Published on: 2nd October 2025
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is a new government program that will help older people live in their own homes for longer.
Deaf Connect delivers these services directly in Auslan, making it easier for Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing seniors to access aged care support that is culturally safe and communication-accessible.
From 1 November 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Packages. A new Aged Care Act will also begin on the same date.
What is Changing?
The biggest changes in Support at Home include:
- Costs: How much you pay will vary depending on the service and your financial situation.
- Funding blocks: Instead of one large budget, your funding will be divided into three-month blocks across the year.
- New funding options: Separate funding will be available for Assistive Technology, Home Modifications, and Restorative Care.
If You Had a Home Care Package Before 12 September 2024
- No need for reassessment — your current plan will automatically change to Support at Home on 1 November 2025.
- Your new budget will match your current Home Care Package budget.
- Any unspent funds will carry over to Support at Home.
- Your funding will be split into three-month blocks.
- You may need an additional assessment to access Assistive Technology funding.
If You Were Approved After 12 September 2024
- Your assessment plan will change to Support at Home on 1 November 2025.
- Your budget will be set under Support at Home rules.
- Your service contribution will depend on your financial status.
Why Are Aged Care Programs Changing?
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that aged care needed big improvements. The government is changing programs to:
- Give older people more choice and clearer rules.
- Increase funding available for older Australians.
- Reduce waiting times between approval and access to funding.
- Provide more support for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications.
What This Means for the Deaf Community
For Deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing seniors, these changes are important. Deaf Connect’s Ageing Well program makes sure you can get the right support — directly in Auslan — so you can continue living independently and safely at home.
Next Steps
If you are already on a Home Care Package, you don’t need to do anything – your plan will switch to Support at Home automatically in November 2025.
New to Aged Care?
If you are new to aged care, your first step is to contact My Aged Care — the Australian Government’s entry point for aged care information and services.
You can:
- Call My Aged Care
- Visit a Centrelink or Medicare Service Centre, where staff will use the My Aged Care website to submit your request and information.
Need help navigating My Aged Care?
Some people may need extra support to understand or access the My Aged Care system. This is where Care Finders can help.
- Care Finders are a free, government-funded service.
- They are available in every region across Australia.
- Their role is to help older people understand aged care, apply for services, and find the right support.
You can learn more here:
Help from a care finder | My Aged Care
Want more information about Deaf Connect services? Visit:
- Ageing Well services at Deaf Connect
- Information on becoming a Support Worker
- Interpreter services for Deaf Seniors
- Contact Deaf Connect
Do you want to know more? Download the Flyer today!
