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Introducing the Support at Home Program on the North Coast

Upcoming Changes to Aged Care from 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will launch the new Support at Home initiative, replacing the current Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC). This transition will simplify access to aged care, enhance elderly support at home, and improve service delivery across the board.

The reform prioritises independence and dignity, ensuring older Australians can continue living safely in their homes. The Program provides access to care support at home, including in-home nursing care, allied health support, and essential home modifications.

Learn More:

What’s New with the Support at Home Program?

Understanding the Key Changes:

The Support at Home Program brings a fresh approach to home care services, building upon the strengths of the Home Care Packages while addressing existing challenges.

Key updates include:

FeatureHCP ProgramSaH Program
System StructureSeparate HCP and CHSP modelsCombined single system
Funding ModelPackage levels (1–4)Service-based funding based on 8 levels of funding
Service Classification4 package levels8 service category levels
Budget AllocationMonthly allocation of budget with unlimited accumulation of fundsQuarterly allocation of budgets with rollover cap ($1,000 or 10%)
Large Purchases e.g. home modificationsPurchased from accumulated fundsSeparate funding for home modifications & assistive technology

These improvements ensure a more sustainable, personalised, and reliable care experience for seniors across the North Coast.

What Does the Support at Home Program Offer?

Depending on an individual’s needs and assessment outcomes, the program covers a wide range of home care services for seniors, aimed at maintaining independence and well-being.

1. Clinical Support:

  • In-home nursing – Including wound care, post-hospital support, and chronic illness management.
  • Allied Health Access – Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
  • Continence Management – Dignified, professional assistance.

2. Independence Support :

  • Personal Assistance – Help with grooming, showering, medication, and dressing.
  • Transport Services – For errands, medical visits, and social activities.

3. Daily Living Help :

  • Domestic Assistance – Laundry, gardening, and general cleaning.
  • Meal Prep Services – Support with cooking and nutritional planning.
  • Respite Care – Temporary relief for family carers.

With flexible Support at Home care packages—including options tailored to specific regions such as Tweed Heads, Taree, and Coffs Harbour—older Australians can receive the right level of care when they need it.

How Will This Benefit You or a Loved One?

Already Receiving in Home Care Support as part of your package?

If you’re currently receiving home care services via a Home Care Package, there will be no disruption. Services will continue smoothly under the new system, guided by the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast.

New to Aged Care?

The new single-aged care assessment system makes it easier to access home care services for the elderly. Support is tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.

How to Get Started with the Support at Home Program

If you or a loved one is exploring options here’s what to do:

  1. Visit My Aged Care – Access government guidance on eligibility and options.

2. Get an Assessment – Understand your support level and service requirements.

3. Choose a Provider – Select Home Care Assistance on the North Coast for reliable, high-quality support.

How much government funding can I receive under Support at Home?

If you qualify for government funding under the new Support at Home program, you’ll be placed into one of eight funding levels. Your funding can be used to access a range of services, including nursing care, help with daily tasks, and support to maintain your independence at home.

• Level 1: $3,000 per quarter

• Level 2: $4,500 per quarter

• Level 3: $7,000 per quarter

• Level 4: $10,500 per quarter

• Level 5: $13,500 per quarter

• Level 6: $16,500 per quarter

• Level 7: $19,500 per quarter

• Level 8: $22,500 per quarter

What are the other funding sources available aside from these eight funding levels?

Beyond your regular care funding, the Support at Home program offers additional financial assistance through several targeted pathways to help meet more specific or urgent needs:

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM):

This stream supports safety and independence through equipment or changes to your home:

Low Tier:

Up to $500 for minor improvements like grab bars.

Medium Tier: 

Up to $2,000 for practical aids such as walkers or shower chairs.

High Tier: 

$15,000+ for significant upgrades like installing ramps or accessible bathrooms (evidence required).

Restorative Care Option:

Focused on helping you stay independent, this provides allied health and multidisciplinary therapy support for up to 12 weeks, with funding ranging from $6,000 to $12,000.

End-of-Life Care Option:

For those entering the final stages of life, this pathway provides up to $25,000 in funding across 3 months. Families have up to 16 weeks to use the funding for palliative and comfort care at home.

Why Choose Home Care Assistance on the North Coast?

As a trusted provider of leading aged care services, we offer:

  • Tailored Care Plans – Matching every individual’s unique lifestyle.
  • At Home Nursing Care – Skilled, compassionate nursing in the comfort of home.
  • Customised Support at Home Care Packages.

We’re here to guide you through the new support at-home care system and make the transition effortless.

Want to learn more?

Health and Aged Care website for overview of Support At Home
Single Assessment System for Aged Care
Progress on Government Reforms

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Home Care Assistance on the North Coast is here to support your journey with personalised, compassionate care.

Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how the new Support at Home program can make a difference for you or your loved one.

Hear What Our Customers Say

Hear from clients we’ve helped through their journey.

Let us help you

Home Care Assistance NSW North Coast can help. Call Our Local Team today for your complimentary in-home assessment.

Are You Ready To Get Started

Home Care Assistance can help you or a loved one today. Contact us now for your complimentary in-home assessment.

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DEDICATED TO AGEING WELL
I switched my Father’s Homecare package from a large provider to HCA and I’m so glad I did. From the very first contact I was struck by the degree of professionalism, expertise and friendliness from... all I came in contact with. The high standard of care and calibre of the care staff was evident from the beginning and carried right through. Communication was always responsive and timely and nothing was too much trouble. The values of the company and management team have filtered right through to the staff and you feel you are in the company of family who really care, which is very comforting. I have no hesitation in recommending the services of HCA for exemplary care of the elderly in their home.read more
Our family has benefited from the excellent support and services from David, Meg and the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast for the past couple of years. I had an extensive list of questions... when we were deciding which provider to go with. David answered promptly, and impressed me with his empathy, accessibility (available after hours, weekends), and ability to tailor a package to meet our particular needs. Add to that the best value for package dollars, and it was an easy decision to go with HCA North Coast.The staff employed by HCA North Coast have been excellent. David was able to source staff who were a good match for my Dad’s personality. As our needs evolved, it was easy to change any aspect of the care provided.I am very happy to recommend Home Care Assistance North Coast, for anyone looking for quality care for their loved one.read more
So blessed. Such a wonderful team to take care of me, keeping my life simple and enabling the very best I could wish for. Thank you, Meg and Dave!
Home Care Assistance North Coast have been absolutely wonderful caring for my elderly parents. All their staff have been kind, considerate and very professional. Management is very friendly, always... willing to accommodate any needed changes and care greatly about the welfare of both their clients and their lovely careers. Their careers have been absolute angels, to say the least. My thanks go to all the people at Home Care Assistance North Coast.read more
In sporting circles these days there is an expression used to describe why athletes and teams are supreme champions, it is “they do the one-percenters”. To me this is what separates HCA from the... other providers I have experienced; they are always cheery when you telephone, they respond with some alacrity to an email, incredibly flexible re scheduling and most importantly from the very first visit by a staff member you are made to feel part of their family.read more
The carers who looked after my elderly mother were without exception highly motivated, caring and compassionate. Not only was Mum looked after supremely well, she was provided with wonderful... companionship, a level of independence that would have been impossible without the help of her special carers, and a lot of fun. It is difficult to put into words how much this meant to her entire family! Keep up the good work.read more
I looked long and thoroughly before I selected a care provider for my husband who has dementia. Being with Home Care Assistance for almost a year, has confirmed all my expectations. And more.As a... carer I feel very supported by David and Meg. They are always available by phone or email, and this means a lot. But perhaps the best quality of their organisation is the high calibre and personalised choice of all the care givers they have provided for us - whether it be someone to spend time with my husband or someone to slash our overgrown yard.I have no hesitation in recommending Home Care Assistance - and, indeed, have already done so.Pamela Payneread more
The whole team at Home Care Assist are amazing. I can't begin to tell you how much help Geoff Doherty was to me when I was trying to navigate the Aged Care process. The Coffs Harbour team led by... Rachael, who is a wonderful caring and helpful manager, is an absolute gem. My every need is taken into consideration and the staff employed to do the actual caring/cleaning are second to none. Nothing is too much trouble. I need Physio and Hydrotherapy services and Emily, who is also a absolute gem always pays the providers promptly and they are very grateful for that. I would highly recommend this service to anyone looking for Caring, Compassionate, timely and reliable care.read more
I can't thank the team at Home Care Assistance North Coast enough for their help with my Dad. David led us through the Home Care Package details with honesty and integrity, and they were able to... organise a lawn mowing service as well as a carer to visit Dad.My only regret is that we didn't get to spend more time with the team as Dad has now moved into an Aged Care Facility. Thank you again.read more
Our family appointed HCA to assist with care for our father. It turned out to be an excellent appointment.The management and staff were excellent and the carers were outstanding.We highly recommend... HCA to any prospective applicants.We would be happy to field direct enquires about the service. HCA have our detailsread more
The most helpful, caring, supportive and flexible team of people to assist with our elderly loved ones.I am so grateful for all you had done for my Mum.... ❤️❤️❤️read more
David and his team have been outstanding in the help they have offered my father. i would highly recommend them to anyone. First class job!
We have the highest praise for HCA as an organisation, and deep gratitude and respect for the people involved - all the way from Dave & Meg at the top right through office staff and on to the... wonderful warm carers who have meant so much to our mother over the last three years. From our experience HCA offers a service far beyond the general expectations of the aged care sector, and we have no hesitation recommending them. Thank you HCA, for all that you've done for Mum - and for us by extension.read more
Dave and the team go above and beyond to ensure your loved one receives the best possible care
Home Care Assistance North Coast has really put the CARE back into my aged care experience for my mother.Right from the beginning communication with management (David and Meg) has been excellent... with all of my requests and questions answered patiently, promptly and cheerfully.Due to Home Care Assistance's policy of tender care my mother has had hand massages, foot baths and massages, diversional therapy involving music and art, poetry and encouraging Mum to interact positively.Domestic tasks are attended to cheerfully.Blue ribbon service and red carpet treatment for their valued clients. Highly recommended!read more