Support at Home Services Explained: What Help Can You Receive?
As people get older, everyday activities such as showering, cleaning the house, preparing meals, getting to appointments or maintaining the garden can become more difficult.
For many older Australians, however, needing additional support does not mean they need to move into residential aged care.
The Support at Home program is designed to help eligible older Australians receive care and practical support while continuing to live independently in their own homes.
The program can provide access to a wide range of services, from nursing and allied health to personal care, transport, domestic assistance, respite care and home maintenance.
But what services are actually available under Support at Home?
In this guide, we explain the different Support at Home services, how they are grouped, what short-term support may be available and what you should know before choosing services.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
Support at Home is the Australian Government’s in-home aged care program designed to help older Australians remain independent and live at home for longer.
The program commenced on 1 November 2025, replacing the former Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.
Support at Home provides eligible older Australians with access to approved care and services based on their individual assessed needs.
Your aged care assessment determines:
- Your ageing-related care needs
- Your goals and circumstances
- The services you are approved to receive
- Your funding classification
- Whether you are eligible for short-term supports
This is important because being part of Support at Home does not automatically mean every service on the Support at Home service list is available to you.
The services you receive must generally be included in your approved support plan.
What Types of Services Are Available Under Support at Home?
The Support at Home service list is divided into three main categories:
- Clinical Supports
- Independence
- Everyday Living
Each category focuses on a different aspect of helping older people remain safe, healthy and independent at home.
Let’s look at each category.
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Clinical Supports
Clinical Supports are health-related services that help older people manage their health, functional abilities and care needs at home.
Depending on your assessment and approved services, Clinical Supports may include services such as:
- Nursing care
- Allied health and therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Nutrition and dietetics
- Continence support
- Nursing care consumables
- Other approved clinical services
These services can be particularly important for people who have ongoing health conditions, reduced mobility or more complex care needs.
Nursing Care
Nursing care can allow eligible older people to receive certain clinical services without having to regularly leave their home.
Depending on assessed needs, nursing support may include clinical monitoring, wound-related care, medication-related clinical support and other approved nursing activities.
The exact nursing services provided will depend on the person’s clinical needs and approved support plan.
Allied Health Services
Support at Home can also provide access to approved allied health services.
These may include professionals such as:
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Podiatrists
- Dietitians
- Other eligible allied health professionals
For example, a physiotherapist may help an older person improve strength, balance or mobility.
An occupational therapist may assess how safely someone can complete everyday activities and recommend strategies, equipment or appropriate home modifications.
Do You Pay for Clinical Supports?
Clinical Supports are fully funded by the Australian Government under the Support at Home contribution arrangements.
This means participants do not make a contribution towards approved Clinical Support services.
However, the services still need to be approved within the participant’s Support at Home arrangements and available within their funding.
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Independence Services
The second category is Independence.
These services are designed to help older people continue performing everyday activities, participate in their community and maintain their independence.
Depending on your approved services, Independence supports may include:
- Personal care
- Transport
- Respite care
- Social support
- Assistance with medication
- Assistance to participate in community activities
- Other approved independence-related support
Personal Care
Personal care provides assistance with essential daily activities that an older person may find difficult to complete independently.
This may include help with:
- Showering
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Personal hygiene
- Grooming
- Eating
- Non-clinical continence support
- Assistance with self-administration of medication
Personal care can be particularly important for someone experiencing reduced mobility, strength or dexterity.
The purpose should be to provide the level of assistance the person needs while supporting their dignity, preferences and independence.
Important Personal Care Change From 1 October 2026
An important change to Support at Home takes effect from 1 October 2026.
The Australian Government will fully fund approved personal care services.
This means participants will no longer pay a participant contribution for personal care services delivered from 1 October 2026 where:
- Personal care is approved in their support plan; and
- They have available Support at Home funds.
Personal care will move to the Clinical Supports contribution category for contribution purposes.
This change is designed to improve access to essential daily care such as showering, dressing, hygiene, eating and non-clinical continence support.
Transport
Being able to leave home and attend appointments or community activities can be an important part of remaining independent.
Approved transport support may help an older person access essential activities when transport has been identified as part of their aged care needs.
Depending on the person’s approved support, this could help them get to:
- Medical appointments
- Health appointments
- Community activities
- Shopping
- Other approved destinations
The exact transport arrangements will depend on the participant’s support plan and provider.
Respite Care
Caring for an older family member can be rewarding, but carers also need opportunities to rest, attend appointments, work or manage other responsibilities.
Respite care provides temporary support for the older person while their regular carer takes a break.
Depending on the person’s approved services, respite may be provided in different ways.
The goal is to support both the older person and their carer while helping maintain sustainable care arrangements at home.
For a more detailed explanation of respite care and its costs, read:
Is Respite Care Free in Australia?
https://www.myhelpservices.com.au/is-respite-care-free-in-australia/
Social Support and Community Participation
Remaining socially connected is an important part of ageing well.
Some older people may experience reduced social contact because of mobility difficulties, loss of transport, changes in health or other circumstances.
Approved social support may help a participant:
- Participate in community activities
- Maintain social connections
- Attend appropriate social activities
- Engage in cultural activities
- Continue participating in activities that are meaningful to them
Support should reflect the person’s individual preferences, goals and approved aged care needs.
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Everyday Living Services
The third major category under Support at Home is Everyday Living.
These are practical services that help older people manage their home and everyday routine.
They can include:
- Domestic assistance
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Gardening
- Shopping assistance
- Meal preparation and meal-related support
- Other approved everyday living services
These services can be particularly helpful when physically demanding household activities become difficult.
Domestic Assistance
Domestic assistance provides practical help with essential household activities.
Depending on the person’s approved services, domestic assistance may include:
- General house cleaning
- Vacuuming
- Mopping
- Laundry
- Washing dishes
- Light household cleaning
- Shopping assistance
The purpose of domestic assistance is to help maintain a liveable home while supporting the older person’s independence.
For example, an older person may still be able to prepare meals independently but find vacuuming and mopping physically difficult.
In this situation, domestic assistance can focus on the tasks they actually need help with.
Home Maintenance and Repairs
Keeping a home safe and functional becomes increasingly important as people age.
Where approved and within the Support at Home service list, home maintenance and repair services can help address certain tasks necessary to maintain a safe and accessible home.
The exact work that can be funded depends on program rules and the person’s assessed needs.
Support at Home should not be treated as funding for general home renovations or improvements unrelated to an ageing-related need.
Gardening Assistance
Gardening can become physically demanding because it often involves bending, lifting, reaching and using equipment.
Approved gardening assistance may help an older person manage essential gardening activities necessary to maintain their home environment.
The type of gardening support available will depend on the person’s approved services and the Support at Home service list.
Meal Preparation and Meal Support
Good nutrition is important at every stage of life.
Some older people may find shopping, preparing ingredients or cooking meals increasingly difficult.
Depending on assessed needs and approved services, Support at Home may provide assistance with eligible meal-related activities.
The exact service and participant contribution arrangements should be confirmed with the provider before services begin.
Shopping Assistance
Shopping assistance can help older people access groceries and essential household items.
Depending on the approved service, assistance may involve:
- Accompanying someone shopping
- Helping with grocery shopping
- Helping organise home-delivered shopping
- Providing appropriate support with essential shopping activities
It is important to distinguish between paying for assistance with shopping and paying for the actual items purchased.
Personal groceries and ordinary household purchases are generally the individual’s responsibility.
What Are the Short-Term Pathways Under Support at Home?
Support at Home is not limited to ongoing weekly services.
There are also three short-term pathways designed for particular needs:
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
- Restorative Care Pathway
- End-of-Life Pathway
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme provides separate funding for approved equipment, products and home modifications that address assessed needs.
Assistive technology may help a person perform everyday activities more safely or independently.
Home modifications can help make a person’s home safer and more accessible.
Eligibility and funding depend on an aged care assessment, and funded items must meet the requirements of the official AT-HM list.
Examples could include eligible equipment or modifications designed to improve mobility, accessibility or safe functioning at home.
Funding is generally available for 12 months, subject to program rules.
Restorative Care Pathway
The Restorative Care Pathway provides short-term, intensive support designed to help an older person regain or maintain function and independence.
The pathway can provide coordinated allied health and nursing services for up to 16 weeks.
The aim may be to:
- Improve mobility
- Restore functional ability
- Build strength
- Improve confidence
- Regain everyday living skills
- Reduce or delay the need for more intensive ongoing support
Participants work with their care team on specific goals during the pathway.
End-of-Life Pathway
The End-of-Life Pathway provides additional in-home aged care support for eligible older people who want to remain at home during the final stage of their life.
Eligibility includes specific clinical requirements.
The pathway is intended to complement existing state and territory palliative care services rather than replace them.
It provides additional Support at Home funding for a defined period so appropriate approved services can be arranged at home.
Families should discuss eligibility and available services with their healthcare professional, My Aged Care and their provider.
Can I Choose Which Support at Home Services I Receive?
Your aged care assessment determines which services you are approved to access.
Your Notice of Decision and support plan identify the approved services based on your assessed ageing-related needs.
Within your approved service list, you can work with your provider and care partner to determine the mix of services that best supports your needs and goals.
For example, someone may be approved for:
- Domestic assistance
- Personal care
- Transport
- Physiotherapy
Their actual use of these services can then be planned according to their needs, priorities and available funding.
How Much Funding Can I Receive?
Ongoing Support at Home has eight funding classifications.
Your classification is determined through your aged care assessment based on the level and complexity of your care needs.
People with relatively lower support needs may receive a lower classification, while people with more complex needs may be approved for higher levels of ongoing funding.
Support at Home also has separate funding arrangements for its short-term pathways.
The amount available to you therefore depends on your individual assessment and approvals.
Do I Have to Pay for Support at Home Services?
The amount you may need to contribute depends partly on the category of service you receive and your financial circumstances.
In general:
Clinical Supports
The Australian Government fully funds Clinical Supports, so participants do not make a contribution towards approved clinical services.
Independence Services
Participants may be required to contribute towards Independence services according to applicable contribution arrangements.
Everyday Living Services
Participants generally make a higher contribution towards Everyday Living services such as domestic assistance and gardening.
Personal Care From 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services will be fully funded by the Australian Government for contribution purposes, provided the participant has available Support at Home funding.
Your actual contribution rate can depend on your income and assets assessment and any applicable transitional arrangements.
Always check your individual contribution arrangements rather than assuming another participant’s contribution will be the same as yours.
How Do I Access Support at Home Services?
If you are not currently receiving government-funded aged care, the process generally begins with My Aged Care.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Contact My Aged Care or use its online eligibility checker.
Step 2: Complete an Aged Care Assessment
Your assessment looks at your ageing-related needs, daily activities, circumstances and goals.
Step 3: Receive Your Assessment Outcome
Your Notice of Decision will explain the services and funding for which you have been approved.
Step 4: Choose a Provider
You can then select a registered provider that offers your approved Support at Home services.
Step 5: Develop Your Care and Service Arrangements
Your provider and care partner should work with you to understand your needs, goals and preferences and arrange appropriate approved services.
What Should I Ask a Support at Home Provider?
Before choosing a provider, consider asking:
- Do you provide all the services I have been approved for?
- Do you service my suburb?
- What are your service prices?
- What participant contributions will apply?
- How will my Support at Home budget be used?
- Can I choose preferred service days and times?
- Can I request consistent care workers?
- What happens if my needs change?
- How do you review my care plan?
- What are your cancellation policies?
- How do you handle feedback or complaints?
You should understand your services, prices and contribution arrangements before agreeing to receive care.
Support at Home Services in Melbourne and Victoria
My Help Services provides a range of in-home aged care and Support at Home services across Melbourne and eligible areas of regional Victoria, subject to individual approval, service availability and assessed needs.
Depending on your approved support plan, services may include:
- Personal care
- Domestic assistance
- Companionship and social support
- Transport and community support
- Respite care
- Complex and higher-intensity support
- Home maintenance and gardening
- Other approved Support at Home services
Our approach focuses on helping older people maintain independence, dignity, choice and connection while continuing to live in their own homes.
Choosing the Right Support at Home Services
There is no single combination of Support at Home services that is right for everyone.
One person may primarily need help with cleaning and gardening.
Another may need personal care, transport and social support.
Someone with more complex needs may require nursing and allied health services alongside everyday assistance.
The important thing is that your services reflect your assessed needs, goals and preferences.
Understanding what you have been approved for and how your funding can be used can help you make more informed decisions about your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services are available through Support at Home?
Support at Home includes services across Clinical Supports, Independence and Everyday Living. Depending on your assessment, this can include nursing, allied health, personal care, transport, respite, social support, domestic assistance, gardening, home maintenance and meal-related support.
Does Support at Home include cleaning?
Yes. Domestic assistance is an Everyday Living service and can include eligible general house cleaning activities such as vacuuming and mopping.
Can I get personal care under Support at Home?
Yes, if personal care is included in your approved support plan. Personal care can include assistance with showering, dressing, hygiene, eating and other eligible daily activities.
Is personal care free under Support at Home?
From 1 October 2026, the Australian Government will fully fund approved personal care services for contribution purposes. You must have personal care approved in your support plan and available Support at Home funds.
Does Support at Home include gardening?
Gardening can be available as an Everyday Living service where it is approved and meets Support at Home requirements.
Can Support at Home pay for home modifications?
Eligible assistive technology and home modifications can be funded separately through the AT-HM Scheme where the person has been assessed and approved for the relevant support.
Can Support at Home include respite care?
Yes. Respite is included within the Support at Home service list and may be available where it forms part of the person’s approved support.
Can I choose my provider?
Eligible participants can choose a registered provider capable of delivering their approved services.
Need Help Understanding Your Support at Home Services?
Understanding aged care services, funding and contribution arrangements can sometimes feel complicated.
If you or a family member have been approved for the Support at Home program, understanding exactly what services are listed in your support plan is an important first step.
My Help Services can discuss your approved Support at Home services, care requirements, service availability and pricing across Melbourne and eligible areas of regional Victoria.
Our goal is to provide personalised support that helps older Australians continue living independently, safely and confidently at home.
My Help Services — Always Here for You.
References
Information in this article is based on current Australian Government and My Aged Care guidance:
- My Aged Care – Support at Home
- Services Under Support at Home
- How the Support at Home Program Works
- Support at Home Costs and Contributions
- Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
- Restorative Care Pathway
- End-of-Life Pathway
- Personal Care Contribution Change from 1 October 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not replace individual aged care, financial or health advice. Services, funding, eligibility and participant contributions depend on individual assessment and government rules. Support at Home arrangements may change over time.
