Aged care news

Commonwealth aged care packages are changing: what it means for older people and families

Published 27 September 2026. Australia's in-home aged care system is changing, and many families are asking what has happened to Home Care Packages, Commonwealth Home Support Program services and Support at Home.

The old Home Care Packages Program has now been replaced by the Support at Home program. This change is part of the wider aged care reforms connected to the new Aged Care Act and the move toward a more consistent in-home aged care system.

The aim is to make aged care at home easier to understand, more transparent and better matched to a person's assessed needs. However, any major change can feel confusing, especially for older people, carers and families who already had services in place.

What has changed?

Support at Home started on 1 November 2025 and replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. People who previously received a Home Care Package are now moving through the new Support at Home arrangements.

Support at Home is designed to help older people remain living safely at home for longer. It can include services such as personal care, nursing, allied health, domestic assistance, transport, social support, assistive technology and home modifications, depending on the person's assessment and care plan.

What about Commonwealth Home Support Program services?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program, often called CHSP, is different from the old Home Care Packages Program. CHSP provides entry-level support such as cleaning, transport, meals, social support and some personal care.

The Australian Government has extended CHSP funding to 30 June 2029. This means people currently using CHSP can continue to access entry-level supports while the government consults on the long-term design of in-home aged care.

CHSP is expected to transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027, but it will continue operating until then.

How will this affect people already receiving support?

For many older people, services may continue day to day with the same provider, but the way services are described, priced, funded and reviewed may change. Some people may be asked to sign updated service agreements, discuss pricing, or review whether their current supports still match their needs.

Families should pay close attention to letters from My Aged Care, service agreements from providers and any changes to care plans or contributions.

Pricing and contributions are changing

Under Support at Home, service pricing is becoming more transparent. Providers need to explain their prices, and government price caps have been introduced for some services. The way administration costs are handled is also different from the old Home Care Package model.

From 1 October 2026, personal care contribution arrangements are also changing. Personal care will move into the clinical supports contribution category, meaning showering, dressing, continence and similar personal care supports are intended to be fully government-funded for eligible Support at Home participants.

If a provider gives you a new service agreement or changes prices, ask them to explain the change in simple terms before signing.

Common problems families are noticing

Families may notice confusion around what program a person is on, what is covered, what needs a contribution and whether services can continue in the same way. Some common issues include:

not knowing the difference between CHSP and Support at Home
confusion about whether a service is personal care, clinical support, everyday living support or independence support
difficulty understanding new service agreements
worry that care hours may change
uncertainty about transport, shopping, social support and domestic assistance
waiting for reassessment when needs have increased

When to ask for reassessment

If an older person's needs have changed, they may need to ask My Aged Care for reassessment. This can be important if someone now needs more help with showering, dressing, meals, mobility, falls prevention, medication prompts, transport, social connection, dementia support or carer respite.

Families should keep notes about what has changed, how often help is needed, what happens without support and any risks at home. This information can help during a reassessment.

What families can do now

Check whether the person is receiving CHSP or Support at Home services.
Keep copies of service agreements, care plans, invoices and My Aged Care letters.
Ask providers to explain any price or contribution changes before signing.
Write down any changes in care needs, falls, hospital visits, memory issues or carer stress.
Contact My Aged Care if the current support is no longer enough.
Plan ahead for transport, social support, personal care and safety at home.

Need help understanding support at home?

Motion Caring supports older people and families with in-home support, community access, social support and practical help across Hervey Bay and surrounding areas. Contact Stewart on 0422 931 681, Nini on 0498 330 815, or email motioncaring@gmail.com.

Important reminder

This article is general information only. It is not financial advice, legal advice or individual aged care advice. A person's fees, contributions and approved services depend on their own assessment and circumstances. For personal advice, contact My Aged Care, your provider, your assessor or a trusted aged care adviser.