Someone hearing about "the new aged care changes" isn't sure what's real and what's rumour. One friend says Home Care Packages were scrapped; another says nothing changed. They want a calm summary of where things stand in 2026.
This example is illustrative. Program rules are set by the Australian Government and continue to evolve.
Home Care Packages became Support at Home
Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages program on 1 November 2025. The support didn't disappear; the program was renamed and reshaped. Our Home Care Package to Support at Home guide covers the shift in detail.
What it means for older Australians
The goal in 2026 is unchanged: funded help to keep living at home. Support at Home uses funding classifications and quarterly budgets, and still lets you self-manage. New to it? Start with am I eligible and how to apply.
Rules keep evolving and details are refined over time. For the current, authoritative position, check My Aged Care and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Treat it as orientation, not the last word.
What it means for providers
The transition brought new requirements around registration, the strengthened Quality Standards and how services are delivered and claimed. Many smaller providers meet these through partnership rather than registration: see the strengthened Quality Standards for local partners and how partner onboarding works.
Staying current
The program is still bedding in. If you'd like help understanding what 2026 means for your situation, a quick conversation is the fastest way to get clear.