More Than 100,000 Older Australians Are Waiting for Home Care Funding
Australia’s aged care system is experiencing unprecedented demand, with the number of older Australians seeking support to remain at home continuing to rise. While government reforms are expanding access to in-home care services, recent data shows that demand is still significantly outpacing available resources.
According to the latest Support at Home program data, more than 100,000 older Australians are currently waiting for ongoing Support at Home funding. At the same time, tens of thousands more are waiting for aged care assessments before they can even enter the funding queue.
These figures highlight one of the greatest challenges facing Australia’s aged care sector: ensuring that older Australians can access timely support when they need it most.
The Growing Demand for Home-Based Aged Care
Over the past decade, government policy has increasingly focused on helping older Australians remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
Most people prefer to age in familiar surroundings where they can maintain:
- Independence
- Community connections
- Family relationships
- Personal routines
- Emotional wellbeing
As a result, demand for home care services has grown rapidly.
Many older Australians now seek support for:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Meal preparation
- Transport
- Nursing care
- Allied health services
- Social support
- Mobility assistance
The challenge is that the growth in demand has exceeded the rate at which funding and services can be delivered.
More Than 100,000 People Waiting for Funding
As of 31 March 2026, there were 100,191 older Australians waiting for ongoing Support at Home funding.
This represents a substantial number of people who have already been assessed and approved for support but are still waiting for funding to become available.
Even more concerning is that this figure increased by approximately 5,000 people since December 2025.
Despite government efforts to improve access, the waiting list continues to grow.
For many families, this means uncertainty regarding when adequate support will become available.
The Assessment Queue Remains Significant
In addition to those already waiting for funding, more than 98,000 people were waiting for aged care assessments.
Assessments are an essential part of the aged care process because they determine:
- Eligibility for services
- Level of support required
- Appropriate funding classification
- Individual care needs
Without an assessment, individuals cannot progress through the aged care system.
Large assessment backlogs can therefore create additional delays before support can be accessed.
Why Are Waiting Lists Growing?
Several factors are contributing to the increasing demand for Support at Home funding.
Australia’s Ageing Population
Australians are living longer than ever before.
As the population ages, the number of people requiring aged care support naturally increases.
Greater Preference for Ageing at Home
Research consistently shows that most older Australians wish to remain at home for as long as possible.
Government reforms have supported this preference, resulting in growing demand for community-based services.
Increased Awareness of Available Support
Many older Australians are becoming more aware of government-funded aged care programs and are applying for assistance earlier than previous generations.
More Complex Care Needs
Today’s older Australians often live with multiple chronic health conditions that require ongoing support and care coordination.
This complexity increases demand for higher levels of assistance.
Understanding the New Support at Home Program
The Support at Home program is intended to simplify and modernise Australia’s in-home aged care system.
The program is designed to replace previous funding arrangements and provide a more streamlined approach to delivering care.
Its objectives include:
- Supporting independence
- Improving flexibility
- Enhancing consumer choice
- Simplifying service delivery
- Improving access to care
While these goals are widely supported, the transition period has also highlighted the challenges involved in meeting growing demand.
Encouraging Signs in the Latest Data
Although waiting lists remain substantial, recent figures also show positive developments.
During the March 2026 quarter:
- 60,709 ongoing support classifications were approved
- Access to in-home aged care increased significantly
- More Australians received government-funded support than ever before
These figures demonstrate that substantial numbers of people are entering the system and receiving assistance.
However, the overall demand continues to exceed available capacity.
Access to Home Care Continues to Expand
One encouraging trend is the continued growth in the number of people receiving in-home aged care services.
By March 2026:
- 364,723 individuals were accessing in-home aged care support
- This represented a 26% increase compared to the previous year
This growth reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting older Australians to remain safely at home.
While access is improving, the increasing demand means that waiting lists remain a significant issue.
Why Timely Access Matters
For many older Australians, timely access to support can have a major impact on health, safety, and quality of life.
Delays in receiving services may contribute to:
Increased Risk of Falls
Without appropriate assistance, individuals may struggle with mobility and daily activities.
Hospital Admissions
Unmet care needs can sometimes lead to avoidable emergency department visits or hospitalisations.
Carer Stress
Family members often take on additional responsibilities while waiting for formal support.
This can affect:
- Physical health
- Mental wellbeing
- Employment
- Financial stability
Earlier Entry into Residential Care
Without adequate support at home, some older Australians may require residential aged care sooner than they otherwise would.
High-Needs Consumers Face Particular Challenges
The latest data shows that many approved packages were allocated to people requiring higher levels of support.
In particular, significant numbers of Level 8 support classifications were approved.
These individuals often require assistance with:
- Complex medical needs
- Advanced mobility challenges
- Dementia support
- Frequent clinical interventions
Ensuring that high-needs consumers receive timely support remains an important priority for the aged care system.
What Families Can Do While Waiting
Although waiting lists can be frustrating, there are practical steps families can take during the waiting period.
Understand Available Interim Services
Some individuals may be eligible for alternative support programs while awaiting funding.
Plan Ahead
Preparing documentation and discussing future care preferences can help families make informed decisions when funding becomes available.
Monitor Changing Needs
Care requirements may evolve over time.
Regular reviews can help ensure support arrangements remain appropriate.
Compare Providers Early
Researching providers before funding becomes available can reduce stress and support faster service commencement.
Choosing the Right Provider Is Important
When funding becomes available, selecting the right provider is one of the most important decisions families will make.
Factors to consider include:
- Service quality
- Fee structures
- Provider flexibility
- Staff experience
- Availability of services
- Geographic coverage
- Cultural and language suitability
A provider that aligns with an individual’s needs can help maximise the value of available funding and improve overall outcomes.
Looking Toward the Future
The latest Support at Home data highlights both progress and ongoing challenges within Australia’s aged care system.
While access to home care continues to expand, demand is growing at an equally rapid pace.
Addressing waiting lists will likely require continued attention to:
- Funding availability
- Workforce capacity
- Assessment efficiency
- Service coordination
- Consumer support
As Australia’s population continues to age, ensuring timely access to home care services will remain a key priority for policymakers, providers, and the broader community.
Need Help Finding the Right Home Care Provider?
Navigating aged care funding, waiting lists, and provider options can be overwhelming for many families.
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) offers a free Care Finding service that helps older Australians and their families compare Home Care providers based on their individual needs, preferences, location, services, and fees.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Australian aged care sector, SSCA assists consumers in understanding their options and connecting with suitable providers, helping them make informed decisions throughout their aged care journey.