightforward and supportive pathway.

Why Choose to Self-Manage Your Support?

There are many benefits to self-managing your Support at Home funding:

• You Are in Control

You are able to choose services and providers that suit your preferences, ensuring your care aligns with your values and needs.

• It Is More Cost-Effective

By taking on some administrative responsibilities, you can reduce provider fees. This means more of your funding is spent directly on your care.

• It Is Flexible and Adaptable

Your needs may change over time. Self-management allows you to adjust your services easily as your situation evolves.

Many clients love the freedom and flexibility self-management provides:

• “We switched to Homecare My Way and it’s been such a positive change. The service fees are lower and Dad’s so happy with the services. It’s the best decision we’ve made.” — Nick Cheng

How to Self-Manage Your Support at Home Funding

If you are curious about how to self-manage a home care package, the following steps show how it applies within the Support at Home program:

1. Consider Your Support Needs and Goals

Reflect on what type of assistance would have the greatest impact on your daily life, whether it’s household chores, personal care, or clinical support.

2. Develop a Care Plan and Budget

A Care Partner can work with you to outline your care plan and help ensure your funding is allocated effectively.

3. Find and Engage Providers

You can select the professionals or services best suited to your requirements. We will help ensure they meet all compliance and quality standards.

4. Manage Your Day-to-Day Services

You are responsible for scheduling care and managing your routine, but our user-friendly tools and dedicated support team are always available to assist you.

What if challenges come up?

Even with self-management, challenges can come up, but we’re here to help:

• Compliance requirements – Keeping up with the rules and regulations can feel overwhelming. Homecare My Way takes care of compliance checks for your suppliers and your plan, ensuring they meet government standards.

• Using the client portal — Our client portal makes managing your package easy. You can track services, view important documents and stay on top of schedules. It’s a simple way to keep everything in one place and ensure your care runs smoothly.

• Finding a reliable supplier — Choosing the right supplier can be tricky, but we do thorough checks to ensure everyone meets high standards.

• Handling unexpected issues — Problems like cancellations or schedule changes can happen. Our Customer Care Managers are always ready to help you quickly sort out any issues and keep your care on track.

With our support, you’ll have the tools and resources to tackle any challenges confidently.

Is self-management right for everyone?

If you’re wondering, “Can I self-manage my Support at Home funding?” here are some key questions to help you figure out whether it is the right option for you:

• Do you value independence? Self-management is perfect for those who want a say in how their care is delivered. If you enjoy being in control and making decisions about your care, this option might be a great fit.

• Are you organised? Managing your funding requires some organisational skills. You’ll need to handle tasks like scheduling services, keeping records and staying on top of your budget. Homecare My Way will be there to assist you and provide the support you need to stay on track here should you choose to self-manage your funding.

• Are you comfortable making decisions? Self-management involves making important decisions about your care needs and choosing the right suppliers. If you’re confident in your decision-making abilities, you’re well-suited for this approach.

• Is your health stable? If your health conditions are generally stable and don’t require frequent changes to your care plan, self-management may work well for you. For more complex or rapidly changing needs, additional support might be better.

If you’re still unsure, Homecare My Way’s Care Advisors can help you evaluate your situation and decide whether self-management is the right choice for you.

Choose self-management with Homecare My Way

The transition from Home Care Packages to the Support at Home program has preserved the flexibility and empowerment of self-management. If you are asking, “Can I self-manage a home care package?” or “How to self-manage a home care package?”—the answer is yes, and it now applies directly to the Support at Home program.

At Homecare My Way, we are committed to helping you make the most of your funding and personalise your care to suit your unique needs and goals. If you want to explore self-management options or are considering making the switch, our team is here to support you every step of the way.