KeepAble help and support
The reformed and improved in-home aged care program (Support at Home) is due to be rolled out from July 2025, with CHSP transitioning transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027. We’re here to help you and your organisation get ready for these changes to ensure a smooth transition. As information is released, we’ll keep you updated with everything you need to know!
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Support at Home to be rolled out in two stages
From 1 July 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which provides lower levels of support to older people to help them remain at home, will transition to the new program no earlier than 1 July 2027.
The staged approach will give all CHSP providers time to change their business systems and adjust to new payment arrangements. This will ensure they can operate successfully under Support at Home and avoid disruptions for their clients.
Read more about the proposed timings and introduction of the Support at Home from the Australian Government website.
Whats new for you
Consultation paper 2 – Details of the proposed new model
This second consultation paper outlines the details of the proposed approach to regulating aged care.
The proposed new model will introduce changes to the way aged care is regulated under the current regulatory framework. Under the new model, changes are proposed to provider eligibility and entry to the sector, provider obligations (currently referred to as provider responsibilities), regulatory oversight, complaints and feedback mechanisms, and information available to older people.
Discussion Paper
In October 2022 the Department of Health and Aged Care released a discussion paper outlining what the new in-home aged care program could look like. Submissions for feedback were sought and an update was given in a webinar on 7th December 2022 which you can watch here.
Whilst consultations continue, the Department have currently identified the following areas of focus:
- Self-managing across multiple providers
- Ensuring care partners are available when needed
- A funding model to ensure services are available and delivering value for money
- Providing flexibility to meet changing needs
- Fostering innovation and investment
Further targeted feedback sessions will run in 2023 to inform final advice to government. We will post details of these as they’re released.
New Code of Conduct and Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
From 1st December 2022, a new Code of Conduct for Aged Care was introduced to approved aged care providers, their governing persons and aged care workers who are either employed or subcontracted by these providers. The Code of Conduct has been introduced to improve the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for people receiving aged care. As an approved provider you have responsibilities to comply with the Code so it’s important you and your staff understand your obligations.
Also from 1st December 2022, the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) was extended from residential aged care to home services including CHSP, HCP and STRC. The scheme requires providers to manage and take reasonable action to prevent incidents with a focus on the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life of consumers. This means all aged care providers must have an effective incident management system in place and notify the Commission when reportable incidents occur. Get more information on the SIRS here.
Assistive Technologies (AT) and Home Modifications Scheme for in-home aged care
The Department of Health and Aged Care is considering how best to deliver an assistive technologies and home modifications scheme in the new in-home aged care program. This report reflects the output from a co-design process with older people, their families and carers, industry professionals and government stakeholders. You can download the AT Home Modifications Scheme document here.
Australian Government, Department of Health – wellness and reablement resources
