Southcare Prepares for Major Aged Care Reform - Support at Home Program Set to Launch July 2025

Southcare, one of Perth’s most trusted not-for-profit providers of in-home aged care and support services, is actively preparing for the national rollout of the Support at Home program—Australia’s most significant reform to aged care in decades. Commencing on 1 July 2025, this initiative will reshape how aged care is delivered, funded, and accessed across the country. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 13, 2025 - PERTH, WA - The Support at Home program, together with the new Aged Care Act and revised Aged Care Quality Standards, is being introduced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. These reforms aim to simplify care, empower consumers, and ensure older Australians receive personalised, high-quality support in their own homes and communities.

“It’s an exciting time at Southcare,” said Enda Fahy, CEO at Southcare.
“We’re committed to delivering care that allows people to live independently for longer, and we believe these changes will help redefine what good home care looks like. Our focus remains on the wellbeing of our clients and making the transition to the new system as seamless as possible.”

What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program will consolidate several existing aged care programs into a single, streamlined system. From 1 July 2025, it will replace:
The Home Care Packages (HCP) Program

The Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme
In a future phase—no earlier than 1 July 2027—the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will also transition to Support at Home. Until then, CHSP will remain a separate service for those with lower care needs.
Key features of the new program include:
Eight support classifications, replacing the current four-tier Home Care Packages system

Quarterly budgets, with the ability to rollover unused funds up to $1,000 or 10%

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, providing upfront access to personal alarms, home modifications, and other support equipment

Two new pathways:

Restorative Care Pathway – short-term support post-injury or illness (up to $12,000)

End-of-Life Pathway – home-based palliative care funding (up to $25,000 over 16 weeks)

These features will offer greater flexibility, transparency, and person-centred care.

Government Investment in Rural and Remote Care
In recognition of the challenges faced by seniors in regional Australia, the Federal Government is investing $378 million (A$600 million) to ensure service availability in rural and remote areas. Eligible providers—including those offering specialist services—can apply for this grant funding to ensure financial viability and service continuity under the new model. Successful applicants will be notified from the end of May 2025, with grants distributed by August.

Southcare’s Transition Plan
Southcare is already working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth, well-supported rollout of the Support at Home model across its Perth-based operations. The transition plan includes:
1. Staff Training
All team members are being trained in accordance with the Support at Home Provider Transition Guide, ensuring they understand the new funding structures, care classifications, and client support pathways.
2. System Readiness
Southcare’s internal systems are being upgraded to meet the new program’s requirements, including data handling, reporting, and revised payment processes.
3. Client Communication
Southcare is proactively reaching out to clients and families via phone, email, and online resources to help them understand what these changes mean for their current care arrangements.
4. Service Realignment
Current services are being reviewed and aligned with the new Support at Home service list, to maintain safe, high-quality, and compliant care delivery into the future.

What Happens to Existing Home Care Recipients?
From 1 July 2025:

All existing HCP recipients will be automatically transitioned to Support at Home.

Clients will receive a "no worse off" guarantee, meaning their existing support level and fees will remain the same or improve.

Seniors with an approved but unallocated Home Care Package will receive an equivalent Support at Home budget when assigned.

Aged care assessments will not need to be repeated unless a client’s needs change.

Unspent Home Care Package funds can be used for assistive technology or home modifications.

Assistive Technology and Personal Alarms
Through the new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, eligible seniors will gain upfront access to funding for:
Personal alarms

Home modifications

Mobility aids

Technology to support independent living

Southcare’s Support at Home FAQ Resource
To help clients and their families navigate the transition, Southcare has published a detailed Support at Home FAQ Guide. It covers key questions such as:

What is Support at Home and how does it differ from HCP?

Who is eligible and how is funding assessed?

What services are included?

What happens to waitlisted clients or those with unspent funds?

Will there be changes to management fees or co-payments?

What should clients do before the 12 September 2024 milestone?

This guide is available now on the Southcare website.

Southcare is a values-driven not-for-profit organisation delivering compassionate aged care and disability support services across Perth. With a commitment to personalised care, Southcare empowers older Australians to remain independent, connected, and thriving in their own homes. Our services place the person—not the process—at the heart of care.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases