By: CMAA
Australia’s aged care system is entering a new era with the rollout of the Support at Home program, designed to make it easier for older Australians to live independently, safely and confidently in their own homes.
Coming into effect as part of the Aged Care Act 2024, the program responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care, focusing on quality, transparency and, most importantly, independence.
As Catholic Care’s Geoff Aigner explains, the changes are not just about policy, but about people. “The system is pushing what the department is calling ‘enablement’; keeping people able, happy and capable, connected in their homes,” he says.
What the program changes
The Support at Home program replaces previous home care arrangements with a simpler, more streamlined structure.
According to Geoff, there are several key updates older Australians and their families should understand:
Greater Choice and Control
“There’s a much higher focus on quality,” Geoff explains. “That should come through in people’s discussions with providers of home care services.”
Reduced administration costs
A new fee structure means less money goes to overheads and more toward direct services and support.
Means-tested Co-contributions
“If you’re a full pensioner, you’ll pay very little,” Geoff says. “Self-funded retirees will contribute more.”
Free Clinical Services
“Physio, occupational therapy, speech therapy; they all remain free for the lifetime of the program,” he adds.
Quarterly Budgets
Recipients are encouraged to use their funding regularly rather than save it. “Spend your money now,” Geoff says. “Very little will roll over quarter to quarter.”
Supporting Independence At Home
A major focus of the new program is enablement is helping older people stay active, connected and independent. “The idea is to support people before it’s too late,” Geoff explains. “We want to enable people to do as much as they can for as long as they can.”
He says this shift towards independence is also about dignity and respect. “Your body changes, your mind changes, the people around you change. It can be difficult. But we’re here to walk alongside older Australians through that journey.”
How To Prepare For The Changes
Applying for a Support at Home package can take time, so Geoff’s advice is to start early.
“This is a long process to apply, to be approved, to get a package, it can take over a year,” he says. “Things change rapidly as you get older. We want to enable people and support them before it’s too late to help them.”
He also encourages people to be honest during their assessment. “Don’t present your best self like it’s a job interview,” Geoff says with a smile. “Be really truthful about what you can and can’t do.”
Choosing The Right Provider
Once approved, finding the right care provider is an important step. Geoff encourages people to ask questions and prioritise quality.
“This is a really intimate service,” he says. “Somebody’s coming into your home — they could be cleaning, helping you shower, or taking you to appointments. You have every right to ask questions and make sure you feel comfortable.”
He also suggests asking about continuity of care. “Am I going to be seeing the same set of people, or are they changing every week? I want people to understand me and to feel comfortable.”
When it comes to cost, Geoff says cheaper isn’t always better. “If something is 30 or 40 per cent cheaper, there’s a reason for it,” he says. “Think about quality. This is not the time to think about saving money, it’s about getting the right support to stay independent.”
To learn more about the Support at Home program, visit myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for information and support.
Article supplied with thanks to Christian Media & Arts Australia.
This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by the Hope Media Digital team.
Feature image: Canva
