Australia’s aged care system is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of the Support at Home program, beginning on 1 July 2025. This program marks a significant shift by replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs with a streamlined, unified framework. The goal is to provide more tailored and efficient support, enabling older Australians to live independently at home for longer. A key innovation within the program is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, which will deliver practical, safe, and effective solutions to meet the diverse needs of older people. Importantly, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain in place until at least 2027, ensuring continuity of care for those who rely on existing services during this period of change.
A New Era of Aged Care
Support at Home consolidates the existing aged care services into a single, streamlined framework. It will provide participants with a personalized quarterly budget, enabling them to access services tailored to their specific needs. It will also include new features like the Restorative Care Pathway, allowing for up to 12 weeks of focused support to regain strength and function, and the End-of-Life Pathway, offering prioritized in-home care for those with less than three months to live. A major improvement over existing programs is the flexibility in service choices, giving participants the ability to select from a pre-approved list of services, such as personal care, clinical services, and home maintenance. Cleaning and gardening services will be capped to ensure resources are allocated to clinical and functional needs.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)
The AT-HM Scheme is designed to make assistive devices and home modifications more accessible and efficient. This scheme will provide separate funding for AT and home modifications, ensuring participants don’t need to use their primary care budgets for these essential supports. It allows for immediate access to low-cost, low-risk equipment, such as grab rails or mobility aids, through the Single Assessment System, and includes more complex items, which require prescriptions from allied health professionals to ensure suitability and safe usage. Providers will play a crucial role in sourcing and arranging the assistive technology and modifications, but the government is creating a structured framework. A detailed list of included and excluded items is being developed to guide both participants and providers.
What About CHSP and Existing Services?
While the Support at Home program will replace HCP and STRC from 2025, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will continue to operate until at least July 2027. During this period, CHSP clients will retain access to their existing services under current grant arrangements. For those reliant on CHSP’s Goods, Equipment, and Assistive Technology (GEAT) or home modification services, this means business as usual for the foreseeable future. This staged transition ensures that providers and participants alike have time to adjust to the new system without experiencing service disruptions. It’s a balanced approach to reform that acknowledges the complexity of the aged care sector and the need for gradual implementation.
How Can Providers Adapt?
The AT-HM scheme introduces a new dynamic for providers. While providers will have flexibility in sourcing assistive technology, they must adhere to government guidelines and ensure that all items comply with quality standards. This ensures participants receive equipment that is not only effective but also safe and fit for purpose. Providers must also prepare for a new regulatory environment, including registering under the updated aged care quality framework and adhering to price caps set by the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority. These measures aim to ensure affordability and transparency across the sector.
How THREEDIGITAL Can Help
Transitioning to the Support at Home program may feel overwhelming for providers, particularly those managing assistive technology and home modifications. That’s where THREEDIGITAL comes in. With our expertise in aged care, disability services, and IT systems, we can help providers navigate the regulatory changes and ensure compliance with the new framework. We also streamline business systems to manage the sourcing, delivery, and invoicing of assistive technology effectively, and integrate advanced digital solutions to enhance service delivery and participant satisfaction.
We’re here to support providers through this significant change, ensuring that the transition is smooth and that participants continue to receive the highest quality care.
The Support at Home program represents a bold step forward in aged care, bringing flexibility, personalisation, and innovation to the forefront. Whether you’re a provider or participant, understanding the new system is key to making the most of what it offers.
For providers looking to stay ahead, THREEDIGITAL is your partner in navigating these changes with confidence. For more information on how we can help, get in touch with us today!
