Support at Home — Simple Guide
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is an Australian Government aged care program that helps older people stay living safely and independently in their own homes.
It replaces the old Home Care Packages program and is designed to be more flexible, easier to understand, and based on your individual needs.
What help can I get?
Depending on your needs, Support at Home can help with:
Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Nursing and health care services
Physiotherapy, podiatry, and other allied health
Cleaning, laundry, gardening, and meal preparation
Transport to appointments or social activities
Equipment and home modifications
Short-term extra support after illness or hospital stays
Your care is planned with you, not for you.
Support at Home Levels (Care Amounts)
Support at Home has different levels of support, based on how much help you need. After an assessment, you are approved for a level that matches your situation.
🟢 Lower Level Support
For people who need a small amount of help
May include cleaning, shopping, transport, or occasional personal care
🟡 Medium Level Support
For people who need regular help
May include personal care, nursing visits, allied health, and home support
🔴 Higher Level Support
For people with higher or complex needs
May include frequent personal care, clinical care, equipment, and close monitoring
Your level can change over time if your needs increase or decrease.
Can care suit my culture and language?
Yes. Support at Home respects cultural background, language, religion, and traditions.
You can ask for:
Carers who understand your culture or speak your language
Support that respects religious practices and cultural routines
Culturally appropriate meals and activities
You have the right to feel respected and understood.
How much does Support at Home cost?
What the government pays for
Most clinical care, such as nursing and allied health
Assessments and care planning
Some equipment and home modifications
What you may need to contribute
Some everyday living services may require a contribution, depending on your income.
This may include:
Cleaning
Gardening
Meal preparation
Personal care
💡 Important to know:
Contributions are means-tested
People on low incomes may pay nothing or very little
You will be told about any fees before services start
There are caps and protections so costs stay affordable
You will never be charged without your agreement.
Do I still have choice and control?
Yes. You have the right to:
Choose your aged care provider
Decide when and how services are delivered
Change your care plan as your needs change
Ask questions and receive clear information
Be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness
How do I apply?
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
📞 Call 1800 200 422
🌐 Visit www.myagedcare.gov.au
Step 2: Have an assessment
An assessor will talk with you (often at home) about what support you need.
Step 3: Get approved
You will be approved for a level of Support at Home funding.
Step 4: Choose provider
You choose Rainbow Aged Care as your registered provider to deliver your care.
Need help or support?
If you feel unsure or need help understanding your care or fees, free advocacy services are available for older people and families. You can also ask us to explain things in plain language.