In November 2024, we asked for public feedback on funding rules for the new Support at Home program.
This consultation formed Release 2a of the new Aged Care Rules. It focused on Support at Home funding, including subsidies, individual contributions, and means testing for older people.
We received 87 written submissions from providers, aged care workers, aged care professionals, older people, family members and advocates across rural, regional and metropolitan areas.
What we heard
People liked that:
- the government will help pay for assistive technology (like communication or visual aids) and home modifications (like ramps or bathroom changes)
- the program will support people nearing the end of their life
- there will be extra funding for person-centred care and care management
- clients won’t need to contribute to clinical support.
People raised concerns about:
- the cost of contributions for Support at Home, especially for full pensioners and those who don’t own a home
- whether care management funding will meet the needs of older people, especially those with high needs
- whether the $15,000 lifetime limit on home modifications will cover major changes, like bathroom upgrades and specialised equipment.
What we’re doing
We completed consultation on Support at Home funding arrangements in December 2024 and reviewed all feedback to help refine the Rules.
Since that time, we consulted on the other Rules that will sit under the new Act. Consultation is now closed. Read about our consultation on the new Act.
The final Rules are subject to decision of the Australian Government, and will be considered by the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. The Rules will be publicly available as soon as possible.
This article was originally published on the Ageing and Aged Care Engagement Hub on 20 February 2025.