Navigating the New Support at Home Changes to Personal Care Funding

At BallyCara, we are committed to keeping our community informed about changes that impact your health, independence, and peace of mind.

Recently, the Australian Government announced a significant update to the Support at Home program that will benefit many of our clients and their families.

From 1st October 2026, the Government will fully fund personal care services for eligible Support at Home participants. This means that if you have personal care included in your support plan, you will be able to receive these essential services at no out-of-pocket cost.

What Does 'Personal Care' Include?

Personal care is about more than just assistance; it is about maintaining your dignity and comfort within your own home. Under this change to the funding model, personal care tasks are being moved from the 'independence' category to the 'clinical supports' category.

This change recognises that these services are essential to your health and wellbeing. Personal care services typically include help with:

• Showering and bathing
• Dressing and grooming
• Non-clinical continence management

By removing out-of-pocket costs for these tasks (co-contributions), the amendment aims to ensure that everyone can maintain their personal hygiene and health without financial strain.

Why Is This Change Happening?

This shift to full funding is part of a broader commitment by the Government to make aged care more accessible and high-quality for older Australians. Moving personal care into the clinical supports category acknowledges that these are not 'optional extras' but vital requirements for living well at home.

For many, this change will ease the financial pressure on daily living, allowing you to focus your Support at Home funding on other areas that enhance your quality of life, such as social support, transport, or modifications to your living space.

What Do You Need to Do?

The most important thing to know is that you do not need to do anything right now. These changes are scheduled to take effect on 1st October 2026. Until that date, current funding and contribution arrangements remain in place. The new rules will not apply to any services delivered before the October start date.

As we move closer to the transition the Department of Health & Aged Care will provide more detailed guidance for both providers and participants. At BallyCara, we are closely monitoring these updates and will be ready to help you navigate your support plan to ensure you are receiving the full benefits you are entitled to.

Our Commitment to You

As your partner in care, BallyCara is here to ensure these transitions are as smooth as possible. We believe that everyone deserves to live with dignity and receive the support they need to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

If you have questions about how this change to the Support at Home program might affect your services or your future planning, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to support you every step of the way.