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1300 769 620

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servicedelivery@homecareaustralia.com.au

Support at Home Program Update: Key Changes and What They Mean for You

Updated: 4 days ago

The Support at Home Program is designed to help older Australians live independently at home, with access to essential services tailored to individual needs. If you’re receiving care through the Home Care Packages program, there are some important updates that you need to be aware of. These changes aim to provide you with more flexibility, better care options, and easier access to essential services.

Here’s everything you need to know about the latest changes to the Support at Home Program as of April 2025 and how they could benefit you.

Key Changes & updates to the Support at Home Program

  1. Increased Funding for Care
    The annual funding for the Support at Home Program has increased, now providing up to $78,000 for eligible participants. This means you can access more services, including personal care, meal delivery, assistive technology, and home modifications to help you stay safe and comfortable in your home.
  2. Personalised Care Management
    Every participant will now have access to a dedicated care partner. Your care partner will help coordinate your care, assist with creating and reviewing your care plan, and ensure that you receive the most appropriate and effective services. This change is designed to give you more personalised support and a streamlined care experience.
  3. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
    One of the biggest changes is the upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications. If you need items like mobility aids or modifications like bathroom rails or ramps, these costs are now covered by the program. This change eliminates the need for lengthy waiting periods and allows you to access essential equipment and home improvements quickly, helping you live independently for longer.
  4. Restorative Care Pathway
    If you’re looking to improve your mobility, strength, or overall function, the Restorative Care Pathway offers up to 12 weeks of intensive allied health services. This program aims to help you maintain or improve your ability to perform daily tasks, which can enhance your quality of life.
  5. End-of-Life Pathway
    For participants facing end-of-life care needs, the End-of-Life Pathway provides up to $25,000 over three months. This funding is specifically for supporting you to remain at home during your final months, offering a wide range of palliative care services to ensure you receive the best possible care in the comfort of your own home.


What This Means for You

These updates give you access to more funding, better care, and quicker access to the services you need to live independently at home. Whether you’re looking for help with everyday activities, need assistive devices, or want to improve your health with restorative services, the Support at Home Program has been enhanced to provide a better and more comprehensive solution.

Government Letters About the Changes

In April 2025, the Government will be writing to all consumers in the Home Care Packages program to outline the specific changes and how they will affect your care. This letter will provide additional details about your eligibility and options within the program.

If you’re unsure about any part of the information in the letter, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help clarify any questions or concerns.

How You Can Benefit from These Changes

●       More Flexibility: The increased funding allows you to access a broader range of services.

●       Faster Access to Home Modifications: No more waiting for essential home modifications like rails or ramps.

●       Personalized Care: With a dedicated care partner, you’ll have a consistent point of contact to ensure your care plan is always updated and in line with your needs.

●       Support for End-of-Life Care: If necessary, you can access up to $25,000 to ensure that you receive the best care in the comfort of your home.

You can read more about the Support at Home Program and what it means for you by looking at the Program Handbook here. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-02/support-at-home-program-handbook.pdf

Stay Informed and Make the Most of Your Care Plan

As these changes take effect, we want to ensure that you get the most out of the Support at Home Program. If you have any questions about how these changes affect you or would like to discuss how your care plan can be updated, please reach out to us. We’re always here to support you.

Call 1300 769 620 or email servicedelivery@homecareaustralia.com.au.

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Taylah Huntington

Case Manager

Taylah Huntington is a dedicated and compassionate Case Manager based on the Central Coast, bringing extensive hands-on experience across disability support, aged care, and community services.

 

Taylah has built a strong foundation working as a Disability Support Worker with both CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay and Trilogy Disability Services, where she currently supports individuals to live more independent, meaningful lives. Her previous role as a Support Coordinator with Sunnyfield Disability Services saw her develop strengths in client documentation, care planning, and stakeholder communication, while consistently advocating for improved client wellbeing and safety.

 

With a career that began in aged care and personal support, Taylah has developed a deep understanding of person-centred care. Her experience spans assisting with daily living, implementing behaviour support strategies, coordinating services, and fostering community engagement. She is known for her ability to build genuine relationships with clients, families, and stakeholders, ensuring support is tailored, respectful, and outcomes-focused.

 

Taylah is currently furthering her professional development through a Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, complementing her practical experience with formal training. She is highly organised, detail-oriented, and brings strong administrative and problem-solving skills to her role.

 

As a Case Manager, Taylah is committed to delivering high-quality, relationship-based support that empowers individuals to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.

 

Lisa Bycroft

Care Partner

Lisa is an experienced Care Partner at HomeCare Australia, supporting clients across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, and the Hunter. With over 20 years in aged care and disability services, Lisa is known for her calm leadership, person-centred care, and deep empathy.

Her career includes frontline care, case management, and regional operations leadership with providers such as Mercy Services and integratedliving. She has coordinated services across CHSP, HCP, and NDIS programs and is particularly skilled in dementia-specific care and behaviour support.

Lisa builds strong relationships with clients and care teams alike. She empowers care workers through mentoring and hands-on support, ensuring services are respectful, flexible, and aligned with client goals.

Her qualifications include Certificate IV in Service Coordination (Ageing & Disability), Certificate IV in Leisure and Health, and Certificate III in Aged Care. She also holds credentials in medication management, dementia care, infection control, and behavior support. Lisa maintains First Aid, NDIS Worker Screening, and Working with Children Checks.

At HomeCare Australia, Lisa supports people with high and complex needs, assists with transitions to Support at Home, and ensures care plans reflect dignity and choice. Her calm presence and strong values make her a trusted guide for clients and a leader among peers.

Patricia

Roster Team Leader

As a Roster Manager, I specialize in creating efficient and effective schedules that keep our team running smoothly and ensure the highest quality of care for our clients. My goal is to optimize operations, support our incredible staff, and contribute to seamless service delivery.

My diverse career journey—from brewing the perfect cup of coffee as a barista to coordinating campaigns as a marketing administrator and ensuring compliance as a KYC agent—has given me a unique skill set. I bring adaptability, precision, and

a customer-focused mindset to everything I do, qualities that align perfectly with HomeCare Australia’s commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate reader, a foodie at heart, and an avid fan of K-dramas and binge-worthy series. I also love attending K-pop concerts, where I get to immerse myself in the electrifying energy of live performances.

With a blend of professional expertise and a vibrant personal life, I strive to bring energy, focus, and dedication to my role every day, ensuring our team and clients receive the best possible support.

Sandra Hilton

We’re excited to introduce Brittany, one of our compassionate and highly skilled Aged Care Case Managers at HomeCare Australia. Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role, having worked in the community services industry since 2019. Her strong academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, a Diploma of Community Services, and additional certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention, and Naturopathy.

Brittany’s diverse qualifications—combined with her Certificates 3 and 4 in Fitness—enable her to take a holistic and personalized approach to supporting clients in achieving their goals and maintaining independence.

Originally from a farm outside of Tamworth, Brittany grew up riding horses and caring for an array of animals, which instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Today, she shares her life with her partner, their lively one-year-old daughter, and their playful border collie.

Brittany is passionate about personal growth, journaling, neuroscience, and living a balanced, low-tox lifestyle. She thrives on creating meaningful connections with her clients, helping them navigate their aged care journey with kindness, empathy, and expert guidance.

Her approachable nature, love of gardening, and belief in the importance of protecting your energy ensure that she brings warmth and positivity to every interaction. Whether she’s coordinating services or simply sharing a light-hearted moment (along with her signature “funny” jokes), Brittany is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and support.

We’re confident that Brittany’s expertise and genuine care will make her an invaluable partner in helping you or your loved one live comfortably and independently at home.Sandra Hilton is a highly experienced aged care and disability professional with over 24 years of progressive leadership across frontline care, administration, and executive management. Throughout her career, Sandra has built a strong reputation for guiding individuals and families through complex care systems with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

 

Sandra’s expertise spans client admissions, care navigation, workforce coordination, and regulatory compliance. She has an exceptional ability to translate complicated funding structures, including aged care reforms and NDIS requirements, into clear, practical guidance for clients and their families. Her person-centred approach ensures that every individual receives the support, dignity, and advocacy they deserve.

 

In her most recent role as Customer Admissions Manager, Sandra played a key role in supporting residents and families through the aged care journey. She managed enquiries, conducted assessments, facilitated tours, and led contract negotiations, all while building trusted relationships with hospitals, clinicians, and community partners. Her ability to balance compassionate care with strong commercial and operational outcomes has consistently contributed to improved occupancy and client satisfaction.

 

Sandra’s earlier leadership roles further demonstrate her depth of experience. As an Employee Support Manager and Cluster Manager, she oversaw workforce compliance, recruitment, training, and quality improvement initiatives across multiple services. She has a strong track record in team leadership, risk management, and creating supportive environments for both clients and staff.

 

Known for her integrity, attention to detail, and calm, solutions-focused approach, Sandra excels in high-pressure environments where clear communication and decisive action are essential. She is highly skilled in stakeholder engagement and has worked collaboratively with families, clinicians, government agencies, and multidisciplinary teams throughout her career.

 

Sandra is passionate about improving access to care and empowering people to make informed decisions about their support. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her deep industry knowledge, makes her a valuable asset to any organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.

 

Jo Townsend

Care Coordinator
Jo Townsend is a dedicated and compassionate Care Coordinator with extensive experience supporting older Australians to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. With a strong commitment to person-centred care, Jo brings a thoughtful, empathetic approach to every client interaction, ensuring individuals and their families feel supported, informed, and empowered.Since transitioning into the aged care sector in 2017, Jo has developed deep expertise in coordinating Home Care Packages and Support at Home services. She works closely with clients to develop tailored care plans, manage individual budgets, and coordinate multidisciplinary supports that enhance wellbeing, independence, and quality of life. Jo is highly skilled in navigating the aged care system, advocating for her clients, and ensuring they receive the services and outcomes they deserve.In her current role, Jo coordinates day-to-day care delivery, collaborates with allied health professionals, and supervises support teams to ensure consistent, high-quality care. She is known for her ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, families, and service providers, while effectively resolving concerns and adapting to changing care needs.Jo’s earlier career in quality assurance and management within the food industry has provided her with a strong foundation in compliance, audit processes, and continuous improvement. This experience translates into a highly organised, detail-oriented approach to care coordination, with a strong focus on meeting Aged Care Quality Standards and maintaining best practice at all times.Known for her professionalism, adaptability, and calm problem-solving approach, Jo thrives in dynamic environments where client needs can change quickly. She is equally effective working independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team, always prioritising the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of those she supports.Jo is passionate about empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care and is committed to delivering services that promote independence, inclusion, and quality of life.

Sheryll

Foundational Member of HomeCare Australia

Sheryll has been an integral part of HomeCare Australia since the very beginning, bringing her wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to our team. As a seasoned accountant and bookkeeper with over 18 years of expertise, Sheryll’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in supporting the success and growth of our organization.

A proud mother of four, Sheryll balances her professional responsibilities with her vibrant family life. Her warmth and organizational skills extend beyond the office, where she is known for her love of baking and cooking—delighting friends and family with her culinary creations.

Outside of work, Sheryll embraces life with enthusiasm. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places, channelling her creativity into crocheting unique items, and playing the guitar during her downtime. Whether she’s embarking on outdoor adventures or sharing stories with loved ones, Sheryll brings energy, joy, and a sense of purpose to everything she does.
As one of our longest-standing team members, Sheryll’s dedication, expertise, and passion continue to be an inspiration to