Major changes are coming to aged care in Australia from July 1, 2025. The federal government’s Home Care Packages (HCP) program, which currently helps hundreds of thousands of older Australians live independently at home, will be replaced by a new system, Support at Home.

The transition will streamline the delivery of care and make access to services easier. But for many Greek elders and families, the full details remain unclear—and that uncertainty is causing concern. Faye Spiteri OAM, CEO of Fronditha Care, said the organisation is taking active steps to prepare the Greek Australian community for the shift.

“We understand that announcements to date have caused concern to some elders and their families,” she said.

“Fronditha Care is ready to implement Support at Home, having invested in IT systems, recruitment, and workforce training. Importantly, we’ve communicated with all our clients and launched bilingual information sessions to ensure everyone stays informed.”

So, what’s changing?

At the centre of the new program is a single assessment process, managed by Services Australia. This new approach is intended to speed up access to care and reduce complexity. Once assessed, individuals will receive the outcome and can then choose their preferred provider.

The key changes:

– No reassessments for current clients: If you already receive care through HCP, you don’t need to reapply.

– Separate funding categories for clinical services, assistive technology, and home modifications.

– Quarterly budgets, with unused funds rolled over (up to $1,000 or 10%, whichever is greater).

– Capped care management fees at 10% of the allocated funding.

– Existing credit balances will carry over into the new system.

More funding levels

The current four-tier package structure will be expanded to eight levels under Support at Home, allowing more personalised care options, especially for those with higher needs.

Fronditha Care urges individuals to speak with their service provider or Services Australia to understand any changes to their care plans, and whether out-of-pocket contributions will apply.

Cost contributions

From September 13, 2024, anyone newly approved for care will be assessed under the new criteria, which will take income and assets into account. Services Australia will determine if and how much a person must contribute, under three categories:

Clinical services (e.g., physiotherapy): No contribution required

Independence services (e.g., personal care, meals): Moderate contribution

Daily living services (e.g., cleaning, gardening): Higher contribution

Where to get help

Fronditha Care has launched a public information campaign, with bilingual sessions and a dedicated team ready to assist.

“Our priority is a smooth transition for our clients and their families,” said Spiteri.

“We want to ensure no one is left behind.”

As the aged care system evolves, one thing remains clear: staying informed and connected with trusted providers will make all the difference.

To speak with Fronditha Care, call (03) 9552 4100.

You can also visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care website for broader updates.