As people grow older, everyday activities such as cleaning, preparing meals, taking a shower, attending medical appointments and maintaining a safe home can become more challenging. Many older Australians prefer to continue living in familiar surroundings rather than move into residential aged care. This is where Support at Home services can make a meaningful difference.

The Australian Government introduced the new Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025, replacing the previous Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The program provides access to different types of aged care services, depending on an individual’s assessed needs, approved support plan and available funding.

For older people and their families, understanding what help is available can make it easier to arrange suitable care and maintain independence.

At Coastwide Community Care, we understand the importance of reliable assistance, personalized support and helping older Australians remain comfortable in their own homes.

What Is the Support at Home Program in Australia?

The Support at Home Program is an Australian Government-funded aged care initiative designed to help eligible older people receive care and assistance while continuing to live independently at home.

Instead of requiring older Australians to manage every daily activity without assistance, the program provides access to approved services based on their individual care requirements.

The program includes eight ongoing funding classifications and three short-term pathways covering restorative care, assistive technology and home modifications, and end-of-life care.

The main objectives of Support at Home include:

• Helping older Australians maintain independence.
• Supporting everyday personal and household activities.
• Improving safety and comfort at home.
• Providing access to appropriate clinical and allied health services.
• Reducing pressure on family members and informal carers.
• Encouraging social participation and community connections.

The services available depend on an individual’s aged care assessment and approved support plan.

What Support at Home Services Can Older Australians Receive?

One of the most common questions families ask is: What services are actually included in the Support at Home Program?

The program covers three broad service categories: clinical supports, independence services and everyday living assistance.

1. Personal Care and Daily Living Assistance

Personal care can help older people manage essential daily activities when mobility, strength or health conditions make these tasks difficult.

Depending on their approved support plan, services may include:

• Assistance with showering and bathing.
• Help with dressing and grooming.
• Toileting and continence-related assistance.
• Support with daily hygiene routines.
• Assistance with safe movement around the home.

These services can help older people maintain dignity, comfort and confidence while remaining in familiar surroundings.

2. Domestic Assistance and Household Support

Maintaining a clean and organised home can become physically demanding as people age. Domestic assistance helps older Australians manage everyday household responsibilities.

Approved domestic assistance may include:

• General house cleaning.
• Laundry and washing.
• Changing bed linen.
• Basic household tasks.
• Assistance with shopping.

This type of support can make daily life more manageable and help families feel confident that their older loved ones are living in a comfortable environment.

3. Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support

Preparing nutritious meals is important for maintaining energy, strength and overall wellbeing.

Some older people may find cooking difficult because of mobility limitations, reduced strength or other age-related challenges.

Depending on their approved services, Support at Home may include:

• Assistance with preparing everyday meals.
• Help with meal planning.
• Meal delivery services.
• Support with maintaining regular eating routines.
• Assistance with shopping for food.

Having suitable meal support can help older Australians maintain their independence while making everyday routines easier.

4. Transport and Appointment Assistance

Getting to medical appointments, community activities and essential services can become challenging when older people are unable to drive or use public transport independently.

Approved transport assistance may help with:

• Attending GP appointments.
• Travelling to specialist consultations.
• Visiting pharmacies.
• Attending community activities.
• Completing essential shopping and errands.

Reliable transport support can help older Australians stay connected with healthcare providers, friends and their local communities.

5. Nursing and Clinical Support at Home

Some older Australians require professional healthcare assistance without needing to attend a hospital or residential care facility for every aspect of their ongoing support.

Depending on their assessment, clinical services may include:

• Nursing care.
• Wound management.
• Medication-related clinical support.
• Continence assessment and management.
• Physiotherapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Podiatry.

These services must be delivered by appropriately qualified professionals within their scope of practice.

Clinical support can be particularly valuable for older people managing ongoing health needs or recovering from illness.

6. Social Support and Community Participation

Staying socially connected is an important part of healthy ageing. Older people who spend extended periods alone may find it difficult to maintain regular social interactions.

Approved social support services may help with:

• Attending community events.
• Participating in social activities.
• Maintaining friendships.
• Accessing cultural activities.
• Staying connected with local community groups.

This assistance can support emotional wellbeing and encourage older Australians to remain active within their communities.

7. Home Maintenance and Safety Assistance

A safe home environment can reduce everyday difficulties and help older people maintain confidence when moving around their property.

Depending on assessed needs and program approval, support may include:

• Basic gardening.
• Essential home maintenance.
• Minor repairs.
• Assistance with maintaining safe outdoor areas.
• Home modifications such as accessibility improvements.

Assistive technology and home modifications may also be available through the separate Support at Home scheme, subject to assessment and applicable funding arrangements.

Who Is Eligible for Support at Home Services in Australia?

Support at Home is designed for older Australians who require government-funded assistance to manage their daily activities and remain living independently.

Eligibility is determined through an aged care assessment.

An older person may benefit from an assessment if they:

• Have difficulty completing everyday household activities.
• Need assistance with personal care.
• Have mobility or balance difficulties.
• Require regular nursing or allied health support.
• Are recovering from an illness or hospital stay.
• Need additional assistance to remain safe at home.

The assessment considers the person’s circumstances, care requirements and level of independence.

Families can begin by contacting My Aged Care to discuss eligibility and arrange an assessment.

How Much Do Support at Home Services Cost in Australia?

The cost of Support at Home services depends on the approved funding classification, provider pricing, services received and the participant’s financial circumstances.

Under the program, eligible participants receive government funding based on their assessed care needs.

Depending on the service category, participants may need to contribute towards some costs.

The three main contribution categories are:

• Clinical supports: No participant contribution for approved clinical services.
• Independence services: Moderate contributions may apply to eligible services.
• Everyday living services: Higher contributions may apply to services such as cleaning, gardening and meal preparation.

Approved personal care services are fully government-funded from 1 October 2026, provided the participant has sufficient available funding.

Families should compare provider price lists and understand their approved budget before arranging services.

How to Choose the Right Support at Home Provider

Choosing an appropriate home care provider is an important decision for older Australians and their families.

Before selecting a provider, consider the following:

1. Understand your care needs: Identify the daily activities where assistance is required.
2. Check available services: Confirm that the provider can deliver the services you need.
3. Understand pricing: Review service fees, additional charges and budget arrangements.
4. Look for personalised support: Choose services that respect individual preferences and routines.
5. Check local availability: Consider providers who can support your preferred location.
6. Discuss communication: Make sure families and older people understand how to contact the service team.

A suitable provider should help make the care arrangement easier to understand and manage.

Support at Home Services Across Central Coast NSW

Older Australians living across Central Coast NSW may need different types of assistance depending on their lifestyle, mobility and personal care requirements.

Access to suitable local support can help seniors remain close to family, friends and familiar community environments.

Coastwide Community Care supports older Australians living across surrounding suburbs, including Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Budgewoi, Central Coast, Cooranbong, Erina, Gosford, Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Lisarow, Morisset, Ourimbah, Rathmines, Swansea, The Entrance, Toronto, Toukley, Woy Woy, Wyee and Wyong, helping families explore care options close to home.

Whether an older person needs assistance with everyday activities or additional support to maintain independence, understanding the available services is an important first step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home Services

1. What services are included in the Support at Home Program?

The program includes approved clinical supports, independence services and everyday living assistance. Examples include nursing, personal care, transport, domestic assistance, meal preparation and home maintenance.

2. Can Support at Home pay for cleaning and laundry?

Yes. Approved domestic assistance may include general house cleaning, laundry and other eligible household tasks, depending on the person’s assessment and available funding.

3. Is personal care free under Support at Home?

Approved personal care services are fully government-funded from 1 October 2026. Participants must have personal care included in their support plan and sufficient available funding.

4. How can older Australians apply for Support at Home?

Older Australians can contact My Aged Care and request an aged care assessment. An assessor will review their care requirements and determine their eligibility for appropriate services.

5. Can I choose my own Support at Home provider?

Yes. Once approved and allocated funding, participants can choose a suitable provider. It is important to compare services, prices, availability and the provider’s ability to meet individual needs.

6. Are Support at Home services available in Central Coast NSW?

Older Australians can explore approved aged care services in Central Coast NSW through My Aged Care’s provider search. Families can also contact Coastwide Community Care to discuss local support options and service availability.

Speak With Coastwide Community Care About Support at Home

Finding the right care arrangement for an ageing parent or loved one can feel overwhelming. Families often want to understand which services are suitable, how support can be arranged and what options are available in their local area.

At Coastwide Community Care, we understand that every older person has different needs, preferences and daily routines. We are committed to helping older Australians and their families explore suitable care and support options that promote comfort, dignity and independence.

If you are looking for reliable Support at Home services, aged care services at home or home care services for seniors across Central Coast NSW, get in touch with our friendly team. Visit Coastwide Community Care or call (02) 4353 1700 to discuss your home care requirements and explore suitable support options for yourself or your loved one.

Contact Coastwide Community Care today and take the first step towards finding the right support to help older Australians live comfortably and independently at home.

Final Thoughts

Support at Home services are helping older Australians access the assistance they need while remaining in familiar home environments. From personal care and domestic assistance to nursing, transport and social support, the program offers different options based on assessed individual needs.

Understanding eligibility, available services, funding and provider arrangements can help families make more informed aged care decisions.

With the right support and planning, older Australians can continue enjoying greater independence, comfort and connection within their communities.