So, you’ve been approved for Support at Home funding, but are you aware what your budget can cover? Fortunately, there’s a comprehensive service list designed to help you stay independent, safe, and comfortable at home.
Here’s what is available and how it works.
What are the Support at Home Categories?
The Support at Home program organises services into three main categories. Each addresses different aspects of your well-being.
1. Clinical Support
These are specialised health services delivered by qualified professionals to help maintain or improve your physical and mental health.
What’s included?
Nursing care:
Registered Nurses (often referred to as RNs), enrolled nurses, and/or nursing assistants who can help with medication management, wound care, continence management, and help you or your family member to monitor your health (for example, if you live with a chronic disease such as diabetes, renal or heart disease).
Allied health services:
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Dietetics, Exercise Physiology, and Psychology.
Specialised support:
Social workers, counsellors, and diversional therapies such as music and art.
These services help you manage chronic conditions, recover from illness or injury, and maintain your functional abilities.
What’s not included?
Services already covered by Medicare (like GP visits), hospital costs, ambulance services, dental care, or medicine dispensing.
2. Independence Services
These support services help maintain your independence and stay connected to your community, basically – living your life the way you want to.
What’s included?
- Personal care – assistance with showering, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Respite care – giving your family carers a break, whether at home, in a day centre, or residential facility
- Transport – getting to appointments, shopping, or social activities
- Social support – help staying connected through community activities, companionship, or technological support
- Meal preparation – assistance in preparing nutritious meals at home
3. Everyday Living Services
These services focus on practical help with household tasks that keep you safe and comfortable at home.
What’s included?
- Domestic assistance – cleaning, laundry, ironing, and general tidying
- Meal delivery – prepared meals brought to your home
- Home maintenance – gardening, lawn mowing, and minor repairs. (Note: the use of funds for Home maintenance should clearly be linked to your health and safety needs and documented in your support plan).
- Shopping assistance – help with grocery shopping and errands
What’s not included?
Major renovations, new appliances, or services that benefit the whole household rather than specifically supporting you.
Read more: Everyday Living Support Services Explained
What About Assistive Technology and Home Modifications?
Important: assistive technology and home modifications are funded through a separate scheme, not your regular Support at Home budget.
This means you won’t need to save up your quarterly budget for grab rails, ramps, or mobility aids. The AT-HM scheme provides upfront access to equipment and modifications that help you stay safe and independent at home.
Common items include:
- Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs)
- Bathroom safety equipment (shower chairs, raised toilet seats)
- Home modifications (ramps, handrails, improved lighting)
- Communication devices
- Continence aids
Your provider can help you access this scheme when needed.
How To Manage Your Support at Home Budget
You’ll receive a quarterly budget based on your funding classification. Here’s what you need to know:
- You’re in control. Work with your provider to decide how to spend your budget across the services you’ve been approved to receive.
- You can save funds. If you don’t use your full quarterly budget, you can save up to $1,000 or 10% of your budget (whichever is higher) to use in future quarters.
- Prices are capped. Service providers can’t charge more than government-set price caps, giving you protection and transparency.
- Services must match your needs. You can only access services that align with your assessed needs and support plan.
Want to Learn More About Support at Home?
The service list gives you the flexibility to create a support plan that works for your life. Whether you need clinical care, help with daily tasks, or support staying connected to your community, Support at Home is designed to help you live well at home.
Talk to our friendly team of support workers and care managers. We know which services best meet your needs and how to make the most of your budget. We’re here to help you navigate the options and create a plan that brings you peace of mind.
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