Support at Home
Program

What is the Support at Home Program?

Support at Home (previously known as ‘Home Care Package’) is the aged care program introduced by the Australian Government that provides a wide range of supports for older people who want to stay living at home.

The Support at Home Program is designed to:

  • Focus on individual needs, goals, and wellbeing
  • Offer greater choice and flexibility in services
  • Provide strong protections for care quality and safety

We are a Registered Provider of the Support at Home Program and offer an experienced and committed team who deliver great outcomes for our valued customers.

Older People Can Receive Support With:

Personal Care

Included:

  • Support with showering, dressing, and grooming.
  • Support to change continence aids.
  • Assistance with self-administration of medications.

Not Included:

  • Grooming activities that would usually be considered an own-cost, such as hairdressing.

Clinical Services

Nursing & Allied Health services can help you if:

  • You are experiencing a decline in your ability to manage daily tasks.
  • You feel unsafe moving around your home or in the community.
  • You are unsteady on your feet or have been falling.
  • Coping with the ageing process is causing you grief or distress.

Domestic Assistance

Included:

  • Essential light cleaning of your home – such as vacuuming, mopping, and washing dishes.
  • Laundry assistance.
  • Assistance with shopping.

 

Not included:

  • Tasks that would be considered heavy duty cleaning, such as scrubbing tiles and grout and cleaning ovens.

Transport

Direct transport:

Where our staff can help you get from your home to another location, and back again. We require advance notice to schedule this – however will do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.

Indirect transport:

Where we supply you with a taxi voucher through your funding. You can access taxis whenever you need them, making this a highly flexible choice.

Home Modifications

Included:

  • Funding towards home modifications which allows you to continue living there safely. For example: addition of grab rails in bathroom and doors.
 

Not included:

  • Modifications to improve the look or value of your home.

Social Support

  • Individual support to engage with your community – our staff can facilitate outings, accompany you to events where you would not be able to go alone, and help you to maintain your networks.
  • Group social support – UCWB runs a fortnightly “Bowden Social Group” for our Aged Care customers as well providing other opportunities to engage in group social activities.

Assistive Technology

Included:

  • Funding towards items that can support you to complete daily tasks more safely. For example: walking frames, pill bobs, adaptive can openers.

 

Not included:

  • Smartphones and smartwatches.

Restorative Care

Increased support over 3-4 months to assist you in rebuilding your function and independence following a period of poor health or injury.

Our clinical team can help you to recover and restore your capabilities, so you can feel like yourself again.

Your Customer Journey at UCWB

Intake

We’ll give you all the information you need to choose your provider. If you decide to have UCWB as your Support at Home provider, we’ll set up your service agreement and connect you with your Care Provider to get started.

Assessment & Care Planning

We’ll arrange an assessment to understand your needs. If you receive Support at Home funding level 4 or above, a member of our clinical team will complete this with you. After the assessment, we’ll share a summary of the outcomes and suggestions to help you get the most from your funding.

Service Delivery

You’ll receive services according to your care plan, in the comfort of your own home and community. If any changes to your service schedule are needed, our Support Officers will give you a call to keep you informed.

Review & Monitoring

Each month, your Care Partner will check in to see if anything has changed and to get your feedback. You’ll also receive a monthly statement of your Support at Home funding, including an invoice if co-contributions are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the Support at Home Program?

Eligibility is determined based on an assessment by My Aged Care. Individuals who are currently receiving Home Care Packages or Short-Term Restorative Care may transition to the Support at Home program, provided they meet the necessary criteria.

To apply, contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website to complete an online assessment.

The government will continue to be the majority funder of aged care services. However, older people who can afford to will contribute to their aged care costs. The amount will depend on personal circumstances, the level of support needed, and the combination of income and assets.

If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, you’ll transition to the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025. Your funding will be equivalent to your existing package level, and your service provider will assist you in updating your care plan and service agreement.

No, you can keep and use your Home Care Package unspent funds when transitioning to Support at Home. These funds are not time-limited and can be used for additional services or assistive technology and home modifications, if approved.

Yes, an updated service agreement is required to reflect the services and prices under the Support at Home program. This agreement ensures that you receive the appropriate services as per your needs and the program’s guidelines.

UCWB provides this service across all four metropolitan areas – North, South, East and West.

If you need more support in the future, you will require a new assessment under the Support at Home classification system.

A reassessment can be arranged by calling My Aged Care to request a support plan review. As your Aged Care support provider UCWB can also assist you to do this by organising a support plan review on your behalf.

Yes, many services, such as nursing care, can be delivered virtually through telehealth appointments or other digital platforms.

 If you have any concerns or questions, please “Ask Amy”. Many of you would know Amy – she is our Customer Engagement Advisor, and she is here to answer any questions and support you through the transition to Support at Home.

Please contact us during business hours on phone: 08 8245 7196 or via email: customer@ucwb.org.au and ask for Amy.

Did You Know?

Did you know you can receive companionship from a volunteer while accessing the Support at Home program?

It is called the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and it involves volunteers visiting older people to provide friendship and companionship.

This program provides tailored assistance to help older people stay independent, safe, and connected in their own homes.

With the added support of friendly volunteers, participants can enjoy meaningful social connection alongside practical help with everyday tasks.

Funded by the Australian Government.

Want to Learn More About the Support at Home Program?

Email our Customer Engagement Advisor

Call UCWB

Stay informed with the Support at Home newsletter, featuring news, updates, and practical advice for participants and carers.

Older People Form