Support at Home Reform 2025Important Update

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November - December 2025

COASIT Newsletter

Festive Reading Essentials: Your Christmas Resources

Can my funding pay for: Equipment purchased from nonspecialised stores?

We often receive enquiries about whether participants can purchase recommended assistive equipment and products from alternative retail suppliers, instead of specialised mobility and equipment suppliers. You may have noticed over recent times that some big chain retail, hardware and pharmacy stores now stock an extensive range of mobility and assistive equipment for people who need some help with everyday living activities.

Finance & Aged Care Systems

Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.

Cultural Recognition and Respect

There are many aged care programs and services that support the distinctive needs of people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. However, for the first time, the unique cultural needs of older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are key considerations in the overall service design and implementation of the Support at Home program.

Community & Social Connection

Stay connected through activities and support.

Receiving delivered meals under Support at Home

Many of our participants receive delivered meals as an important part of their Support Plan to address their care needs. The Department of Health, Disability & Ageing has introduced a new concept called the Meal Obligation for In-home Aged Care Providers, which means meals and refreshments subsidised by the Commonwealth must meet new standards and regulations. This means from 1 November 2025, we are obligated to ensure every meal provider complies with the government requirements, which increases the due diligence for us and for the meal provider themselves.

Health & Wellbeing

Care tips for body and mind.

Any lingering questions about Support at Home?

After several years of planning, the government’s new Support at Home program commenced on 1 November 2025. Although it replaced the Home Care Packages program, many of the previous HCP features will remain in place for participants who were assessed and approved for a package before 31 October 2025. Whilst we have provided important information about the changes at key points along the way, you may still have some lingering questions. To help you answer these questions, we have created a list of resources that are available on the My Aged Care website, where you can find a series of resources and fact sheets for participants explaining the Support at Home program.

Education & Resources

Learning, advocacy, and helpful aged care guides.

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

The Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards are part of a package of reforms that commenced on 1 November 2025. There are seven new standards, but only these five apply to home care: The individual

Health & Wellbeing

Care tips for body and mind.

Your home situation can impact your income and assets tests

Many of our participants have made it clear that they wish to remain living at home for as long as possible and value this independence highly. But what if something happens and you need to move into residential aged care in the future? Or you choose to sell your home and downsize? Or you decide to move in with family members for more support? Allowing yourself to think through various alternatives and options means you can make informed decisions and remain in control of your life, even if you have no specific plans for making a change in the foreseeable future.

Finance & Aged Care Systems

Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.

Reportable Incidents: Alleged theft or financial coercion

The Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission is responsible for ensuring that older people receive safe and high-quality care from their providers. They must also enforce the right that participants, families and supporters have to make a complaint, knowing that these will be taken seriously and acted upon. As part of our reporting requirements to the Commission, registered providers must comply with the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS), which means we are required to report any allegations of theft or financial coercion that occur in connection with the service we provide to you.

Finance & Aged Care Systems

Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.

Can my package pay for Safety & Security at home?

Many of our consumers live alone, which can bring both a sense of independence and, at times, feelings of vulnerability, particularly when their vision, hearing, or mobility is impaired, making them more cautious about their surroundings and personal safety. However, there are several ways you can improve safety and your overall sense of well-being at home. The first approach relates to home security. Our participants sometimes want to upgrade home security measures such as security cameras inside or outside the home, deadlocks, video doorbells, external sensor lights, security screen doors, security gates, window locks, peep holes, lockable letterboxes, remote control lockable garage doors, and home alarms.

Finance & Aged Care Systems

Guidance on costs, funding, and protection.

Are you maximising support and advocacy from OPAN?

If the aged care system feels confusing at times, you’re not alone, especially when major reforms affect multiple aspects of the system all at once. From new fees and caps, to new programs and service categories, there’s a lot for older people, their families and supporters to navigate. And whilst we are always here to guide and support you with any questions, we understand that there are times when you may feel more comfortable speaking to an independent advocate instead.

Education & Resources

Learning, advocacy, and helpful aged care guides.

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