What Services Are Included in the Support at Home Program?
Australia’s aged care system has changed, and the Support at Home program is now the main way older Australians access government-funded care at home. It has replaced Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care, bringing services together under one clearer and more flexible system.
At the centre of this program is the Support at Home service list. This is a government-approved list that clearly outlines what services can be funded and how support can be tailored to suit individual needs.
Understanding this service list helps older people, families and carers know what support is available and how it can be used to stay safe, independent and comfortable at home.
What Is the Support at Home Service List?
The Support at Home service list is a menu of approved services that can be included in a person’s individual support plan. Instead of being locked into a fixed package, people access services based on their assessed needs, goals and circumstances.
The list includes 49 individual services, grouped into 14 service types, and organised under three main categories:
Clinical supports
Independence supports
Everyday living supports
This structure allows support to remain flexible and adjust as needs change over time.
Clinical Supports: Managing Health at Home
Clinical supports help people manage health conditions, recover from illness and reduce the need for hospital visits.
These services include:
Nursing care, such as wound care, medication support and health monitoring
Allied health services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and speech therapy
Nutrition and dietetic support to help maintain strength, energy and overall health
Clinical supports are provided following assessment and may be short-term or ongoing. They play an important role in helping people stay well and supported at home.
Independence Services: Support for Daily Life and Connection
Independence services focus on helping people manage everyday activities while staying socially connected and supported.
These services include:
Personal care, such as help with showering, dressing, grooming and mobility
Respite care to give carers short breaks
Transport services to attend appointments, shopping or social activities
Visiting and check-in services, including regular welfare checks or social visits
Accompanied activities to help people attend appointments, events or cultural activities
These supports help maintain dignity, routine and quality of life. For many people, consistent support and regular connection are just as important as practical help.
Everyday Living Services: Keeping Homes Safe and Comfortable
Everyday living services support people to maintain a safe, clean and comfortable home environment.
These services include:
Domestic assistance such as cleaning, laundry and help with shopping
Meal support including meal preparation or delivery
Home and garden maintenance such as minor repairs, safety checks and outdoor upkeep
These supports play a key role in reducing risks like falls, illness and isolation. A clean home, safe walkways and regular meals all contribute to better wellbeing and peace of mind.
Short-Term and Specialist Support Pathways
Support at Home also includes specialist pathways that provide additional or short-term support when needs are more complex.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
This pathway supports funding for equipment and home changes that improve safety and independence. Examples include grab rails, ramps and mobility aids.
Restorative Care Pathway
Restorative care focuses on short-term, goal-based support to help people regain or maintain independence after illness, injury or a hospital stay.
End-of-Life Pathway
This pathway supports people who choose to remain at home during the final stages of life, with a focus on comfort, dignity and coordinated care.
What This Means for Older Australians and Families
The Support at Home service list provides greater clarity and flexibility.
People can:
Access services that match their real needs
Adjust supports as circumstances change
Combine practical assistance with clinical care
Focus on independence, safety and wellbeing
For families and carers, the clear service list makes it easier to understand what support is available and how funding can be used.
Supporting Life at Home, Your Way
The Support at Home service list reflects a more personal and flexible approach to aged care. By including a wide range of services, from cleaning and personal care through to nursing, therapy and home safety supports, the program helps older Australians continue living well at home.
At Sistability, we see every day how the right support can make a real difference. Support at home is not just about tasks being completed. It is about trust, dignity and helping people feel safe and supported in their own space.
If you would like help understanding Support at Home services or navigating aged care options, our team is here to guide you.
