The Federal Government is reshaping how home care services are delivered to older Australians, aiming to support more people to live independently and safely in their own homes for longer.

Initially flagged as a 1 July change, the new Support at Home Program will instead come into effect on 1 November 2025.

With new features, funding models and service pathways, this transition can feel complex. So, in this episode of Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, Helping Hand’s Aged Care Connector, Mel Bassham, unpacks the upcoming changes.

In conversation with host Kate Holland, she covers:

• What Support at Home is and why it’s being introduced
• Key differences from existing Home Care Packages
• What current clients can expect during the transition
• What new clients should know about assessments and service eligibility
• Where to find support if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed

No matter your situation, rest assured that your current services will continue in the lead up, and support is available to help you through the change.

Helping Hand has established a dedicated Support at Home hotline to help clients understand how the changes affect them. All questions are welcome.

Useful Resources:

Helping Hand website

Helping Hand general number - 1300 653 600

Helping Hand Support at Home hotline [email protected]

1300 050 435

Federal Government Resources

Support at Home

Fee Estimator (Calculator)

My Aged Care - 1800 200 422

Episode hosted by Kate Holland

Episode recorded and edited by Drew Radford