Support At Home
On September 12, 2024, the Australian Government announced the need to reform the aged care system, with a $5.6 billion investment from the government. As an aged care provider, Australian Chinese Community Association is committed to keeping our clients, families, and carers informed as these changes unfold. We are here to assist you navigate the changes ahead and what the reforms mean and how they will affect the services you or your loved ones receive.
Key Updates
The introduction of the Aged Care Bill 2024
The Aged Care Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament on September 12, 2024. It lays the foundation for a new Aged Care Act, which will transform how aged care services are provided. The new law is a rights-based approach that places older people and their needs at the centre of the legislative framework. It is expected to commence on 1 July 2025, and will focus on:
- Better care for older people in their homes, communities, and residential aged care
- Increased accountability and oversight for aged care provider
- New standards based on the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Car Quality and Safety
- Changes to funding and increased contributions from some individuals who can afford them
New Support at Home program
From 1 July 2025 the Support at Home program will be replacing the current Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. The program will provide a budget to older people, allowing them to access services and support.
Key features of the Support at Home program include:
- An increase from four to eight classification levels, ranging from $11,000 to $78,000 per year
- Short term pathways for people requiring restorative or end of life care services with up to 12 weeks of support
- Quarterly funding and budgets available for three categories of support – clinical care (e.g. nursing and allied health) , independence (e.g., help with showering and taking medication), and everyday living (e.g., meal preparation, cleaning and gardening)
- Support for Home modification support of up to $15,000
- Assistive technology funding of up to $15,000 and faster access to assistive technology like walkers and wheelchairs through a new equipment loan scheme
- Shorter average wait times for assessment to receiving support
Consumers already on a Home Care package or in the national queue for a Home Care Package as of 12 September, 2024, will be protected by ‘no worse off’ principle. This means consumers will not be financially disadvantaged by the change. Persons entering the national queue after the 12 September, 2024, will be subject to the aged care means testing which will determine any individual contribution going towards the cost of care and services consumers use and receive in the categories of independence and everyday living, there is no individual contribution required for clinical care services.
The Support at Home program is designed to help more than 1.4 million older Australians stay independent at home and in their communities for longer.
What happens from here?
If you are already a Home Care Package client with us, the ‘no worse off’ principle will apply to you. From July 1 2025, you will move to the new home program and maintain your level of funding plus any unspent funds.
If you are not already a Home Care Package client with us, there is no need to wait for the new system to start a conversation with us about what you may currently be eligible for.
For more information or discuss your situation, please contact us to stay informed as these reforms roll out. The Department of Health and Aged Care has extensive information about the new Aged Care Act available via their website New Aged Care Act | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.