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Changes to Personal Care Costs Under Support at Home Explained

Home Care, Support at Home |

Changes to Personal Care Costs Under Support at Home Explained

On 22 April 2026, the Federal Government announced it would reverse planned charges for personal support services under the Support at Home program, following significant concern from older Australians, families, providers and advocacy groups across the country.

Under the changes, older Australians receiving home care support will no longer be charged for essential personal care services such as showering, dressing and hygiene assistance, with personal care set to be fully funded.

The changes are expected to take effect from October 2026.

Costs toward these services had become one of the most debated parts of the aged care reforms, particularly after reports emerged that some older Australians were considering reducing care services because of the additional costs.

Aged Care Minister Sam Rae confirmed the government would reverse the measure and commit additional funding to cover the cost of these services under the Support at Home program.

What is the Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program (SAH) replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) program on 1 November 2025, providing easier access to and more comprehensive care for ageing Australians who need support for living at home.

The program is designed to simplify in-home aged care services while helping older Australians continue living independently at home for longer.

Depending on individual needs, Support at Home funding may cover services such as personal care and hygiene assistance, nursing and clinical support, domestic assistance, allied health services, meal preparation, social support, and transport assistance.

Concern around essential personal care service costs

Under the current Support at Home funding model, older Australians are expected to contribute toward certain personal care services delivered in the home, including support with showering and personal hygiene, dressing and grooming and mobility and daily care routines.

This sparked significant concern across the aged care sector, with providers, advocacy organisations and families warning the added costs could discourage some older Australians from accessing essential care.

For many people receiving support at home, services like showering assistance and personal care are closely tied to dignity, wellbeing and independence.

Which personal care services will be fully covered from October 2026?

From 1 October 2026, personal care services under Support at Home will be fully covered under the program’s clinical supports category, meaning eligible older Australians will no longer need to pay out-of-pocket costs for approved personal care services.

This includes support with everyday tasks such as:

1. Showering and personal hygiene

2. Dressing and grooming

3. Non-clinical continence support

The change has been welcomed across the aged care sector, recognising personal care as an essential service that supports the dignity, wellbeing and independence of older Australians living at home.

By removing additional costs for these services, the reform aims to make it easier for older Australians to continue accessing the support they need without added financial pressure on themselves, their families or carers.

As the changes will apply from 1 October 2026, services delivered before this date will not be affected.

What does this mean for existing and new participants?

Starting 1 October 2026, personal support services such as showering and hygiene assistance will be delivered to participants under the Support at Home program without additional charges. Until October 2026, current arrangements remain in place.

We will continue communicating directly with Respect Home Care clients and families should any updates affect individual care plans before the transition date.

We understand aged care reforms can sometimes feel confusing or overwhelming, particularly when changes to funding and services are involved. Our team is committed to helping clients and families understand what the reforms mean in simple, practical terms and supporting them through the transition.

Respect’s commitment to dignity in care

At Respect, we believe dignity in care is non-negotiable.

Access to essential personal care support should never become a financial burden for older Australians or their families. We welcome the government’s decision and remain committed to helping people stay safe, supported and independent at home with the care they need.

If you have questions about how the Support at Home reforms may affect your current home care services, our team is here to help.

Call Respect Home Care on 1300 144 144 to discuss your situation or speak with our team about your Support at Home package.

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