Australia’s aged care funding landscape shifted significantly in November 2025, and if you’re trying to wrap your head around what that means for accessing occupational therapy services, you’re not alone.
The new Support at Home program has replaced the previous Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs, consolidating what was previously a fragmented system into something more streamlined.
This guide explains what’s changed, who’s eligible, and how you can access and use this funding for aged care occupational therapy services. Whether you’re approaching aged care support for the first time or transitioning from an existing package, understanding how this program works will help you make informed decisions about the support available to you.
Introducing the new Support at Home Program
The Australian Government launched the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025 as part of broader aged care reforms aimed at helping older Australians maintain independence at home for longer. This section covers what you need to know about how the program works, who it’s for, and what’s changed from previous funding models.
What is the new Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is a government-funded initiative designed to provide tailored support services that help older Australians live independently in their own homes.
Rather than moving into residential aged care, participants can access a range of services including personal care, nursing, allied health (such as occupational therapy), home modifications, and assistive technology.
The core purpose is straightforward: to support people to remain at home safely and independently for as long as possible, with services that respond to their changing needs over time.
For more detailed information about the program structure and guidelines, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
What services are included in the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program covers a broad range of services designed to support independent living. These include personal care services such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and mobility; clinical care including nursing and allied health services; home support like cleaning, meal preparation, and transport; assistive technology and equipment; home modifications to improve safety and accessibility; respite care for carers; and social support activities.
Occupational therapy sits within the allied health category and is explicitly funded under this program. OT services can address functional independence, falls prevention, home safety assessments, equipment recommendations, cognitive support, and daily living skills. The program recognises that maintaining independence often requires more than just hands-on care; it requires skilled assessment and intervention to optimise how people function in their home environment.
Who is eligible for the Support at Home Program?
Eligibility for the Support at Home program is determined through an assessment conducted by My Aged Care.
Generally, you need to be:
- 65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- live in Australia, and
- require support to remain living independently at home.
The assessment evaluates your functional capacity, health status, and support needs to determine what level of funding is appropriate.
What is the difference between NDIS and Support at Home eligibility?
There is a distinction between NDIS eligibility and Support at Home eligibility.
- The NDIS supports people under 65 with permanent and significant disability, focusing on functional impairment and the support needed to participate in daily life.
- Support at Home is for older Australians whose support needs relate to ageing, regardless of whether they have a disability.
What if I’m on the NDIS and an older adult?
If you’re currently on the NDIS and approaching 65, you’ll likely transition to aged care support. This transition is managed through My Aged Care, and your existing NDIS plan will continue until the transition is complete.
For people who were previously receiving Home Care Packages, the transition to Support at Home has been managed through transitional arrangements. Existing package recipients approved before September 2024 have been transitioned with no-worse-off protections, meaning their contributions haven’t increased as a result of the changes. The key difference is in how services are delivered and the increased flexibility in how funding can be used.
It’s also important to note that the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027. If you’re currently receiving CHSP services, your support will continue under the existing program until that transition occurs.
How is this different from previous aged care programs?
The previous system operated through Home Care Packages, which were structured in four levels (Levels 1-4) based on assessed need. The new Support at Home program moves away from rigid package levels toward a more individualised funding model with eight classifications. Rather than being allocated to a specific package level with set funding amounts, participants now receive funding tailored to their assessed needs, which can flex up or down as circumstances change. This means more responsive support when your needs increase, without the previous delays associated with waiting for package upgrades.
The program also works toward consolidating what are currently separate programs. From 1 November 2025, it replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027. From an administrative perspective, this staged approach is designed to eventually simplify access and remove some of the complexity around which program you qualify for.
What are the benefits of the new Support at Home program?
The main benefits of the new program centre on flexibility and responsiveness.
Faster access when needs change
Funding can be adjusted more quickly when your needs change, without the previous delays associated with package reassessments and waiting lists. There’s also a stronger emphasis on reablement and therapy services. The program explicitly recognises that investing in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and other allied health services early can prevent decline and reduce the need for higher-intensity support later.
No out-of-pocket costs for therapy
Another significant benefit is that clinical care services, including occupational therapy, are now fully funded by the government. Participants don’t contribute toward the cost of clinical services, which removes a financial barrier to accessing therapeutic support. Contributions are now focused on independence supports and everyday living services, with the amount based on your income and assets.
One clear pathway
The streamlined assessment process means fewer administrative hurdles to access services. Instead of navigating multiple programs with different eligibility criteria and assessment processes, there’s now one clear pathway through My Aged Care. For providers and participants alike, this reduces duplication and makes it clearer what support is available and how to access it.
What is the process of getting funding for the Support at Home Program?
Accessing funding starts with contacting My Aged Care, either by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting their website. You’ll complete an initial screening to determine if you’re eligible for a full assessment. If eligible, an assessor will visit you at home (or conduct the assessment via phone or video if preferred) to understand your current situation, functional abilities, and support needs.
During this assessment, it’s important to be clear about what you’re struggling with and what you’d like to be able to do. If you’re concerned about falls, difficulty with personal care, managing medications, or navigating your home safely, mention these. The assessor will ask about your health conditions, living situation, existing support networks, and goals for remaining at home. This information shapes your Support at Home plan and determines your funding classification.
Once your plan is approved, you’ll receive confirmation of your funding and can begin arranging services. You can choose your providers, and you or your provider can contact services like occupational therapy directly. For more information on the Support at Home program and how to apply, visit the My Aged Care Support at Home page.
Occupational Therapy in the Support at Home Program
Occupational therapy is a funded allied health service under the Support at Home program, and for good reason.
OT focuses on maintaining and improving functional independence, which directly supports the program’s goal of helping people remain at home safely.
This section covers what the evidence says about OT for older adults, what services are available, and when OT might be recommended.
What is the evidence behind OT for older adults?
Research consistently demonstrates that occupational therapy interventions reduce falls, prevent hospital readmissions, and improve functional independence for older adults. Studies show that home-based OT assessments and interventions can significantly reduce falls in this population, a notable outcome given that falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence. OT interventions that address home safety, equipment needs, and functional training have also been shown to reduce hospital admissions and support earlier discharge from hospital.
The evidence also supports the cost-effectiveness of preventative OT. Investing in assessment and intervention before problems escalate is more effective than waiting until someone has fallen or experienced a significant decline in function. This is part of why the Support at Home program explicitly funds allied health services and covers the full cost of clinical services like OT; the return on investment in terms of maintained independence and reduced acute care costs is well-established.
What OT services are covered under the program?
The Support at Home program covers a range of occupational therapy services.
These include:
- Functional assessments to evaluate your ability to perform daily activities like dressing, bathing, cooking, and managing your home.
- Home safety and falls risk assessments identify hazards in your home environment and recommend modifications or strategies to reduce fall risk.
- Equipment and assistive technology assessments help you trial and access aids that support independence, such as shower chairs, walking aids, dressing aids, or kitchen equipment.
- Cognitive assessments and support are available for people experiencing memory changes or cognitive decline, including strategies to support daily routines and safety.
- Daily living evaluations and training help you develop skills or strategies that allow you to continue doing the things you value, whether that’s meal preparation, managing medications, or maintaining hobbies.
These services can be delivered through home visits or, where appropriate, via telehealth. The flexibility of service delivery means that OT support can be tailored to what works best for you. Importantly, as a clinical service, occupational therapy is fully funded by the government under Support at Home, meaning you don’t contribute toward the cost of OT services.
When might OT services be recommended?
Occupational therapy is typically recommended in situations where your ability to function independently at home is affected or at risk.
Common scenarios include:
- After a hospital discharge, particularly following surgery, a fall, a stroke, or an acute illness that has impacted your mobility or function.
- Following a fall or near-miss, where there’s concern about ongoing fall risk
- When there is a need for environmental modifications or equipment.
If you’re experiencing difficulty with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing, or toileting, OT can recommend equipment, techniques, or home modifications that improve safety and independence.
For people diagnosed with a progressive condition such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or arthritis, proactive OT can help you adapt your environment and routines as the condition progresses. OT can also assist if you’re having trouble managing medications safely, with memory aids, routine strategies, or equipment like Webster packs. Mobility concerns, whether related to reduced strength, balance issues, or confidence moving around your home, are also appropriate reasons to access OT support.
It’s also worth noting that OT isn’t just reactive. Preventative occupational therapy can identify and address potential issues before they become problems. If you’re managing well now but anticipate changes due to ageing or a health condition, proactive OT assessment can help you plan ahead.
What is the OT assessment process?
Once you’ve been approved for Support at Home funding and identified OT as a service you’d like to access, the process typically begins with an initial assessment.
- Home visit: An occupational therapist will visit you at home (or conduct an assessment via telehealth if that’s more suitable) to understand your current situation.
- Asking you questions: During the assessment, the OT will ask about your health conditions, what activities you’re finding difficult, what you’d like to be able to do, and any concerns you have about safety or managing at home.
- Observations: They’ll observe how you move around your home, how you perform daily tasks, and assess the physical environment for potential hazards or barriers to independence.
- Standardised assessment: If relevant, they may also conduct standardised assessments for fall risk, cognition, or specific functional abilities.
- Report: Following the assessment, you’ll receive a report outlining the therapist’s findings and recommendations. This might include equipment suggestions, home modification recommendations, strategies for managing daily tasks, or a therapy program to address specific goals. The report will specify what can be funded under your Support at Home plan.
From there, you can decide which recommendations to pursue, and the OT can support you with equipment trials, arranging modifications, or ongoing therapy sessions as needed.
What are some common challenges that OT will help with?
Occupational therapists working with aged care clients frequently address the following challenges:
- Risk of Falls: This is one of the most common reasons for OT referral. OT can assess your home for fall hazards, recommend modifications like grab rails or improved lighting, suggest appropriate footwear and mobility aids, and provide strategies to reduce fall risk.
- Difficulty with Personal Care: If you’re struggling with showering, dressing, or toileting, OT can recommend equipment like shower chairs, long-handled dressing aids, or toilet frames. They can also teach techniques that make these tasks safer and easier.
- Managing After Hospital Discharge: Hospital stays often result in reduced mobility and confidence. OT can help you rebuild independence, assess whether your home is still suitable, and provide equipment or modifications to support a safe transition home.
- Dementia and Cognitive Decline: For people experiencing memory changes or cognitive decline, OT can develop strategies to support daily routines, improve home safety, reduce confusion, and support continued participation in meaningful activities.
- Chronic Pain and Arthritis: Living with chronic pain or arthritis affects how you do everyday tasks. OT can recommend equipment and techniques that reduce strain on painful joints, modify activities to be less painful, and support you to continue doing what matters to you.
What can I expect when working with an OT?
60 to 90 minute sessions: Occupational therapy sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes, though this can vary depending on what’s being addressed. Initial assessments tend to be longer to allow time for comprehensive evaluation, while follow-up sessions might be shorter and more focused on specific interventions or equipment trials.
Working in your home: In a typical session, the OT will work with you in your home environment. This might involve:
- observing how you perform tasks
- trialling equipment
- practising techniques
- discussing strategies for managing particular challenges.
Practical and goal-oriented focus: OT isn’t about telling you what to do, it’s about problem-solving together to find solutions that work for you.
Family members are welcome: Family members and carers are welcome to be involved if you’d like them there. In many cases, having family present is helpful, particularly if they’re supporting you with daily tasks or if they’ll be implementing recommendations. That said, it’s entirely your choice who’s involved in your sessions.
Options to come to your home or do a virtual session: Most OT is delivered through home visits, which allows the therapist to see your actual environment and how you function in it.
However, telehealth is also an option for some types of support, such as follow-up appointments, equipment reviews, or strategy discussions. If you live in a remote area or prefer not to have someone visit your home, telehealth can be a practical alternative.
Tips for Maximising Your OT Services Under Support at Home
Getting the most out of your occupational therapy services comes down to clear communication and active participation. Here are some practical tips:
- Be clear about your goals and priorities. What matters most to you? What are you finding difficult? What would you like to be able to do that you’re currently struggling with? The clearer you are about your priorities, the more targeted and useful the OT’s recommendations will be.
- Share concerns about safety. If you’ve had a fall, a near-miss, or you’re worried about your ability to manage safely at home, tell the OT. Safety concerns are exactly what OT is designed to address, and being upfront about them helps the therapist focus on what’s most important.
- Ask questions. If you don’t understand why something is being recommended, ask. If you’re not sure how a piece of equipment works or whether a modification is necessary, ask. OT is collaborative, and you should feel informed about the reasoning behind recommendations.
- Involve family or carers when appropriate. If family members are helping you or will be implementing recommendations, it’s often useful for them to be part of the conversation. They can ask questions, understand the reasoning behind recommendations, and be better equipped to support you.
Questions to Ask Your OT
If you’re not sure what to ask during your OT assessment or sessions, here are some useful questions:
- What are realistic goals for me?
- What equipment might help, and how do I trial it before purchasing?
- Are there modifications I should consider, and what’s involved in arranging them?
- How can I stay safe at home, particularly with the things I’m finding difficult?
- What activities can I still do, and are there ways to adapt them so I can continue?
- How often should we review progress, and when should I contact you if things change?
Why Choose Optimal Therapy for Your Aged Care OT
We bring specific expertise to aged care occupational therapy. We’re an NDIS registered provider with extensive experience working with older adults, including those with memory and neurological conditions. Our team understands the Support at Home program and how to work within its funding framework to deliver practical, goal-focused therapy.
We offer home visits across the Perth metro area, which means we assess you in your actual environment and can make recommendations that are specific to your home. We also provide telehealth options for follow-up appointments and consultations where that’s more convenient. Our approach is straightforward: we focus on what you want to achieve, what’s realistic, and what will make a practical difference to your independence and safety at home.
As specialists in aged care OT, we have the clinical expertise to assess complex situations, recommend appropriate equipment and modifications, and work collaboratively with your other health providers. We understand that every person’s situation is different, and we tailor our approach to what matters to you.
How to Get Started with Support at Home
If you don’t yet have Support at Home funding, the first step is contacting My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 or visit their website to start the assessment process.
During your assessment, mention if you’re interested in occupational therapy services, particularly if you have concerns about falls, mobility, home safety, or managing daily tasks. This helps ensure OT is included in your plan.
Once you receive your Support at Home plan, you can begin accessing services. If you already have funding and you’re ready to arrange OT services, contact Optimal Therapy. Either you or your Support at Home provider can reach out to us directly to arrange an initial assessment.
We’ll visit you at home to understand your goals, assess your environment, and identify what support would be most useful. Following the assessment, you’ll receive a practical report outlining recommendations and what can be funded under your Support at Home plan. From there, you can choose which recommendations to pursue, and we’ll work with you to implement them.
If you’d like to learn more about our aged care occupational therapy services or you’re ready to book an initial assessment, contact us through our website or phone.
We’re here to help you make the most of your Support at Home funding and maintain your independence at home for as long as possible.
