What changes should providers be aware of
under the new Support at Home program?
Posted: 15th May 2025
With the rollout of the Support at Home (SAH) program scheduled for 1st July 2025, aged care providers in Australia face substantial regulatory, operational, and financial changes. The program is designed to streamline the delivery of in-home aged care by replacing the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Home Care Packages (HCP) program, and several short-term restorative care programs.
This blog outlines the most important updates that all aged care providers need to understand and act upon to remain compliant and continue delivering care under the new system. You can read more about the changes with Support at Home here.
Changes to Legislation and Guidelines
As with the current HCP program, providers need to be familiar and comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards, Aged Care Charter of Rights, and the Aged Care Code of Conduct. Some of these documents are changing under Support at Home, and it’s important to ensure that you are familiar with these documents.
Transitioned clients who have not been reassessed under Support at Home are eligible to access any service on the Support at Home service list, provided it meets their needs.
Aged Care Act
The new Aged Care Act, scheduled to commence alongside SAH in July 2025, will underpin all aged care programs. The new Act was created on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, which found that the current Aged Care Act and its related legislation was no longer fit for purpose. The new Aged Care Act represents a significant shift toward a rights-based framework, focusing on person-centred care, greater transparency, and accountability. The Act defines new provider obligations, stronger consumer protections, and clearer mechanisms for oversight. You can read more about the key changes and how they affect you here.
Quality Standards
Under the current HCP Program, there are eight Quality Standards that all providers must adhere to. Under Support at Home, these will be consolidated into seven standards, known as the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. The new standards place a stronger emphasis on client outcomes, workforce competency, and governance. It is against these standards that approved Aged Care providers are audited. These standards are still in draft, and are expected to be finalised prior to 1st July 2025.
Charter of Rights
Under SAH, providers must comply with an updated Charter of Aged Care Rights, reinforcing older Australians’ rights to safe, respectful, and quality care. Providers must ensure clients are aware of these rights and that their practices actively uphold them.
Code of Conduct
There are no changes to the Aged Care Code of Conduct, however providers are expected to maintain strong compliance with the elements of the Code. The Code remains a key requirement for all aged care workers and providers, reinforcing standards around safety, dignity, and quality of care.
Documentation Changes
The upcoming Support at Home program is bringing a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and client choice in aged care services. A key part of this shift is the expectation that all services, whether delivered directly by a provider or through a third-party contractor, adhere to the same high standards of quality, safety, and compliance. This includes having clear, documented agreements that outline the services offered and their associated costs.
As the new system rolls out, providers may be asked to share copies of service agreements and pricing arrangements to ensure alignment with the updated requirements. Changing rules under Support at Home also means that organisations providing goods and items may need to supply proof of delivery, detailed shift notes, or records of worker sign in and out. You can read more about shift notes here.
Upcoming changes in 2026
Price Caps
One of the most anticipated changes is the introduction of government-mandated price caps, coming into effect from 1st July 2026. These caps will apply to a wide range of services across the Support at Home program to ensure fairness, reduce price variability, and protect consumers from excessive fees. Until then, providers can set their own prices, but must:
- Ensure prices are reasonable and value for money
- Publish and communicate pricing transparently to clients
- Avoid charging hidden or inflated costs
Aged Care Worker Screening Checks
In 2026, a new Aged Care Worker Screening Check will be introduced for risk assessed roles. This will be similar to the existing NDIS Worker Screening Checks. This new system is expected to make it easier for workers to work between both the disability and aged care industry and across different states and territories, as well as making it easier to employ workers who are registered with AHPRA to work in Aged Care. When the new system rolls out, there will be transitional arrangements in place to ensure that workers can continue to work without interruption – there is nothing you need to do to prepare just yet.
What’s next?
As the transition to Support at Home approaches, we’ll continue to provide updates, practical tips, and resources to help you stay informed and prepared. Keep an eye on our website for more information on pricing guidance, documentation requirements, and compliance under the new system.
At PlanCare, we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. If you need assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Co-Care Partner or give us a call at 1800 024 000.
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