UnitingCare websites
Aged care reform: Support at home
From 1 November 2025, aged care in Australia is evolving. The new Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages, offering a more flexible and personalised way to help you live well at home. Designed to be easier to access and navigate, these changes aim to improve the quality of care for older Australians. Whether you're already receiving support or exploring your options, you're in good hands with BlueCare – we're here to guide you every step of the way.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is designed to help you stay independent and live safely in your own home. From 1 November 2025, if you're on a Home Care Package, you'll automatically transition to this new program.
The services you can access are grouped into 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.
These services are tailored to your needs, giving you the support to live life your way at home. Further information and guidance is available in the Support at Home Program: A guide for older people in Australia, Families and carers.
Support at home servicesWhat these changes mean for you
-
New clients entering aged care
If you are new to aged care after 1 July 2025, you'll be supported through the Single Assessment System, a simpler, more consistent way to access government-funded aged care.
Once assessed you will be assigned a funding level and personalised care plan. Care services will be grouped into 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.
-
Existing clients currently receiving care
If you're currently receiving a Home Care Package with BlueCare, you will transition to the new Support at Home program on 1 July 2025. While some things will change, many of the services and supports you rely on will stay the same. We're here to guide you through every step.
What stays the same
- You will continue to receive the same services from your local BlueCare team.
- Your current funding level will carry over.
- Any unspent Home Care Package funds will roll into your new Support at Home budget.
What will change
- There will be some updates to how your care is managed.
- Your annual budget will be divided into quarterly allocations.
- You will be asked to sign a new Support at Home Service Agreement.
- Pricing and fees will be updated to reflect the new funding model.
- Some clients may see changes to their out-of-pocket contributions (this depends on your individual circumstances).
Grandfathered and non-grandfathered clients
The Australian Government will be sending letters to all home care package clients about your funding and contribution arrangements under Support at Home. Which letter you receive is dependent on when your Home Care Package (HCP) was approved:
- Before 12 September 2024
- Between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025
-
Home Care Package (HCP) approved before 12 September 2024
If you were approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024 you will transition to Support at home as a grandfathered client.
Read the letter from Department of Health and Aged Care -
Home Care Package (HCP) approved between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025
If you were approved for a Home Cage Package between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025 you will transition to Support at home as a non-grandfathered client.
Read the letter from the Department of Health and Aged Care
How we will support our valued clients
We understand that with any big changes, it’s natural to have questions - especially as the final details are confirmed and the changes draw near.
Our focus is on making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can continue to live life your way.
Here’s how we’re supporting you:
- We’re staying on top of the latest information from the government to keep you informed with clear, timely updates.
- Our team will be ready to explain in person what the changes mean for you in simple, easy-to-understand language when we meet with you to discuss your plan.
- We’re advocating for a well-managed rollout that keeps your wellbeing at the centre of everything.
Coming soon
To guide you through the transition, your BlueCare Neighourhood will hold information sessions in June and July. We encourage you to attend and ask questions and provide feedback - it helps us improve the way we care. Speak to your local team for more details.
Single (Private room)
ensuite
$116.00 * per day or $520,000 lump sum
Combination example:
$58.00 per day and $260,000 lump sum combination (based on 50/50 contribution).
Located within BlueCare Toowoomba Aged Care Facility, this room is 18.00 m2 and is of high quality and is in excellent condition.
*Excludes Signature Services package
- Balcony
- Heating
- Nurse Call
No Vacancies
Single (Private room)
ensuite
$116.00 * per day or $520,000 lump sum
Combination example:
$58.00 per day and $260,000 lump sum combination (based on 50/50 contribution).
Located within BlueCare Toowoomba Aged Care Facility, this room is 18.00 m2 and is of high quality and is in excellent condition.
*Excludes Signature Services package
- Balcony
- Heating
- Nurse Call
No Vacancies
Single Deluxe (Private room)
ensuite
$133.00 * per day or $595,000 lump sum
Combination example:
$66.00 per day and $297,500 lump sum combination (based on 50/50 contribution).
Located within BlueCare Toowoomba Aged Care Facility, this room is 18.00 m2 and is of deluxe quality and is in excellent condition.
*Excludes Signature Services package
- Balcony
- Heating
- Nurse Call
No Vacancies
Experience
Trusted for generations, we've provided dedicated in-home care, aged care and retirement living since 1953.
Personalised care
We'll work with you to design and deliver the support you need, building a relationship to make the everyday easier.
People
Our big-hearted team are in communities across Queensland, so you can access a broad range of services in more locations.
Service
Proudly not for profit, our expertise and insight enable the highest quality of care to empower you to live life your way.