Key Changes to Home Care Packages- What the Support at Home Means for you and your loved ones

What You Need to Know Before November 2025

From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Package system, bringing significant changes for older Australians and their families. Whether you are planning care for yourself, a parent, or another loved one, understanding these changes now can help ensure the right support is in place when it’s needed.

The good news is that more packages will be available, which should help reduce waiting times. However, changes to the way contributions (fees) are calculated may mean that some people will pay more for the care services they access.
Below is an overview of the key changes and how you and your loved ones can prepare.

What’s Changing?
From November 2025, all current Home Care Packages will transition to Support at Home. While services may continue without interruption, you will notice differences in how care is funded and delivered.

Key changes include:

• Eight levels of care instead of four, allowing for more tailored support, plus additional funding for approved assistive technology and home modifications.
• A new fee structure based on you or your loved one’s financial situation and the type of services received.
• Quarterly budgets that cannot be rolled over if unused.
• Providers will continue to charge only after services are delivered.

These changes apply to both new applicants and those already receiving care.

Understanding the New Fees

• The Government will continue to subsidise care within the approved budget, but you or your loved one will be expected to contribute based on financial circumstances.
• Clinical care (e.g. nursing, physiotherapy) will remain fully funded by the Government.
• Everyday living services (e.g. cleaning, meal preparation) may cost more than independence supports (e.g. personal care, transport).
• If you or your loved one were approved for, or are receiving, a Home Care Package as of 12 September 2024, fee concessions will ensure you are no worse off under the new rules.
• There is a lifetime cap on your contributions; you will not pay more than $130,000 (indexed) over your lifetime.

Please note that 10% of your package funding will be allocated towards your provider’s care management fees. The more cost-effective your provider is, the more care you can access within your package. You can always choose to pay extra if your package does not cover all the care you need.

What’s Covered Under the Support at Home Package?

Understanding exactly what’s included in the Support and Home packages and what you’ll pay can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown:

• Clinical care – Fully funded by the Government. Includes nursing, allied health, continence support, nutrition advice and management of chronic conditions.
• Independence support – Personal care, social support, transport, therapy services, and respite care. Contributions vary depending on income and assets.
• Everyday living – Help around the home, such as cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, gardening, and home maintenance. Contributions also vary.
• Assistive technology & home modifications – Mobility aids, safety devices, and approved home upgrades to help you remain independent.
• Special programs – Additional funding for restorative care and end-of-life care at home.

What should you do now- before 1st of November?
To make the most of the new system, we are encouraging our clients to:

• Review care needs: Consider what support will improve your or your loved one’s quality of life.
• Speak with your current provider: Everyone who is currently receiving a Home Care Package will need to sign a new service agreement under Support at Home.
• Book an aged care assessment: If you or a loved one needs support but is not already receiving care – this process can take time, so it’s best not to delay.

How Morrows Can Help

Understanding these aged care changes can be overwhelming, especially when considering both financial and lifestyle decisions. Our experienced Aged Care Financial Planners work with you and your family to:

• Explain how the changes may impact your personal situation
• Estimate likely contributions and cashflow needs.
• Structure finances and investments to support ongoing care.

We invite you and your family to arrange an Aged Care Information Session. These sessions are designed to guide you through the changes, answer your questions, and help you make confident, well-informed decisions together.
To book your session today! Please speak with your Morrows advisor or complete the form below, and a member of our Aged Care team will be in touch.

Download Our FREE Aged Care Guide!

To learn more about the aged care process, fees, and key considerations, please complete the form below to access our Aged Care Planning Guide.

And if you’d like to receive future updates or schedule a family information session, we invite you to register your interest below.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The information is general only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness of your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you speak to your financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information.