⚠️ Updated for Support at Home (2026)
This article was originally published when Home Care Packages were Australia's primary in-home aged care program. It has been updated to reflect the introduction of the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025 and remains available to help families understand how the aged care system has evolved.
What Were Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages were Australia's primary in-home aged care funding program until the introduction of Support at Home on 1 November 2025. While Home Care Packages have now transitioned to Support at Home, many older Australians and their families still search for information about Home Care Packages and how the changes affect them.
Funding was allocated across four package levels based on an individual's care needs:
- Level 1 - Basic care needs and low-level support.
- Level 2 - Low-level care needs requiring additional assistance.
- Level 3 - Intermediate care needs with more regular support services.
- Level 4 - High-level care needs for people requiring significant assistance to remain at home.
Funding could be used for services such as:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Community nursing
- Transport
- Social support
- Allied health services
- Assistive technology and equipment
What Happened to Home Care Packages?
On 1 November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program, replacing the Home Care Package program for new participants.
Support at Home was designed to simplify aged care services and provide:
- More flexible funding arrangements
- Quarterly budgets
- Better access to assistive technology and home modifications
- Restorative Care pathways
- End-of-Life pathways
- Greater transparency for participants and families
What If I Previously Had a Home Care Package?
Many older Australians who were receiving a Home Care Package before 1 November 2025 transitioned into the Support at Home program under special arrangements.
The Australian Government introduced protections to ensure existing participants were not disadvantaged during the transition.
If you previously received a Home Care Package and are unsure how the changes affect you, speaking with your provider can help clarify your individual circumstances.
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia's current in-home aged care program.
The program provides funding to help older Australians remain independent, connected and safe at home through services such as:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Community nursing
- Transport
- Allied health
- Social support
- Respite services
- Assistive technology and home modifications
The level of funding available depends on an individual's assessed support needs.
How Do I Access Support at Home?
- The first step is to register with My Aged Care - 1800 200 422
- Following an assessment, eligible older Australians may be approved for Support at Home funding
- Wait 6-12 Months for Support at Home Funding to be assigned
- Once assigned, connected with a provider who can help coordinate and deliver services.
Need Help Navigating Support at Home?
At Stable Home Care, we help older adults and families across Tweed Heads, Southern Gold Coast and surrounding communities understand their funding options and access the support they need to continue living independently at home.
Whether you're transitioning from a former Home Care Package or accessing Support at Home for the first time, our local team is here to help.
Learn about the different Home Care options
Learn about the different Home Care options
