Upcoming Changes to Aged Care Services

The Australian Government is introducing significant changes to aged care services to improve quality, simplify processes, and ensure sustainable support. These changes include the introduction of the Support at Home Program (SaH), which will streamline services into a unified system and commence on 1 July 2025.

Disclaimer

This information is based on the current details available and provides a preliminary outline of the rules, regulations, and program specifics which remain subject to change. On a monthly basis, we will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

Participants Approved for a Home Care Package Before 12 September 2024

What it means: If you were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you will continue under your existing arrangements for the duration of your participation in the program.

Impact for you:

• Your services will align with the new service list, and funding will remain the same.
• Your financial contribution arrangements will not change.
• Any unspent funds as of 1 July 2025 will be carried over and retained for additional service, subject to the rules and limits set by the Support at Home Program.

Participants on Interim Home Care Package Plans (Approved Between 12 September 2024 and 1 July 2025)

What it means: If you are approved during this period, you will initially follow the current Home Care Package (HCP) rules and contributions and transition to the Support at Home Program from 1 July 2025.

Impact for you:

• Your contributions and service arrangements will adjust in line with the new program from 1 July 2025.
• There will be a limit to unspent funds that can be carried over.

Key Points for the Support at Home Program (From 1 July 2025)

• Service Plan Development: Your service plan will be created during the assessment process, clearly outlining the specific services and activities you will receive, including your co-contribution for each.
• Budget Management: Funding will be allocated quarterly, with limits on unspent funds to be rolled over.
• Case Management: 10% of your overall funding will be allocated to case management. These funds will be pooled across all participants and managed by your provider to coordinate and oversee your care and support.
• Service Levels: The system will move from 4 package levels to 8, with dedicated grants for assistive technology, home modifications, and end-of-life care pathways.
• Capped Pricing & Co-Contribution: Service prices will be capped, and rates of co-contributions will be determined by the government and published in February 2025.

Staying Informed

Lifebridge is committed to supporting you through these changes. We will share updates as more details become available and offer focus groups to address your questions and concerns.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.