If you currently receive in-home aged care or expect to need support in the coming years, you may have heard about the Support at Home reforms starting in 2026. These changes will affect how care is funded, assessed, and delivered across Australia, including Melbourne.
For many seniors, reform news can feel confusing or worrying. You may ask whether your current services will continue, whether costs will rise, or whether you will need to reapply. This guide explains the changes in clear language so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
The aim is simple. You should feel informed, calm, and ready to make choices that protect your independence and wellbeing at home.
What Are the Support at Home Reforms?
The Support at Home reforms replace the current in-home aged care system with a single, simpler program. At present, care is delivered through several programs such as Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. These programs work well for many people but can cause confusion, delays, and long waiting lists.
From 2026, the government plans to bring these services together under one structure called Support at Home. The goal is to make access easier, improve fairness, and ensure care better matches your actual needs.
The reforms focus on keeping seniors living safely at home for longer, with support that adjusts as life changes.
Why the Government Is Making These Changes
Australia has an ageing population. More people want to stay at home rather than move into residential aged care. At the same time, demand for in-home support continues to grow in cities like Melbourne.
The current system struggles to keep up. Many seniors wait months or even years for higher-level Home Care Packages. Others feel unsure about how funding works or why some services are not covered.
The new Support at Home system aims to:
Reduce waiting times
Simplify access to care
Match funding more closely to needs
Improve transparency around fees
Support independence and safety
Timeline: When the Changes Will Happen
The Support at Home reforms are scheduled to begin in 2026. Between now and then, several steps will take place.
You can expect:
Ongoing updates from the government
Gradual preparation by care providers
Clear transition plans for existing clients
If you already receive care, you will not lose services overnight. The government has stated that current clients will move across gradually to avoid disruption.
Planning early gives you peace of mind and time to ask the right questions.
Which Programs Will Be Replaced or Merged
Two main programs will change:
Under Support at Home, these programs will merge into one system with clearer categories of care. This means you no longer need to understand multiple funding streams to receive help.
If you want a refresher on how Home Care Packages currently work in Melbourne, you can read more here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/home-care-packages-explained-how-to-access-funding-for-elderly-care-in-melbourne/
Who the Support at Home Program Applies To
The new system will apply to:
Seniors already receiving in-home care
Seniors on waiting lists
Seniors applying for care after 2026
It also affects families and carers who help manage care arrangements. If you help a partner or parent remain at home, these changes matter to you as well.
How the New Support at Home Model Will Work
Under the new model, support will focus on your actual needs rather than a fixed package level. Instead of four package levels, care will be grouped into clearer service categories.
Support will cover areas such as:
Daily living
Personal care
Clinical care
Mobility and independence
End-of-life support
This approach allows services to increase or decrease as your situation changes.
Changes to Funding and Budgets
Funding under Support at Home will still come from the government, but it will be structured differently. Rather than receiving a set annual package, funding will reflect assessed needs across service categories.
This may help reduce situations where funding sits unused while you wait for approval to add services.
You will still have a say in how your funding is used, and you will still choose your provider.
New Categories of Care and Services
Support at Home groups services into clear areas, making it easier to understand what help is available.
Everyday Living Support
This includes tasks such as cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, and shopping. These services help you stay comfortable and safe at home.
Learn more about domestic assistance here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/in-home-domestic-assistance-melbourne/
Personal and Clinical Care
This covers in-home personal care, nursing care, and support with health conditions.
You can explore nursing services here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/in-home-nursing-care-melbourne/
Independence and Mobility Support
This includes transport, companionship, and social participation.
Transport services are explained here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/in-home-transport-services-melbourne/
Companionship support is outlined here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/in-home-companion-care-melbourne/
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
This ensures comfort, dignity, and emotional support when facing serious illness.
More details are available here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/in-home-palliative-care-melbourne/
What Will Change About Fees and Contributions
Client contributions will still apply under Support at Home. However, the government plans to improve fairness and transparency.
You may still pay:
A basic daily contribution
An income-based contribution
There will be protections in place so fees do not become unmanageable. Seniors with lower incomes will continue to receive support.
If cost planning is a concern, this guide explains current fees in Melbourne:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/how-much-does-in-home-aged-care-cost-in-melbourne-private-fees-vs-government-funding/
What Will Stay the Same
While the system structure changes, many important things remain unchanged.
You will still have:
The right to stay at home
Choice of provider
A personalised care plan
Respect for your preferences
Protection of your dignity
These principles remain central to aged care in Australia.
How Assessments Will Change
Assessments will become more streamlined. Instead of different assessments for different programs, you will complete one main assessment.
Assessors will look at:
Your daily activities
Health conditions
Mobility and safety
Cognitive needs
Support from family
This approach aims to reduce repetition and delays.
What Happens If You Already Receive a Home Care Package
If you already receive a Home Care Package, you will move across to Support at Home gradually. You will not need to stop care or reapply immediately.
Your provider should guide you through the transition and explain any changes well in advance.
If you currently receive support through Golden Point Age Care, you can expect continuity and guidance throughout the process.
What If You Are Waiting for a Package
If you are on a waiting list, the reforms may improve access over time. The government aims to reduce delays by matching support more closely to needs rather than fixed package levels.
While waiting, many families choose short-term private care to stay safe and supported.
Impact on Families and Informal Carers
Families play a vital role in supporting seniors at home. The reforms recognise this by aiming to reduce stress and confusion around care access.
If you are a family carer, early planning helps you avoid rushed decisions. This article explains challenges many carers face:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/the-unspoken-challenges-of-being-a-long-distance-caregiver/
What Melbourne Seniors Should Do Before 2026
You can prepare now by taking a few simple steps:
Review your current care plan
Understand what services you use most
Keep key documents organised
Ask your provider how they plan for the reforms
Apply early if you think your needs may increase
You may also find this helpful:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/starting-care-is-easier-than-you-think-our-5-step-approach/
Choosing the Right Provider Under the New System
Experience matters more than ever during periods of change. A good provider explains changes clearly, answers questions honestly, and supports you throughout transitions.
When choosing a provider, consider:
Clear communication
Local Melbourne knowledge
Flexible services
Transparent fees
Continuity of carers
You can review helpful questions here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/questions-to-ask-before-choosing-a-home-care-provider-in-melbourne/
Golden Point Age Care supports seniors across Melbourne. You can view service areas here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/locations/
Common Myths About the Reforms
Some seniors worry they will lose funding or be forced into residential care. These concerns are understandable but not accurate.
The reforms aim to strengthen in-home care, not remove it. Staying informed helps you avoid unnecessary stress.
Opportunities Created by the Reforms
If implemented well, Support at Home may offer:
Faster access to care
Better matching of services to needs
Greater flexibility
Clearer cost information
For seniors who want to age at home, these changes may bring real benefits.
Risks and Challenges to Watch
Large system changes take time. Early stages may cause confusion. This is why choosing an experienced provider matters.
Stay informed, ask questions, and review your care regularly.
Conclusion: What Support at Home Means for You
The Support at Home reforms represent a major shift in how in-home aged care works in Melbourne. While change can feel uncertain, the core aim remains the same. You should feel safe, supported, and respected in your own home.
By understanding the reforms now, you give yourself time to plan and protect your independence. With the right provider and clear information, in-home care remains a strong and reliable option for ageing well at home.
If you want guidance about how these changes may affect your care, you can explore services here:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/services/
Or speak with a local team member:
https://goldenpointagecare.com/contact-us/
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Home Care Package in 2026?
No. Existing clients will move across gradually with support.
Do I need to reapply for care?
In most cases, no immediate reapplication is required.
Will fees increase?
Fees will still be income-based with protections in place.
Can I keep my current provider?
Yes, choice of provider remains.
Does this affect dementia and palliative care?
These services remain essential parts of in-home support.
Clara Ashford
Clara Ashford is a Melbourne-based content writer specialising in healthcare and medical communications. With over a decade of experience, she creates clear, accurate and engaging content for healthcare brands, clinics and wellness organisations. Her work includes patient education materials, blogs, medical website copy, whitepapers and research articles, making complex medical information accessible and relatable. Passionate about improving health literacy, Clara combines storytelling with medical expertise to connect with readers. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Melbourne’s café scene, reading contemporary fiction and walking along the Yarra River.
