Getting the right mix of aged care services can make a big difference to how older Australians live day to day. But with a range of Support at Home funding classifications and different pricing and fees across the sector, it can feel a little overwhelming. As Australia’s best-value home care provider, that’s where HomeMade comes in.
HomeMade helps you understand your budget and how it’s being used, so you can get more value from your Support at Home funding. HomeMade takes the guesswork out of managing your care so you can feel confident and in control.
How does Support at Home funding work?
When you join the Support at Home program, you’ll receive a funding classification that determines your level of ongoing support. There are 8 classifications to suit different care needs.
Learn more about the Support at Home funding classifications.
Funding classifications:
- Classifications 1–2: Basic care needs such as meal delivery, light housework or light personal care.
- Classifications 3–4: Low-level care needs such as regular personal care, mobility aid support, or continence care.
- Classifications 5–6: Intermediate care needs such hoists, transfers, allied health therapies, or nursing support.
- Levels 7–8: High-level care needs such as assistance with all daily living activities, palliative support or 24/7 care availability.
Short-term pathways:
Support at Home also includes several short-term pathways. If you’re eligible for one of these, they will sit alongside your regular funding:
- The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
- The Restorative Care Pathway
- The End-of-Life Pathway.
You can read more about funding classifications and short-term pathways in the Support at Home program handbook.
What services can my funding pay for?
Your funding can be used for a mix of care, services, and products that help you live independently and safely at home depending on your Care Plan and your budget. HomeMade will help you choose the right combination to suit your needs and budget.
Examples include:
- Clinical support: Nursing care, medication management, wound care, and allied health services such as physiotherapy, psychology, and podiatry.
- Independence: Personal care, social and community activities, transport to appointments, therapeutic services for independent living (such as an acupuncturist or an osteopath), and respite care.
- Everyday living: Cleaning, laundry, gardening, minor home repairs (such as cleaning gutters or replacing lightbulbs), and meal delivery or preparation.
For a full list of available services, visit the Support at Home service list.
At HomeMade, our network includes more than 3,000 service providers across Australia, so you can find the right provider for your needs.
What fees and costs should I expect?
Support at Home was designed with transparency and fairness in mind. There’s a focus on simpler provider fees and more consistent aged care service pricing across the sector.
Key things to understand:
- Care management fees are capped at 10%, meaning providers cannot charge more than this. The fee applies whether you self-manage or not, and covers care planning, coordination, check-ins, clinical advice, and practical support.
- Price caps on all service types are set to be introduced on 1 July 2026 by the Department. This will make costs for support services easier to compare and ensure fairer pricing across providers. The caps will cover the full cost of delivering a service, including any fees applied by an aged care provider or other costs like , transport, and management.
At HomeMade, we believe that quality care should be affordable. We’re upfront about our pricing and give you real control over how your care is managed. That’s why we offer 2 plan options to suit how hands-on you’d like to be:
- Self Managed option: Take charge of organising and managing your support services with confidence, using tools and guidance from HomeMade’s expert team.
- Fully Managed option: Get the freedom of affordable, quality care your way, but let us handle scheduling, bookings, and coordination.
Can I change my services if my needs change?
Absolutely. In fact, your care plan should evolve with your needs and goals. You might need to increase some services, reduce others, or change the mix to suit new priorities.
It’s helpful to set personal goals to guide your care. For example, if your goal is to walk to the local shops without a walker, an exercise physiologist can help you build the strength and confidence to get there. Your provider should support you to review your plan regularly and request a reassessment if you need a higher level of care.
At HomeMade, our expert support team and clinical nurses are here to listen, offer guidance, and make sure you’re always receiving the right level of care. We also monitor support notes to help us proactively notice changes to your health and wellbeing, so you can be one step ahead.
Ready to make the most of your Support at Home funding?
