Support at Home Program

Latest update: 20 August 2025

We have a dedicated Support at Home team to answer your questions. Call 1300 444 663

The Australian Government is introducing a new program called Support at Home, which will change how aged care services are delivered to older people living at home.
Originally planned to start on 1 July 2025, the program will now begin on 1 November 2025.

Support at Home will replace the current Home Care Packages (HCP). If you receive services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), nothing will change for now—CHSP will transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027.

The goal of Support at Home is to make it easier for older Australians to get the help they need to live independently at home. It will offer a wider range of services, with a simpler and more flexible system that supports your health, wellbeing, and connection to your community.

Visit the Department of Health’s Support at Home webpage for more detailed information about the program or view the fact sheets created by Helping Hand, linked below.

Care Partners Fact Sheet

This fact sheet will help you understand Helping Hand’s Care Partner model, what Care Partners do, and how they will support you to access and navigate Support at Home. Click the button to download the fact sheet.

New Aged Care Act and Strengthened Aged Care Standards

Latest update: 23 June 2025

The new Aged Care Act and Strengthened Standards will come into effect on 1 November 2025, following a delay announced by the Australian Government. They were originally set to start on 1 July 2025.

These changes put the rights and needs of older people at the centre of the aged care system, better supporting individuals, their families and carers.

Helping Hand has been preparing for these changes for some time now and has always prioritised person-centred care.

To explain what this means for you, we’ve created a simple guide in our April At Home magazine, for both our care home residents and home care clients. It covers the Statement of Rights, the seven Strengthened Standards, and how Support at Home will affect existing and new clients. Click the button below to learn more.

Your Guide to Aged Care Changes
Feel free to call our Support at home team on 1300 444 663 or email us at supportathome@helpinghand.org.au with any questions or comments
Ask a question about Support at Home

In this episode of our podcast Age Old Problems: New Aged Care, Helping Hand’s Aged Care Connector Mel Bassham explains: what Support at Home is and why it matters, what current and new clients should expect, how the new model is helping people access what they need earlier, and where to go for help when things feel confusing.