Navigating aged care options can feel overwhelming—especially when a loved one’s health begins to change. For many families, the move towards residential aged care isn’t always a first choice, but something that feels necessary to ensure safety and support.
However, it’s important to know there are other options.
With the introduction of the Support at Home program, the Australian Government has transformed how aged care is delivered—making it possible for older Australians to receive higher levels of care while remaining in the comfort of their own home.
Before committing to residential care, it’s worth exploring how these new reforms can support your loved one at home—giving you more time, flexibility and peace of mind.
Home Care can now support more complex needs at home
Home Care today goes far beyond help with everyday tasks. With the right funding and professional support, it can now cater to more complex health and clinical needs, including:
- Dementia care and cognitive support
- Medication management and nursing oversight
- Chronic condition management
- Post-hospital recovery and wound care
- Mobility support, falls prevention and allied health
For many families, this means loved ones can stay in familiar surroundings—often leading to better emotional wellbeing—while still receiving high-quality, personalised care.
The new standard for Home Care
The Support at Home program is designed specifically to help older Australians with higher needs stay independent for longer. The most critical change for families to understand is the move from the old four-level “Home Care Packages” to the new 8-Classification System.
|
Classification |
Annual Amount |
|
Classification 1 |
$10,731.00 1 |
|
Classification 2 |
$16,034.45 2 |
|
Classification 3 |
$21,965.70 3 |
|
Classification 4 |
$29,696.40 4 |
|
Classification 5 |
$39,697.40 5 |
|
Classification 6 |
$48,114.30 6 |
|
Classification 7 |
$58,148.15 7 |
|
Classification 8 |
$78,106.35 8 |
Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 'Support at Home program classifications and budgets' (Nov 2025).
The additional capacity provided by this new classification system can be the decisive factor that allows a person to stay at home rather than entering an aged care home.
In addition, eligible participants may access up to $6,000 in restorative care funding, designed to support recovery and help individuals regain independence—particularly after a hospital stay—so they can safely return home.
Clinical care fully funded under Support at Home
Under the new Support at Home program, home care services are clearly grouped into three categories: Clinical Care, Independence, and Everyday Living. This structure ensures essential health and clinical supports are prioritised and delivered alongside daily living assistance — recognising that staying at home is about more than just help with chores.
Importantly, from 1 November 2025, approved clinical care services are 100% government funded under Support at Home. This means there is no client contribution, regardless of whether you are a full pensioner or self-funded retiree.
Fully funded clinical services may include:
- Nursing care, such as the management of ulcers or post-surgical wounds by a Registered Nurse
- Allied health, including physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy and dietician or nutritionist services
This approach ensures older Australians can access essential clinical care at home, without added financial pressure.
Why waitlists don’t have to mean waiting for care
For many families, the decision doesn't have to be "all or nothing."
Home Care can serve as an effective bridge. If you are currently on a waitlist for a specific Residential Aged Care home, or if you are simply feeling uncertain about the permanence of the move, increasing your support at home can provide an immediate safety net.
This approach buys you time to make decisions without pressure, ensuring your loved one is safe and supported today.
Private home care for immediate, flexible support
If support is needed straight away, private home care services can provide flexible, immediate assistance—including the option for 24/7 care at home where required.
Private home care may be suitable if you:
- Are waiting for Support at Home approval
- Need additional services beyond your allocated funding
- Want short-term, urgent or transitional support
- Prefer to begin care without waiting for assessments
- Want ongoing, flexible care tailored to your needs
Private care can be used alongside government-funded services or as a standalone solution—helping you access the right level of care, exactly when you need it.
Let’s review your options together
At Catholic Healthcare, we guide you through every step of the aged care journey. Whether that destination is one of our residential homes or staying in your own, we can help you compare the options.
If you are unsure if your loved one’s medical needs can be managed at home, let us help. Our local teams can get in touch with you to explain exactly what Support at Home services are available to you and how to make the most of your funding.
Contact us today for more information.
Catholic Healthcare is a leading not-for-profit provider of residential care, home care, and retirement living along Australia's east coast. With over 30 years of experience, we offer care and support to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our services aim to enrich clients' lives by nurturing their bodies, minds, and spirits with a holistic, person-centred approach. We operate 41 residential aged care homes, 13 retirement living communities, and provide home and community services to more than 6,500 clients.
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