Home Care Is Changing: What to Expect from 1 November 2025

Published - 27th October 2025

Australia’s aged care system is undergoing one of its most significant reforms in decades. From 1 November 2025, a new model called Support at Home will replace existing home care programs, changing how older Australians access and manage support services.

Whether you’re currently receiving care or just beginning to explore your options, understanding these changes early will help you make informed decisions, and this is where we at Astute Care can help.

1. A simplified system: Support at Home

The Support at Home program will combine the current Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs into a single, streamlined model. The aim is to make the system more consistent and easier to navigate, with less paperwork and faster access to the help you need.

Instead of being assigned a package level, each person will receive funding that directly reflects their assessed care needs. This means greater flexibility and you will be able to adjust the types and amounts of support as your situation changes, without waiting for a package upgrade.

If you already receive a Home Care Package, you don’t need to reapply. Your existing support will continue, and the government has confirmed that no one will be worse off under the new system.

2. What you need to do before November 2025

If you’re currently receiving services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) such as domestic help, transport, meals, or respite, it is important to ensure your My Aged Care assessment is completed or updated by 31 October 2025. Without a valid assessment, your funding and services may be disrupted.

At Astute Care, we can guide you through this process from arranging or updating assessments to understanding what level of support you may be eligible for. We can also liaise directly with providers, so you can transition smoothly when the new model begins.

3. What will improve for older Australians

The reforms are designed to place choice, transparency, and control in the hands of older Australians. You’ll be able to:

• See exactly how your funding is used.

• Change services or providers more easily.

• Access equipment, allied health, and home modifications through a single, coordinated system.

For families, this means less confusion and a clearer view of where care costs are going. For older Australians, it means more independence and support that truly fits their lifestyle.

4. How Astute Care can help

Astute Care specialises in helping families navigate Australia’s home care and aged care systems with confidence. We can:

• Explain what the Support at Home changes mean for you.

• Help you prepare or update your My Aged Care assessment.

• Compare service providers and ensure your needs are accurately represented.

• Support you through the transition if you’re moving from CHSP or a Home Care Package.

We understand that aged care decisions are deeply personal. Our role is to take the stress and uncertainty out of the process for you and your family so you can focus on what matters most - maintaining comfort, safety, and independence at home.

5. Key takeaways

Current Home Care Package clients will move automatically to the new Support at Home system with no reduction in funding.

CHSP clients must ensure they have an up-to-date My Aged Care assessment before 31 October 2025.

We at Astute Care can provide personal guidance, coordinate assessments, and help plan your transition to the new model.

These reforms mark a major step toward a simpler, fairer and more person-centred approach to aged care at home in Australia. With the right preparation and expert guidance, you can ensure the support you receive continues smoothly and reflects your individual goals and preferences.

For more information or personalised support, contact Astute Care on 0473 017 210. We’re here to help you understand your options and make confident choices ahead of the November 2025 changes.