The Short Version
- Support at Home replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025.
- Everything starts with a My Aged Care assessment (1800 200 422).
- Funding is a quarterly budget based on one of eight classifications.
- Clinical nursing has no participant contribution under Support at Home.
- You can arrange private nursing now and keep the same nurse once funding starts.
Step by Step: From First Call to Care at Home
1. Register with My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply online at myagedcare.gov.au. A family member can do this on your behalf with consent.
2. Have an aged care assessment
An assessor visits to understand health, daily living needs and goals. Have a medication list, recent discharge summaries and GP details ready.
3. Receive your classification
Support at Home has eight ongoing classifications, each with a quarterly budget. Short-term pathways also exist, such as restorative care and end-of-life support.
4. Wait for your budget to be assigned
There can be a wait between approval and funding being available. This is where many families arrange private care so nothing is missed in the meantime.
5. Choose a registered provider
Your registered Support at Home provider manages your budget and agreement. You can ask them to engage specific associated providers — such as a nursing service you trust.
Why Clinical Nursing Matters in Your Plan
Many families start with cleaning, shopping or personal care. But health needs often change quickly — after a fall, a hospital stay or a new diagnosis. A Registered Nurse can manage medications, wounds, diabetes, catheters and injections, and spot early warning signs before they become a hospital admission. Because clinical care does not attract a participant contribution, it is worth asking every provider how — and how quickly — they deliver nursing.
Questions to ask any Support at Home provider
- Who delivers nursing — your own Registered Nurses or subcontractors?
- Will we see the same nurse each visit?
- How long from request to first nursing visit?
- What are your care management and package management fees?
- Can we use a nursing provider we already trust as an associated provider?
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Support at Home replace Home Care Packages?
Yes. On 1 November 2025, Home Care Packages were replaced by the Support at Home program. Existing package holders moved across automatically. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues until at least July 2027.
Do I pay a contribution for nursing under Support at Home?
Clinical care, such as registered nursing, does not attract a participant contribution under Support at Home. Contributions may apply to independence and everyday-living supports depending on your circumstances. Confirm your own situation with My Aged Care or your provider.
Can we get nursing before our Support at Home budget starts?
Yes. Many Perth families start with private Registered Nurse visits while waiting, then continue with the same nurse once their budget is assigned through their provider.
Is Care N Cure a registered Support at Home provider?
No. Care N Cure delivers nursing as an associated provider through your registered provider — for example Trilogy Care — or privately. Your registered provider stays responsible for your budget and agreement; we provide the Registered Nurse.
This guide is general information only and reflects program rules as we understand them at the time of writing. Always confirm your eligibility and costs with My Aged Care or your registered provider.