Support at Home

Support at Home, also called in-home care, helps older Australians live safely and independently in their own home. Care ranges from a few hours per week to full daily support, depending on needs. It allows people to maintain routines, stay connected, and enjoy home comfort.

When is Support at Home Needed?

In-home care may be needed if someone:

  • Needs help with daily activities (showering, dressing, meal prep)

  • Requires nursing or clinical support at home

  • Wants to stay independent but struggles with mobility or household tasks

  • Is recovering from hospitalization or illness

  • Needs respite for family carers

  • Requires dementia or memory support in a familiar environment

Levels of Support

Support at Home Packages are divided into Levels 1–8, based on care complexity.

Level Funding (approx. per year) Key Inclusions
1 $9,000 Everyday living support, domestic assistance, social support
2 $12,000 Everyday living support, domestic assistance, social support
3 $19,000 Independence support, domestic assistance, personal care
4 $32,000 Independence support, personal care, clinical care
5 $40,000 Independence support, personal care, clinical care
6 $50,000 Independence support, personal care, clinical care, complex nursing
7 $60,000 Clinical care, personal care, independence support, restorative care pathway
8 $90,000 Clinical care, personal care, independence support, restorative & end-of-life pathways

Support Categories:

  • Clinical Care: Nursing, chronic condition management, wound care, medication administration, health monitoring

  • Independence Support: Mobility assistance, cognitive engagement, social participation, restorative care pathway

  • Everyday Living Support: Personal care, domestic tasks, meal prep, shopping, transport

Support Terms:

  • Restorative Care Pathway: Focus on improving independence and daily function

  • End-of-Life Care Pathway: Comfort and dignity during palliative or terminal stages

Assistive Technology & Home Modifications:

Packages may cover:

  • Grab rails, ramps, walk-in showers

  • Mobility aids and assistive devices

  • Home modifications that improve safety and independence

Accessing Support at Home Packages

Steps:

  1. Register with My Aged Care

  2. Assessment: ACAT or Regional Assessment Service evaluates care needs

  3. Care Plan: Hours and services approved

  4. Choose a Provider: Compare providers that suit your needs

  5. Start Care: Services scheduled according to your plan

Packages are flexible and can change as care needs change.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 65+ (50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians)

  • Need support to live safely at home

  • Meet Australian Government eligibility criteria

Costs & Participant Contributions

Support at Home is subsidized by the Australian Government, but contributions vary depending on financial situation:

Participant Type Individual Contribution Notes
Full Age Pensioner Often no contribution or minimal. 0% May be fully covered by government subsidy
Part Pensioner / Low Income Small to moderate contribution. 5-50%  Based on income assessment
Self-Funded Retiree / High Income Higher contribution. 20-80% May pay a larger portion of care costs; government subsidy still applies

 

How it works:

  • Services Australia calculates contribution based on income and assets

  • Charged per service or per hour of care

  • Statements outline your responsibilities before services start

Benefits of Support at Home

  • Stay independent and live at home

  • Receive personalized care tailored to needs

  • Reduce risk of injury or hospitalization

  • Relieve stress for family carers

  • Stay socially connected and engaged

  • Adjust care as needs change

Accessing Support at Home Packages can feel overwhelming, but careful planning and open family conversations make the process smoother. With tailored services, government subsidies, and flexible care options, older Australians can enjoy independence, comfort, and dignity while remaining safely at home.