What does my Support at Home funding entitle me to?

What can home care package / Support at Home funds be used for?

Home care package / Support at Home services are grouped into three main categories: care services, support services, and clinical services. These services are designed to meet your needs and goals, ensuring you get the most out of your home care package / Suppeort at Home package.

What is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program was introduced on 1 November 2025 to replace the previous Home Care Packages scheme. It provides a personalised, flexible budget every quarter to help older Australians access a wide range of care and support services according to their individual needs and preferences.

Services under Support at Home are grouped into three primary categories, each focusing on a different aspect of your wellbeing:

1. Clinical Supports
2. Independence Services
3. Everyday Living Services

Below is a summary of what is included and excluded under each category.

1. Clinical Supports

Clinical Supports are designed to ensure you have access to the healthcare and clinical services required to manage your health at home.

Inclusions:

• Nursing care, such as medication management, wound care, and chronic disease monitoring.
• Access to allied health professionals, including physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and dietetics.
• Clinical assessments to determine ongoing care needs.
• Health therapies and rehabilitation services.
• Referrals and practical support for hearing and vision needs (including liaising with professionals).

Exclusions:

• Hospital fees or in-patient care (these are not funded under Support at Home).
• Prescription medications, vitamins, and over-the-counter drugs.
• Costs for ambulance services or private health insurance gap payments.
• Services already funded by Medicare or other Commonwealth, state, or territory programs.

2. Independence Services

Independence Services focus on supporting your ongoing ability to maintain daily activities, your home, and your connections within the community.

Inclusions:

• Personal care and hygiene support, such as assistance with showering, grooming, dressing, and toileting.
• Mobility and transfer support, helping you move safely within your home or access the community.
• Short-term or ongoing respite to give carers a break.
• Transport services for attending appointments, social events, or other essential outings.
• Social support to help you participate in community activities and maintain social connections.
• Home administration support, including help managing household paperwork or bills.
• Assistance with continence management, including access to aids and advisor support.
• Provision of aids and equipment to support mobility and independence (e.g., walkers, commode chairs, shower chairs, pressure-relieving mattresses).
• Minor home modifications to support accessibility, such as grab rails and ramps.

Exclusions:

• General living costs, including rent or mortgage payments, rates, or home and contents insurance.
• Car purchases or ongoing private vehicle expenses.
• Major home renovations or extensions.
• Non-care-related services such as beauty treatments, entertainment subscriptions, or club memberships not linked to a care outcome.
• Complex or large-scale gardening (for example, landscaping or tree removal).

3. Everyday Living Services

Everyday Living Services cover the practical supports that help you keep your home safe, clean, and enjoyable—enabling you to focus on your wellbeing and daily life.

Inclusions:

• Domestic assistance, including cleaning, laundry, and ironing.
• Meal preparation, including support for special dietary requirements and cultural preferences.
• Light gardening and home maintenance, specifically focusing on safety and accessibility (for example, lawn mowing, trimming accessible paths, minor repairs).
• Support with shopping for essential items, when shop-at-home options are not possible.

Exclusions:

• Groceries and standard food costs (your funding cannot be used to pay for everyday groceries).
• Major renovations or cosmetic improvements, such as repainting or changing flooring for non-safety reasons.
• Replacement of household furniture or appliances unless directly related to an assessed care need.
• Payment for family, friends, or informal supports except in specific, pre-approved cases.

Why Are Certain Services Excluded?

The aim of the Support at Home program is to direct government funding to services that directly support your assessed care needs, health, and wellbeing. Exclusions are in place to avoid duplication with other programs, prioritise essential care, and use funding responsibly to empower as many people as possible to remain independent at home.

Making the Most of Your Funding

To maximise your support, consider the following:

• Partner with Your Care Partner: Regularly review your care plan to ensure it meets your changing needs.
• Align Services with Your Priorities: Invest in supports most likely to enhance your independence and quality of life.
• Self-Management Options: Self-managing your funding can provide greater flexibility and may give you access to more direct care hours by choosing services at a lower cost.

If you are ever unsure whether a specific service or item is included, please reach out. Our knowledgeable team at Homecare My Way is here to provi