For many older Australians, staying at home for as long as possible is about more than comfort. It can mean maintaining familiar routines, staying connected with family and community, and continuing to enjoy a sense of independence.

However, ageing can also bring changes in mobility, personal care needs, household tasks and everyday activities. This is where Support at Home can make a meaningful difference.

In 2026, families across Australia are becoming increasingly interested in understanding how the Support at Home program works, what services may be available and how they can arrange appropriate care for an ageing parent or loved one.

If you live in Central Coast, NSW, understanding your options can help you make more informed decisions about care at home.

What Is Support at Home?

Support at Home is Australia’s government-funded aged care program designed to help older people remain living safely and independently in their own homes.

The program replaced the former Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025. It provides coordinated care based on an older person’s assessed needs, goals and preferences. 

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Support at Home is designed around the individual.

Depending on a person’s approved support plan, services can include:

• Personal care
• Domestic assistance
• Transport
• Respite
• Home maintenance
• Nursing and other clinical supports
• Assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Restorative care
• End-of-life support

The exact services available depend on the person’s assessment and approved funding. 

What Has Changed With Support at Home in 2026?

One of the biggest reasons families are searching for information about Support at Home in 2026 is that the Australian aged care system continues to evolve.

Support at Home has introduced a more structured approach to funding and service delivery, with ongoing funding classifications and short-term pathways for areas such as assistive technology, home modifications and restorative care. 

There is also an important change coming on 1 October 2026.

From that date, eligible personal care services under Support at Home will move into the Clinical Supports contribution category. This means the Australian Government will fully fund approved personal care services, provided the participant has personal care approved in their support plan and has available Support at Home funding. 

Personal care can include assistance with activities such as:

• Showering
• Dressing
• Personal hygiene
• Eating
• Non-clinical continence management
• Assistance with self-administration of medication

The change relates to participant contributions; eligibility and approval requirements continue to apply. 

For families, this makes it particularly important to understand what is included in an older person’s individual support plan.

Who Can Access Support at Home?

Support at Home is intended for older Australians who have assessed aged care needs and require assistance to remain living at home.

Generally, the first step is to register with My Aged Care and request an aged care assessment. An assessor considers the person’s strengths, difficulties and ageing-related care needs.

If approved, the person can receive funding when it becomes available and choose a registered provider to deliver their approved services. 

Families can play an important role throughout this process.

If you are helping an ageing parent, it can be useful to keep track of changes in their daily life, including difficulties with:

• Personal hygiene
• Getting dressed
• Preparing meals
• Household chores
• Moving safely around the home
• Shopping or attending appointments
• Managing daily routines
• Maintaining social connections

These changes can help families have more meaningful conversations about the type of support that may be appropriate.

What Services Can Support at Home Provide?

One of the key benefits of the program is that support can be tailored around an individual’s needs.

Personal Care

Personal care can help an older person with everyday activities such as showering, dressing, hygiene and eating.

For someone who is finding these activities increasingly difficult, appropriate assistance can help maintain dignity while supporting them to remain at home.

Domestic Assistance

Keeping up with household tasks can become challenging as a person ages.

Depending on their approved services, support may include assistance with everyday household activities and home maintenance.

Transport and Community Participation

Getting to appointments, shopping or community activities can become difficult when driving or public transport is no longer practical.

Transport and support with community participation can help older people remain connected with the activities and people that matter to them.

Respite Support

Family members often provide significant unpaid care to ageing parents.

Respite support can give carers an opportunity to rest, manage other responsibilities or simply take some time for themselves.

Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Changes to the home or access to appropriate equipment may help an older person move around more safely and continue completing everyday activities.

The Support at Home program includes a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications pathway. 

How Much Does Support at Home Cost?

There is no single price that applies to every participant.

Support at Home includes government funding, while participant contributions can apply to certain independence and everyday living services. The amount a person contributes depends on their circumstances, including an income and assets assessment.

Clinical support services are fully government-funded. 

From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services will also be fully government-funded for participant contribution purposes, subject to available Support at Home funding and approval in the support plan. 

Because individual circumstances differ, families should consider their own approved support plan, funding and provider pricing rather than relying on general online estimates.

How Can Families Choose a Support at Home Provider?

Choosing a provider is an important decision because the quality and consistency of support can have a major impact on an older person’s experience at home.

When comparing Support at Home services in Australia, families may want to consider:

1. Person-centred care

Does the provider take time to understand the person’s preferences, routines, goals and needs?

2. Reliable support workers

Consistency can be particularly important for older people who feel more comfortable with familiar support workers.

3. Clear communication

Families should be able to communicate easily with the provider when circumstances or care needs change.

4. Transparent pricing

Providers set their own prices, which must be reasonable and transparent. Participants should be able to understand what they are paying for. 

5. Flexible support

An older person’s needs can change over time. A good provider should be able to work within the approved support plan and adapt services when appropriate.

Support at Home in Central Coast NSW

For families in Central Coast NSW, finding suitable local support can make organising care more convenient.

Local families may be looking for assistance for an ageing parent in areas such as Wyong, Tuggerah, Gosford, Lake Haven, Warnervale, Toukley, The Entrance, Long Jetty, Berkeley Vale, Bateau Bay, Killarney Vale, Lisarow, Wyoming and surrounding communities.

Whether an older person needs help with personal care, domestic tasks, transport, community participation or maintaining independence, local community care can provide practical assistance while allowing them to remain connected to their home and familiar surroundings.

At Coastwide Community Care, we understand that every family situation is different. We work with individuals and families to understand their needs and explore suitable community care options.

When Should You Consider More Support for an Older Parent?

There is no need to wait until a crisis occurs before discussing additional support.

Some common signs that an older person may benefit from more assistance include:

• Difficulty managing personal care
• Increasing difficulty preparing meals
• Struggling with household chores
• Reduced mobility
• Frequent difficulty attending appointments
• Social isolation
• Family members becoming overwhelmed with caring responsibilities
• Difficulty maintaining a safe and comfortable home
• A noticeable decline in confidence with everyday activities

Early conversations can make it easier for families to understand available options and plan support before needs become more complex.

Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home

What is Support at Home in Australia?

Support at Home is Australia’s government-funded aged care program designed to help eligible older people remain living at home with services based on their assessed needs, goals and preferences. 

How do I apply for Support at Home?

An older person generally starts by registering with My Aged Care and requesting an aged care assessment. If approved, they can receive funding when available and choose a registered provider. 

Does Support at Home cover personal care?

Yes. Personal care is included within the Support at Home service list. From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will fully fund approved personal care services for eligible participants with available Support at Home funding, meaning there will be no participant contribution for those services. 

Can Support at Home help with household tasks?

Yes. Everyday living services can include domestic assistance and home maintenance, subject to the person’s assessment and approved support plan. 

Can my family help me choose a provider?

Yes. Families and carers can be involved in discussions about care and support, particularly when helping an older person understand their options and choose services that suit their needs.

Get Support at Home in Central Coast NSW

Understanding the aged care system can feel complicated, particularly when you are trying to arrange support for a parent or loved one.

At Coastwide Community Care, we believe support should be practical, respectful and focused on helping people maintain independence and quality of life at home.

If you or your family member is exploring Support at Home services in Central Coast NSW, our team can discuss your situation and help you understand the types of community care support that may be suitable.

Contact Coastwide Community Care today to discuss your support needs and take the next step towards personalised care at home.

Visit: https://coastwidecommunitycare.com.au/

Let us help you and your family find practical support that makes everyday life at home easier, safer and more comfortable.