Support at Home Program

Support at Home is an Australian Government aged care program that helps older people remain living safely and independently at home as they age. It provides access to services, products, equipment and home modifications that support older people to stay healthy, active and connected to their community.

Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025.

Through Support at Home, older people may be able to access:

• clinical supports, including nursing care, occupational therapy and podiatry

• help with independence, such as personal care, medication support, transport and respite care

• everyday living support, including cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation

• culturally safe care, including support to participate in cultural activities and access Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners and health workers.

The program includes ongoing services across eight classifications, with funding based on the person’s assessed care needs. It also includes short-term pathways for restorative care, end-of-life care, and assistive technology and home modifications.

GPs and other health professionals can support older patients to access Support at Home by referring them through My Aged Care. Referrals can be made online using the Make a Referral form, or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

For urgent referrals, where a patient may be at risk without immediate support, GPs can contact My Aged Care, refer directly to an aged care provider, or organise emergency residential respite care through Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 where appropriate.

If a patient is already receiving aged care services and their needs, goals or circumstances have changed, health professionals can request a Support Plan Review through the patient’s current provider.