What’s changing in Home Care?

Government-subsidised home care in Australia is undergoing a major transformation.

From 1 July 2025, the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program will be replaced by the new Support at Home (SAH) program, marking the first stage of a broader reform.

These changes stem from the Aged Care Act, which has bipartisan support, and have been shaped by the Department of Health and Aged Care in consultation with the aged care sector and participant groups. The key goals are to:

• Implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
• Create a more accessible, sustainable, and person-centred home care system.

VMCH is well-prepared for this transition, and we’ll update our website with all the details as they become available. In the meantime, keep reading to learn about the key aspects of Support at Home.

Put simply, the current Home Care Packages program will end on 30 June 2025, and Support at Home will begin the next day, bringing a new approach to aged care services at home.

The new home care system marks a significant change, directly addressing Principle 1 of the Aged Care Taskforce

The Australian Government has outlined plans to help HCP recipients transition to Support at Home

A simplified process for older Australians to access aged care

The Government is introducing a new classification framework for home care, starting 1 July 2025

Services will be categorised into three key areas, clinical, independence and everyday living

The government has introduced a more sustainable, fair, and equitable home care system