If you've recently started looking into aged care support for a parent, a partner, or yourself, you've probably come across the term "Support at Home" — and found the whole system a little confusing. You're not alone. Australia's aged care funding landscape has changed significantly, and understanding what's available (and how to access it) can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with a lot.

This guide is here to make it simple. We'll walk you through what the Support at Home program is, who it's for, how to apply, and what kind of care it can actually fund — so you can make confident decisions for your family.

What Is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home (SaH) program is the Australian Government's current framework for delivering subsidised home care to older Australians. It replaced the previous Home Care Packages program from July 2025 and is designed to give people more flexibility, more choice, and a more straightforward pathway to getting help at home.

The core premise is simple: rather than moving into residential aged care, Australians who need support should be able to access that support in the home they already live in — with government funding helping cover the cost.

"The goal of the Support at Home program is to help older Australians live independently for longer — in their own home, in their community, on their own terms."

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Support at Home program, you generally need to be:

65 years of age or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)

An Australian resident living in the community (not in residential aged care)

Assessed as needing support to remain safely at home

There are also provisions for people aged 50 to 65 in specific circumstances — including those experiencing homelessness or those whose care needs aren't met by other programs. If you're unsure whether you or your loved one qualifies, the best first step is simply calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for a quick eligibility check.

What Can Support at Home Fund?

This is where a lot of families are pleasantly surprised. The Support at Home program can cover a broad range of services, including:

Personal care: showering, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance

Nursing care at home: medication management, wound care, and clinical health support

Domestic assistance: cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation

Social support and companionship: regular visits and community outings

Transport: to medical appointments, shopping, or community activities

Allied health services: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and more

Assistive technology and home modifications: grab rails, ramps, and equipment to improve safety at home

Respite care: short-term support to give family carers a break

The exact services available to you will depend on your assessed needs and the funding level you receive.

How Does the Funding Work?

Under the Support at Home program, eligible individuals receive a personal budget based on their assessed care needs. This budget is held by the government and drawn down as you use services from an approved provider.

The amount of funding varies depending on the complexity of your needs — from lower-level assistance (such as help with housework and transport) through to higher-level support for people with complex medical or personal care requirements. A small means-tested contribution may apply for some individuals, but many people find that government funding covers the majority of the cost of care.

💡 Important Note for Families

If you or your loved one is not yet registered with My Aged Care and is waiting for a full assessment, start-up supports may be available to cover an immediate period of need while the formal process is completed. Talk to us — Centricare can help you understand what's available right away.

How Do You Apply? A Step-by-Step Guide

The process for accessing Support at Home funding is more straightforward than many families expect. Here's what it looks like in practice:

Contact My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to register and describe the support you're looking for. This takes about 20 minutes over the phone.

Receive a home assessment. A trained assessor will visit the home to understand the person's needs, goals, and daily challenges. This is a friendly, conversational visit — not a medical exam.

Receive your support plan. Based on the assessment, a personalised support plan is developed, including the level of funding you're approved for.

Choose your provider. You have full choice of approved provider. This is the step where you choose Centricare. We'll guide you through everything from here — from creating your care plan to matching you with the right caregiver.

Care begins. Often within the same week as your provider confirmation, your support can start.

Can I Choose My Own Provider?

Yes — absolutely. One of the most important features of the Support at Home program is that you are in control. You choose who provides your care, and you can change providers at any time if you feel the service isn't right for you. There is no requirement to use a government agency or a large national chain.

Many families in Perth choose Centricare because we're local, responsive, and genuinely personal. Unlike a large national provider, we take the time to truly understand each person — and we match you with a consistent caregiver you'll actually get to know.

What If I Want to Start Before Funding Is Approved?

The approval process takes time — and sometimes care is needed now. If that's your situation, private home care is available immediately, with no wait and full flexibility. Many families choose to begin with privately arranged care while their funding application is processed, then transition to government-funded care once approved. Centricare can facilitate this seamlessly.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're at the very beginning of this journey or you've already been assessed and are looking for the right provider, our team at Centricare is here to help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations — a relaxed conversation where we can answer your questions about funding, services, and what getting started looks like.

Have questions about the Support at Home program?

Call Centricare on 08 6558 0884 or book a free consultation. We'll explain your options clearly — no jargon, no pressure.

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