Support at Home (SaH) is the new aged care program that is replacing the current Home Care Package (HCP) program from 1 November 2025.

It is designed to help you stay independent and live safely in your own home for longer by improving in-home care through offering more flexibility, transparency and support for older Australians.

If you have a HCP you will automatically transition to this new program.

The services you can access will be grouped into the below three categories:

• Clinical support services - including nursing and allied health
• Independence services - including personal care and transport
• Everyday living services - including cleaning, gardening and meals

The Support at Home Program introduces some improvements over the current system. These include:

• More funding - The maximum annual funding will increase to $78,000. The current maximum is $61,440.
• Pricing Transparency - No separate administration or management fees.
• Faster access - The expected wait times for funding allocation will reduce to three months by 2027.
• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications - A dedicated fund of up to $15,000 for supports such as walking aids and bathroom modifications.
• Short Term support - The current Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme will transform into the Restorative Care Pathway and increase to 12 weeks, and a new End-of Life Pathway will help older people remain at home in their final months.

A Grandfathered client is someone who, as of 12 September 2024, was:

• Receiving a Home Care Package
• On the National Priority System waiting list, or
• Assessed as eligible for a Home Care Package

Under the Support at Home reform these clients will be "no worse off". If you are a Grandfathered client what this means for you is:

• You'll pay the same or less than you would hvae under the current Home Care Package system
• If you are a full-rate pensioner who pays no fees now, you will not pay fees under Support at Home
• If you are currently contributing fees, the rate may change, but you will not pay more than you currently do
• If you are later reassessed, your contribution may be adjusted based on your services, but only if it results in a fair outcome

A Hybrid client is someone who was approved for a Home Care Package between 13 Sepetember 2024 and 30 June 2025 (inclusive).

If you are a Hybrid client this means that:

• You will move to the standard Support at Home arrangements on 1st November 2025
• Your care and contribution arrangments will follow the new Support at Home pricing and fees framework from the date of transition

An important announcement was made by the Australian Government on 4th June 2025 regarding the new Aged Care Act.

The below is a copy of the letter from the Hon Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.

As outlined in this letter the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home (SaH) program has been delayed and will now commence on 1st November 2025.

As an organisation, we had been actively preparing for the 1st July 2025 start and were ready to implement the changes. Although we were prepared to implement the changes by 1st July, we understand that this additional time will allow for further consultation, refinement, and a smoother transition for everyone involved.

Following the announcement, we acknowledge this will now give you extra time to better understand the changes, so you can prepare and make informed decisions. We understand that changes to aged care services can raise questions and sometimes uncertainty. Please be assured that our priority remains your wellbeing, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way as these reforms progress.

As a Home Care provider, we will continue delivering the high quality care and services you rely on. Over the coming months, we will keep you updated with any new information, and we are here to answer any questions you may have.

If you would like to discuss what this announcement means for you, or if you need support of any kind, please don't hesitate to contact your Care Partner.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your care journey.

The below update was provided as part of the Quarterly Newsletter.

Firstly, we acknowledge that there is currently a lot of information circulating about the Aged Care Reforms and the changes that are coming from 1 July 2025. We are doing our very best to work through the details and keep you up to date.

Over the past six months, many organisations, including BallyCara, have been reviewing their operations and the management of their Home Care services. This is necessary to ensure ongoing viability while continuing to provide you with the best possible services and support within the directions and guidelines provided by the Government.

A few key items we would like to share:

• In January 2025, the Government implemented Fair Work and Award increases for our Home Care staff. We have absorbed and managed these increases within our Home Care operations.

• We have recently focused on organisational improvements around scheduling and rostering. This is to ensure we are optimising our team capacity, reducing delays, and improving overall service efficiency. By better aligning our workforce with your needs, we are committed to providing consistent and responsive care, especially as we adapt to the reforms ahead.

• Preferred Method of Communication: Our preferred method of communication is via email, as it allows us to deliver important updates and information in a timely and reliable manner. Unfortunately, post can often be delayed and is not always dependable. If you require assistance with setting up or using email, please reach out to your BallyCara Contact for support. Additionally, if your email address has changed, please let us know so we can update our records and ensure you continue to receive timely communication.

These upcoming changes are specific to Home Care Package (HCP) Clients. If you receive services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), you are not affected by these changes.

• As part of the ongoing Aged Care Reform, changes to fees and service agreements for current HCP Clients are expected from 1 July 2025. The government is still finalising the aged care legislation, and once it is confirmed, your Care Partner will be in touch to discuss what this means for you. This will include any updates to your service agreement and fees, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the changes before they take effect.

• Statement Delivery Timeframe: Your monthly statements have consistently been distributed each month. In the coming months, you will receive an updated ‘How to Read Your Statement’ guide, which will assist with understanding a slight change in the appearance of statements effective from 1 July 2025.

We understand that these changes may bring questions, and we want to assure you that further communication regarding new agreements, aged care reforms, and fees/charges will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We appreciate your understanding and ongoing trust in BallyCara.

The below update was provided as part of the Quarterly Newsletter.

We are writing to inform you about some important upcoming changes to the way home care services are provided, as part of the Australian Government’s ongoing reforms to the aged care sector. These changes will be rolled out in 2025 and are designed to improve the quality, flexibility, and accessibility of the care and services you receive in your home.

Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short Term Restorative Care will come under the new banner of Support at Home Program, the importance of STRC has been acknowledged and is extended to 12 weeks in duration, and renamed Restorative Care. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will have minimal changes until July 2027.

Along with this change in terminology, the government has introduced seven standards that will guide the way care and services are delivered. These standards are focused on ensuring that you continue to receive the highest quality care in your home and that services are responsive to your unique preferences and needs.

The seven new standards are:
Standards 1-5 Support at Home
1.The Person: Care will continue to be person-centred, ensuring your rights, preferences, and choices are respected.

2.The Organisation: Service providers will be required to demonstrate strong governance and a commitment to ongoing improvement in service delivery.

3.The Care and Services: Services will be better aligned to your individual care needs, focusing on all aspects of your well-being.

4.The Environment: The physical and social environment of your home will be considered to ensure it supports your independence and comfort.

5.Clinical Care: Qualified professionals will continue to provide high-quality clinical care, ensuring your health needs are met safely and effectively.

6.Food and Nutrition: This standard applies to residential care.

7.The Residential Community: This standard applies to residential care.

What This Means for You

In the coming months, you will receive updates that explain how these changes will affect the care you or your loved one receives. We are committed to ensuring that everyone remains well-informed and prepared as we work towards full compliance with these new standards.

At BallyCara, significant behind-the scenes work is already underway to ensure that we are fully aligned with the updated standards. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available and encourage you to visit our website at www.ballycara.com for additional details. We understand that change can bring questions, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work together to ensure that all our clients receive the highest quality of care.

At BallyCara we believe that all older people should have voice, choice and control, be able to see support when required, and be treated with dignity and respect. This includes people receiving aged care services - in their home or in a residential aged care setting.

The Australian Government's Aged Care Bill passed Parliament on 25 November 2024. The new Aged Care Act which will come into effect on 1 July 2025, puts older people rights at the centre of their aged care experience.

The information below can be found on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care websites.

Support at Home Program

In-home aged care is being reformed to help older people live independently at home for longer.

From 1 July 2025, Support at Home will replace the existing Home Care Package Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

To learn more about what the Support at Home Program will mean for older people and in-home aged care providers, see Fact sheet: Support at Home (health.gov.au)

This fact sheet provides a summary of the Support at Home Program that will commence 1 July 2025 and the contributions participants in the program will pay.

The fact sheet provides details regarding:

• Access to services
• A new classification system
• A defined service list
• Quartely budgets
• Capped prices
• A focus on independence at home
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme
• Restorative care pathway
• End of life care
• Support for thin markets
• Flexible care management
• Participant contributions framework
• No worse off principle for existing Home Care participants

The below update was provided as part of the Quarterly Newsletter.

BallyCara would like to inform you about the recent introduction of the Aged Care Bill 2024 by the Australian Government, which is set to replace the existing Aged Care Act 1997 and other related legislations. Once passed, the new Aged Care Act will come into effect from 1 July 2025. This new legislation is designed to improve how aged care services are delivered, whether at home, in the community, or within approved residential care facilities.

Key changes include:

• Clearer rights for older people accessing care
• A single entry point with transparent eligibility requirements
• A culturally safe and fair assessment process
• Increased provider accountability and system oversight

BallyCara is closely monitoring these developments to ensure we continue providing the highest level of care and support. The new Act aims to empower oldr people, giving them greater control and autonomy in their aged care journey, which aligns with BallyCara's values of inspiring healthy and happy living.

BallyCara will continue to provide updates on these and any other changes that may affect you as more information becomes availble. Should you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to your BallyCara Contact.

For those already in Residential Care, a 'no worse off' principle will apply meaning BallyCara will ensure your existing care and financial arrangements remain the same.
There will be positive changes under the new Act:

• Protection under a new Statement of Rights.

• Benefit from the Strengthened Quality Standards.

• An Enhanced Regulatory Framework will ensure providers are held more accountable.

• The new Supporter Framework will empower Residents to formally nominate someone they trust to help make decisions about their care. This Supporter is a new role distinct from a Power of Attorney and is required to act in the Resident's best interests.

For new Residents entering care on or after 1st November the below changes will apply:

• New funding model and fee structure including the introduction of means-testing to the Hotelling Supplement & new Non-Clinical Care Contribution (NCCC), and optional Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF).

• Other accommodation reforms including maximum accommodation price changes, RAD & DAP retention, DAP indexation, and a new lifetime contribution cap.

• Income and asset taper rates will change for means-testing.

• Further mandatory reporting requirements will be introduced.

BallyCara's dedicated Residential team will outline all fees and services to you as part of your assessment and admission, though in the first instance you can use My Aged Care's Fee Estimator to help you plan for the future.

At BallyCara we believe that all older people should have voice, choice and control, be able to see support when required, and be treated with dignity and respect. This includes people receiving aged care services - in their home or in a residential aged care setting.

The Australian Government's Aged Care Bill passed Parliament on 25 November 2024. The new Aged Care Act which will come into effect on 1 July 2025, puts older people rights at the centre of their aged care experience.

The information below can be found on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care websites.

The new Act aims to improve the ways services are delivered to older people in:

• their homes
• community settings
• approved residential aged care homes

It will:

• outline the rights of older people who are seeking and accessing aged care services
• create a single-entry point, with clear eligibility requirements
• include a fair, culturally safe and single assessment framework
• support the delivery of aged care services
• establish new system oversight and accountability arrangements
• increase provider accountability through a new regulatory model
• strengthen the aged care regulator

The implementation of a new rights-based Aged Care Act is a significant change for the aged care sector. Key changes delivered by the new Act will impact everyone who accesses or delivers aged care services.

Key changes for older people

• Older people will be aware of their rights and can seek to have them upheld.
• Older people will be able to appoint a supporter who must comply with supported decision-making principles.
• There will be new eligibility criteria for an aged care needs assessment. Younger people who are not already in the aged care system will no longer be able to access aged care services.
• First Nations people or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness aged 50 to 64 years will be formally recognised as younger people needing access to aged care early due to their specific life experiences.
• Older people approved for permanent residential care will be allocated a place (not a provider).
• The Statement of Rights streamlined obligations and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will make it clear what older people can expect from providers and aged care workers.
• People accessing services under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will have the same regulatory protections as other aged care programs.

Key changes for aged care providers

• Providers will have to ensure their actions are guided by the Statement of Rights.
• Providers will have to register with the ACQSC (with transitional arrangements in place for existing providers) and have any residential care homes approved.
• Providers who deliver NATSIFAC and CHSP services will be registered under the new Act and regulated by the ACQSC.
• The new Act will provide a revised set of provider obligations including conditions on registration.
• Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards will apply to some categories of providers.
• Providers will have to comply with new financial and prudential standards.
• Providers will have to ensure their workforce meets the revised worker screening requirements.
• Providers will be subject to new statutory duties.

Key changes for aged care workers

• The Statement of Rights will include a right for individuals to have services delivered by aged care workers of registered providers who have appropriate qualifications, skills and experience.
• The Statement of Principles will say that the aged care system should support workers to:
   - be empowered to support innovation, continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality care.
   - participate in governance and accountability mechanisms.
• Workers will have increased protections through the expanded whistleblower protections.
• Workers must fulfill and comply with revised worker screening requirements.

There are several recommendations coming into effect in 2025. These reforms are part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of care and services provided to older Australians.

New Legislation, Strengthened Standards and different terminology for programs are just a few of the upcoming changes we will see.

The 2 key changes include:

• New Aged Care Act - commencing July 1, 2025
• Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (commonly referred to as the new standards) - commencing July 1, 2025

Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards

• The Aged Care Quality Standards are being updated to place a stronger focus on the rights, safety and wellbeing of older Australians.
  **Please note Standard 6 and 7 refer to Residential Care only**

Program Name Changes

• Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short Term Restorative Care will come under the new banner of Support at Home Program, the importance of STRC has been acknowledged and is extended to 12 weeks in duration, similar to the Transition Care Program.
• Please note: The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will remain unchanged until July 2027.

Changes to Reporting and Compliance

• Uniform approach to documentation is critical to ensure compliance to the new Act.

Workforce and Training Requirements

• New training and education requirements will be introduced to ensure all staff are equipped to deliver high-quality care that aligns with the updated standards.

What This Means for Staff

At the moment we are in the transition phase and continue to work under the current Act and Standards whilst we prepare and implement updated processes.

As more details become available, we will continue to provide updates and resources to support us in adapting to these changes.

You can also access the official government link for further information - https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/aged-care-act

At BallyCara we believe that all older people should have voice, choice and control, be able to see support when required, and be treated with dignity and respect. This includes people receiving aged care services - in their home or in a residential aged care setting.

The Australian Government's Aged Care Bill passed Parliament on 25 November 2024. The new Aged Care Act which will come into effect on 1 July 2025, puts older people rights at the centre of their aged care experience.

The information below can be found on the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and the Department of Health and Aged Care websites.

Key changes for aged care workers

• The Statement of Rights will include a right for individuals to have services delivered by aged care workers of registered providers who have appropriate qualifications, skills and experience.
• The Statement of Principles will say that the aged care system should support workers to:
   - be empowered to support innovation, continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality care.
   - participate in governance and accountability mechanisms.
• Workers will have increased protections through the expanded whistleblower protections.
• Workers must fulfill and comply with revised worker screening requirements.