Aged Care Services

Short-term Home Care Pathways within the Support at Home Program (Federally funded)

1. Restorative Care Pathway (under the umbrella of Support at Home Program)– provides an intensive short-term allied health and nursing care after illness or injury to maintain or regain independence and prevent the need for higher levels of ongoing care. You will have access to up to 16 weeks of restorative care services which can alongside any Support at Home Services you already receive.  Contribution rates will be based on your income and assets.
2. End-of-Life Pathway (under the umbrella of Support at Home Program)- this new program will support participants who have been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live and wish to remain at home by providing an increase in the level of services available.
   • A total of $25,000 will be available per eligible participant over a 3-month period.
   • The pathway is intended to provide additional in-home aged care services that will complement services available under state and territory-based specialist palliative care schemes. Therefore, Specialist Palliative Care services can be involved without any additional costs as covered by Medicare.
   • Eligibility criteria includes; an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less to live by a medical or nurse practitioner assessment and a score of 40 or less on the Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) score (mobility/frailty indicator).

• End of Life fact sheet for Doctors and Nurse Practitioners
• End of Life pathway form
• Accessing the Pathway
• Your guide to the End of Life Pathway

3. Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) scheme (Federally funded) The AT-HM scheme will give Support at Home participants access to assistive technology and home modifications based on their assessed needs. Participants will not have to save up funds from their Support at Home quarterly budget.

4. Respite Care – supports you and your carer by giving you both a break for a short period of time. It can be accessed in your home, out in the community, or in aged care home.

Short-term care after leaving a hospital

Transition Care Programme (State and Federal contributions) provides short-term care after leaving a private or public hospital to help the person recover after a hospital stay. It can provide therapy services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy), nursing support by a Registered Nurse and personal care needs.  If eligible, services are provided up to 12 weeks and may be extended after another assessment.

Long-term Home Care Packages (Federally funded)

1. Entry-level Care- Commonwealth Home Support Program – aims to help those who need a low level of support to keep living independently. This program will transition over to the Support at Home Program 1st July 2027.
2. Support at Home Program (replaces Home Care packages 1^st November 2025). There are 8 levels of care. Contribution rates will be based on your income and assets, and contributions will vary based on the type of Support at Home service received

Aged Care Homes (Residential Aged Care Homes)

An aged care home (sometimes known as a nursing home or residential aged care facility) is for older people who can no longer live at home and provide all the care and services required to meet your needs. All residential aged care homes have to meet certain care standards. This ensures that all residents receive the appropriate level of care to meet their needs. Residential respite is also available to provide a carer a break from their usual care arrangements.

• About residential aged care
• Residential respite care

Aged Care Services – costs and fees

From 1 November 2025, aged care fees will change. This includes how much an individual and the government contribute and how these amounts are calculated. The funding arrangement changes vary based on whether you are currently receiving a Home Care Package, Support at Home or are residing in an aged care home.