Supporting older Australians to remain independent at home has become one of the key priorities of Australia’s aged care reforms. As more people choose to age in their own homes, the Australian Government continues to strengthen services that provide practical assistance while promoting independence, dignity and quality of life.
The Support at Home program is a major part of these reforms. It is designed to create a simpler, more consistent home care system that better meets the changing needs of older Australians while making it easier to access appropriate support.
Understanding how the program works can help older people and their families prepare for future care needs and make informed decisions when exploring aged care options.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is Australia’s new approach to delivering government-funded in-home aged care.
It is designed to bring together existing home care programs into a more streamlined system that focuses on providing personalised support based on an individual’s assessed needs.
The overall goal is to help older Australians:
- remain living safely at home
- maintain independence
- receive flexible support
- improve quality of life
- access services more easily as their needs change
The program reflects the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting ageing at home whenever possible.
What Types of Support Can Be Available?
Depending on an individual’s circumstances and assessment outcome, Support at Home may provide access to a range of services that help people continue living independently.
These may include:
- personal care
- domestic assistance
- meal preparation
- transport
- nursing support
- allied health services
- home maintenance
- assistive technology
- home modifications
Support is intended to be flexible so that services can change as a person’s care needs evolve over time.
What Is Happening to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
Many people currently receiving aged care services are familiar with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
The Australian Government has confirmed that CHSP will transition to the Support at Home program no earlier than 1 July 2027. This additional preparation time allows providers, participants and the broader aged care sector to prepare for the transition while continuing to deliver existing services.
For current CHSP participants, this means there is no immediate need to change arrangements simply because of the future transition.
Why These Reforms Matter
Australia’s population is ageing, and more people wish to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
The Support at Home program aims to make home care more responsive by providing services that better reflect individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
The reforms also seek to improve:
- consistency across services
- transparency
- access to care
- person-centred support
- long-term sustainability of aged care
By simplifying the home care system, older Australians and their families may find it easier to understand available options and plan for future care.
Planning Ahead Can Make Home Care Easier
Many families only begin researching aged care after a sudden illness or hospital stay.
Planning ahead allows older Australians to:
- understand available services
- prepare for assessments
- discuss future preferences
- compare providers carefully
- make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure
Taking time to understand the Support at Home program before care becomes urgent can make the transition smoother and reduce stress for both older people and their families.
For official information about the latest Support at Home reforms, including the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, visit the Australian Government website:
Find the Right Home Care Provider with Confidence
Understanding government-funded aged care programs is only one part of the journey. Choosing a provider that matches your individual needs and preferences is equally important.
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) offers a free Care Finding service to help older Australians and their families compare Home Care providers based on service flexibility, fees, location and individual care needs.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Australian aged care sector, SSCA provides independent, no-obligation guidance to help you find a suitable provider and navigate Australia’s aged care system with confidence.