Australia’s aged care landscape is undergoing one of its biggest transformations in years. The Support at Home (SAH) program, launching on 1 November 2025, is set to reshape the way older Australians receive support in their own homes.
At VIVA Mutual, we’re here to help you understand what’s changing, why it matters, and how it will benefit you or your loved ones.
A New Way to Receive Support at Home
Currently, many older Australians access services through the Home Care Packages (HCP) or Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) programs. These will soon be replaced by the new Support at Home program — designed to simplify funding, improve transparency, and provide care that better reflects each individual’s needs.
Unlike the current system’s one-size-fits-all approach, SAH will introduce eight levels of care — double the number currently available — offering greater flexibility and precision to match different life stages and support requirements.
Key Changes to Expect
1. More Tailored Support Levels
With eight levels instead of four, the new structure ensures funding more accurately reflects the level of care someone truly needs — meaning more consistent access to the right support at the right time.
2. Quarterly Budgets
Funding will now be allocated every three months rather than indefinitely. This allows for regular reviews and adjustments as needs evolve, providing greater flexibility and financial clarity.
3. Price Caps for Services
To promote fairness and transparency, the government will set price caps for most aged care services. This ensures older Australians and families know exactly what they’re paying for — and helps maintain consistent value across all providers.
4. Fully Funded Clinical Care
Under SAH, there will be no out-of-pocket costs for clinical services such as nursing and allied health. This change reduces financial pressure and ensures everyone can access the care they need without compromise.
5. Specialised Care Pathways
SAH introduces tailored pathways for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, Restorative Care, and End-of-Life Care, making it easier to access the right kind of help when circumstances change.
What This Means for You
If you currently receive a Home Care Package, you won’t need to reapply — your services will automatically transition under the new system. For new applicants, the process will be simpler and faster, helping you get the right support sooner.
At VIVA Mutual, our mission remains unchanged: to provide quality, compassionate, and reliable care that helps you live independently, safely, and confidently at home. The new reforms will allow us to offer an even clearer, more flexible, and client-centred experience.
Why the Reform Matters
The Support at Home program is about choice, transparency, and fairness. It puts older Australians at the centre of every decision and simplifies how care is funded and delivered.
It also raises the bar for providers — requiring stronger quality, safety, and accountability standards — something VIVA Mutual already upholds as part of our daily practice.
As a trusted community provider, we’re already preparing our systems and teams for a seamless transition, ensuring our clients continue receiving the care they know and trust.
How VIVA Mutual Can Help
We’ll continue to:
✅ Offer personalised support planning tailored to your needs.
✅ Provide clear, transparent explanations about budgets and services.
✅ Maintain peace of mind through open communication and accountability.
✅ Align with the latest Aged Care Quality Standards to safeguard your wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
While change can bring uncertainty, these reforms are designed to make home care simpler, fairer, and more empowering for older Australians.
If you’d like to learn more about how the Support at Home program may impact your care plan, our friendly VIVA Mutual team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact our Co-Founder, Arthur Mitsioulis, at 0499 998 691 to discuss how these changes can support your independence and quality of life.