Helping the Sydney community with relationships, parenting, ageing, disability, pastoral services and mental wellbeing.
As of 1 November 2025, the New Aged Care Act has been implemented to improve aged care services, ensure better quality, and increase monitoring of safety and protection of rights for older Australians.
Both the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care are being combined and replaced by the Support at Home Program. This will create a process aimed at reducing complicated and unfair aged care for Australians.
The most notable changes are:
What happens if I’m already receiving a Home Care Package?
If you are already receiving a Home Care Package, your Care Partner will help you navigate these changes:
If you were approved BEFORE 12 September 2024:
You will be transitioned to the new Support at Home program with your existing package conditions. This means you will not need to pay more out of pocket, as outlined by the ‘no-worse-off guarantee’. Your Home Care Package funds will remain, with carryover funds (after 1 November) capped at either 10% or $1,000, depending on which is greater.
If you were approved AFTER 12 September 2024:
Your financial contribution will be assessed under the new Support at Home funding model. Services Australia will notify clients if any co-contributions need to be made (dependent on individual financial circumstances).
At CatholicCare Sydney, we’re dedicated to providing our clients with the best care and support through their aged care journey.
If you need support to understand how the new Support at Home Program will impact you, please reach out to us by calling 13 18 19 to be connected to a team member.
Want to learn more? Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for more information on the Aged Care Act.
