ServicesAged CareSpectrum Home Care PackagesSupport At Home

Changes to Home Care Packages

Information about Support at Home, and other changes to Aged Care in 2025

Aged Care is changing

The Australian Government has announced several changes, called reforms, to the Aged Care system in Australia.

One of these changes is the launch of the new Support at Home program, which will replace the current Home Care Packages program on 1 November 2025.

Support at Home

Here are the main changes that the new Support at Home program will bring:

More funding levels to make it easier for older people to get the specific support that they need
Quarterly funding, to reduce waiting times for services as care needs change
Three funding categories – clinical care, independence support, and everyday living
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme to help seniors stay mobile and live independently
The Restorative Care Pathway, to maintain and improve your independence with support from health workers like physiotherapists and dietitians
The End-of-Life Pathway, with extra funding to support older people to stay at home in their last 3 months of life

If you currently have a Home Care Package, you can read below to find out more about how the transition to Support at Home will work for you.

Support at Home information for Home Care Package holders

Support at Home is a new program that will start on 1 November 2025. It will replace the current Home Care Package program.

You don’t need to do anything, and you will continue receiving services. If you already have a Home Care Package, you will automatically move to Support at Home. Your budget will stay the same as it is now.

No. If you already have a Home Care Package, you will not pay more than you do now. For example, if you are on a full pension and don’t pay any fees now, you will not pay any fees under Support at Home. If you are paying Income Tested Care Fees under your Home Care Package, you will pay the same, or less, than what you are paying now.

Instead of getting your budget once a year, you will now receive it every three months (quarterly). This change helps the government support more people and reduce waiting times.

You can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is more) to the next quarter.

Any money you haven’t used from your current Home Care Package will still be available to you. You can use it if you need more services and your quarterly budget is used up, or if you are approved for equipment, products, or home changes through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.

In the future, if your support needs increase, you will be able to receive a new assessment of your care needs from the Single Assessment Service.

If you are a current Spectrum client, here are some of the questions you may have about changes to pricing, and your Service Agreement.

Service Agreements and Pricing FAQs

As part of the transition to Support at Home, we are required by the Australian Government to establish a new service agreement with you. This ensures your services and pricing, reflect the updated Support at Home care model.

Yes. You are encouraged to take the time you need to review your agreement. It should clearly outline the services you will receive and the prices for each service, so you can feel confident about what you pay and the services you receive. Our Care Managers are also available to help you better understand your agreement.

As part of the new Support at Home system, pricing is now calculated to include things like travel and admin costs, instead of charging for them separately. So you may see different prices for services, but there will be no hidden fees or unexpected costs – it will all be covered already. This new system makes it simpler to get the most out of your budget.

All Spectrum clients will shortly receive a letter, as well as an email, with an updated price guide – well ahead of when the new Support at Home system begins in November 2025. You will also be able to download it from our website.

In November 2025, Services Australia will send you a letter with your individual contribution rate.

No, you don’t have to. You can choose to wait for the letter from Services Australia before signing, or sign earlier, knowing your budget will be updated once your contribution rate is confirmed.

No. You must agree to any new prices in your service agreement. You can approve prices and services while still reviewing the full agreement.

We really encourage you to ensure your new service agreement is signed. This means that we know that you have all the information that you need from us and that you understand how the new Support at Home system can help you receive the services that are important to you. So you can focus on enjoying life, knowing that your care and support is taken care of.

We cannot stop your services just because you haven’t signed the agreement. Services will continue while you review the terms.

“Your team has made me feel not just cared for but truly understood. Spectrum has given me the confidence to live with dignity and independence.”

– Giuseppe, 81

Other changes to Aged Care

The switch to the Support at Home program is one of several changes happening in Aged Care in Australia in 2025.

Some of the other changes include:

A new Aged Care Act, which aims to deliver higher quality care to seniors, and make it easier to understand the rights of older people
A new Single Assessment system, which will make it easier and simpler to be assessed for Aged Care Services