The Albanese government has unveiled a sweeping $4.3 billion reform package for aged care, aimed at transforming how older Australians access support at home. Known as “Support at Home,” the new system will replace the current home care packages in July 2025, promising faster, more flexible, and tailored services for ageing Australians. HCPA is a trusted support partner dedicated to assisting aged care providers in delivering the highest standards of care and compliance with the complex regulatory landscape.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and their potential impact.
Tackling Long Waiting Times
One of the biggest criticisms of the current system is its extensive wait times, particularly for higher-level care packages. Many older Australians wait 6–12 months for crucial services, with 45,000 people on the waiting list as of March 2023.
Under the new system, wait times are set to drop to an average of three months by 2027, ensuring that older Australians receive the care they need sooner. HCPA offers in-depth guidance on regulatory compliance, helping providers understand and adhere to the complex regulatory landscape to ensure high-quality care and compliance with industry standards.
A New Approach to Costs
The reforms introduce a means-tested system that categorises services into three areas:
- Clinical Care (e.g., physiotherapy): Fully subsidised, regardless of income.
- Independence Services (e.g., help with bathing): Subsidised with contributions based on income.
- Everyday Living Support (e.g., gardening): Subsidized with higher contributions for higher earners.
For example:
- A self-funded retiree would pay nothing for clinical care, but 50% for bathing assistance and 80% for gardening.
- A full pensioner would also receive free clinical care, but pay just 5% and 17.5% for the same services.
This shift incentivises older Australians to prioritise essential clinical care, like nursing and allied health, which helps maintain long-term independence and functionality.
Navigating this evolving landscape while ensuring compliance with regulations and striving for excellence in care delivery is where the Health Care Providers Association (HCPA) can provide crucial assistance.
Workforce Challenges and Solutions
The success of these reforms hinges on addressing a major challenge: workforce shortages. As more Australians stay at home longer, their care needs become more complex, requiring skilled professionals like registered nurses and allied health practitioners.
Key solutions include:
- Upskilling Care Workers: Training personal care workers to assist with allied health needs, such as physiotherapy.
- Technology Integration: Using telehealth to bridge workforce gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas.
- Specialised Training: Expanding dementia-specific training to ensure care workers can support the growing number of Australians living with dementia.With education tailored to sector needs, these scholarships directly enhance the quality of care provided to older Australians.
Supporting Unpaid Carers
Unpaid carers, often family members, play a crucial role in supporting older Australians at home. However, increased care burdens can lead to burnout, impacting both carers and care recipients.
While the reforms address paid care services, they fall short of outlining sufficient support for unpaid carers. Ensuring financial assistance, mental health support, and practical resources for carers will be essential to the success of the new system.
More Targeted and Flexible Services
The reforms will introduce eight funding categories to replace the current four-level system, providing more tailored support based on individual needs. New short-term options, such as assistive technology, home modifications, and restorative care, will also be available to enhance independence and recovery.
For those needing end-of-life care, the addition of palliative care support ensures a more holistic approach to ageing at home.
A Step Forward for Aged Care
The “Support at Home” reforms represent a significant shift in how Australia approaches home care. By reducing wait times, restructuring costs, and prioritizing clinical care, these changes aim to empower older Australians to live independently for longer.
However, the reforms’ success will depend on how well the workforce challenges are addressed and whether unpaid carers receive the support they need. With careful implementation, this system has the potential to improve the lives of ageing Australians and create a more sustainable aged care sector.
As the July 2025 launch approaches, Australians can look forward to a more flexible, responsive, and supportive home care system designed to meet their evolving needs.
HCPA is an all-in-one solution for Aged Care providers, supporting them with registration, growth and consulting. Contact us here or call 03 9084 7472 to learn how we can help you succeed.
SOURCES | The Conversation ‘What the government’s home care changes mean for ageing Australians‘ |
