Aged Care Reforms

Support at Home is a new Australian Government program that will begin on 1 July 2025. It’s part of a broader set of aged care reforms designed to improve how care is delivered to older Australians living at home.

Support at Home will bring together the services currently provided under:

• Home Care Packages (HCP) Program
• Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Program
• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – no sooner than 1 July 2027

This change will create one simpler, more flexible program to help older Australians live independently and safely at home for longer.

From July 2025, these changes will take effect:

• A new Aged Care Act will be introduced that focuses on a rights-based approach to care. Clients’ needs and rights are at the centre of all decisions to improve the consistency and safety of care.
• For some clients, the way client contributions are calculated will change.
• Package management fees and travel costs will no longer be charged separately, they will be included in the price of each service.
• Budgets will be allocated quarterly rather than annually.
• New funding categories will be introduced (Clinical, Independence, Everyday Living).
• A new Assistive Technology and Home Modification funding scheme will be introduced.
• There will be new rules about how much unspent money can be rolled over from one quarter to the next.
• 10% of the quarterly budget will be allocated for care management.

The government has shared key directions, but we’re still waiting on further details about:

• The final program guidelines and operational rules.
• The new pricing schedule and how it will apply to services we deliver.
• Technology and reporting requirements for providers.
• Clarity around care management roles and workforce expectations.
• Ongoing consultation updates between government, providers, and sector leaders.
• As more information becomes available, we will provide updates and guidance to help everyone prepare.

If you or your family member currently receives aged care services at home:

• There’s nothing you need to do right now.
• You will continue to receive the care and support you need.
• When the new program begins, we will work with you to review your care plan, make sure your services still meet your needs, and explain any changes.
• These reforms are designed to improve your choice, transparency, and quality of care, not reduce services.

If you’re new to aged care and applying after 1 July 2025:

• You will be assessed under the new system.
• You can expect a simpler, more streamlined process with greater flexibility and clarity.

There is nothing you need to do right now.

For now, we simply ask that you:

• Stay informed – we’ll keep sharing updates as we learn more.
• Let us know if you have questions or concerns – we’re here to help.
• Keep your contact details up to date so we can stay in touch as changes happen.

We will be in touch and work with you to help you understand what you can expect from Support at Home

• View Government resources online: www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/resources
• Contact My Aged Care on: 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
• Contact Anglicare on: 1300 610 610 or visit www.anglicaresq.org.au/aged-care-reforms
• Reading our regular newsletters and updates
• AlayaCare Family Portal

To ensure Home Care Package recipients transition to Support at Home, the government has developed guidelines. Based on these guidelines you may be either a ‘Grandfathered’, a ‘Transitional’, or a ‘New’ Participant.

Grandfathered Participants

If you were approved for your Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you are considered a Grandfathered Participant. This means from 1 July 2025:

• You’ll automatically move into the Support at Home program.
• Your care arrangements will be with Anglicare, or your chosen provider.
• A “no worse off” rule protects you from higher personal contributions.
• You will retain any unspent funds in your account as at 30 June 2025. However new limits will apply to how much you can carry over each quarter.
• You will continue to receive care based on your current package level.
• Your budget will change to quarterly from annually.
• Care Management will be capped at 10% and be a separate budget to your service budget.

Transitional Participants

If you were approved for a Home Care Package after 12 September 2024, you are considered a Transitional Participant. This means, from 1 July 2025:

• You’ll automatically move into the Support at Home program.
• Your care arrangements will be with Anglicare, or your chosen provider.
• You will maintain your current level of funding and be able to keep any unspent funds in your account as at 30 June 2025. However new limits will apply to how much you can carry over each quarter.
• You will continue to receive care based on your current package level.
• Your budget will change to quarterly from annually.
• Care Management will be capped at 10% and be a separate budget to your service budget.
• You will begin paying personal contribution fees, depending on your income and the type of service you receive.

New Participants

If you are approved for aged care on or after 1 July 2025, you will enter directly into the Support at Home program as a New Participant. This means:

• You will start with the new rights-based framework and care model from day one.
• Your support plan will be designed around your goals, needs, and preferences.
• You will contribute to the cost of some services based on your income and the service type
• You will have access to the full range of new funding categories and pathways, including Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, Restorative and End-of-Life pathways.
• You will work with your ASQ Care Partner to build a personalised plan within a quarterly budget

Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Participants

If your current Short Term Restorative Care Program commenced prior to 30 June 2025, you will continue to receive services under this program until your 8 week finish date.

If your current Short Term Restorative Care Program commences after 30 June 2025, you will transition to the Support at Home Restorative Care Pathway.

No. The government has committed to a careful, planned transition that we have been entrusted to deliver. Existing clients will not be left without support, and we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and positive experience.

If changes do affect the way your services are delivered, we will explain them clearly and support you every step of the way.

Under Support at Home, you won’t need to manage a package budget yourself.

The government will fund providers directly, and there will be clear national pricing, so you know exactly what services cost.

You’ll still be involved in decisions about your care and will have more flexibility and information to choose services that suit you.

Yes. You’ll have greater choice and control under the new system.

You can choose your care provider and may be able to change providers more easily if your needs or preferences change.

Care management and support planning will also become more transparent and person-centred.

The Statement of Rights outlines core principles every participant is entitled to, including dignity, independence, safety, inclusion, and culturally appropriate care. These rights must be clearly demonstrated in how we engage with, care for, and support each participant every day, in every interaction.

The Supporter Framework clarifies who can legally act as a “supporter” or “representative” on behalf of a participant. Staff will need to understand who is authorised to receive information, make decisions, or support consent processes. This may involve checking documentation and recording who has legal authority

From 1 July 2025, a new Aged Care Act will come into effect. This introduces a rights-based approach to care, strengthens quality standards, and updates how services are regulated and delivered. While most residents won’t notice major changes day-to-day, the new legislation aims to ensure everyone receives care that is safe, respectful, and person-centred.

No. If you’re already receiving care in a residential aged care home, your services will continue as normal. The government has confirmed a ‘no worse off’ commitment for existing residents, meaning your rights and entitlements will be protected.

No. The reforms do not require residents to move or change care providers. If you are happy with your current provider, you can continue to receive care with them.

The new Aged Care Act will introduce a Statement of Rights and a Statement of Principles. These set out your right to dignity, respect, independence, safety, and culturally appropriate care. Providers must demonstrate that these rights are embedded into daily care practices. A rights-based system puts the person receiving care at the centre of all decisions and t gives people in aged care greater voice, transparency, and protection.

The new framework will clarify who can act on your behalf (called a “supporter”) if you want or need help making decisions. It strengthens your right to choose who supports you and outlines the responsibilities of that person. We will explain this to you clearly and help update your records if needed.

If you are an existing resident before 1 July 2025, your current fee arrangements will continue. The government has said you will not be worse off financially.

If you enter aged care after 1 July 2025, there may be new pricing structures or co-contribution rules. The government is still finalising these details. Our team will provide clear and timely information when it becomes available.

Yes. All residential aged care staff will receive training and support to understand and apply the new legislation, quality standards, and rights framework. Anglicare Southern Queensland is committed to a smooth transition that strengthens our already high standard of care.

Nothing at this stage. If you’re an existing resident, your services will continue as usual. If any action is needed, we will contact you directly and help you every step of the way.

You can speak to: 

• Your Residential Facility Manager or contact Anglicare on 1300 610 610 or [email protected] 

• My Aged Care on 1800 200 422  

• Visit the Government’s website