Brightenity and the New Support at Home Program
Australia’s aged care system is changing and from 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home Program will begin.
This national reform is designed to simplify home care and make it easier for older Australians to receive the right support, in the comfort of their own homes.
Support at Home will replace the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Program, creating one coordinated system that adapts to each person’s needs.
There will be eight levels of ongoing support, as well as short-term programs to provide extra help when it’s needed most.
At Brightenity, we’re here to guide you through these changes.
Types of Service
Under the Support at Home Program, you’ll be able to access a wide range of services grouped into three main areas:
- Clinical Support – Nursing, allied health and therapy, nutrition, care planning and coordination, and restorative care support.
- Independence Support – Personal care, social and community engagement, and therapies that help you stay active and self-reliant.
- Everyday Living Support – Domestic help, home maintenance and repairs, and meal preparation to make daily life easier and more comfortable.
Short-Term Programs
Support at Home also includes flexible options for people who need temporary or specialised care:
Restorative Care Pathway: A short-term program (up to 16 weeks, based on assessment) focused on helping you regain strength through allied health and therapy.
End-of-Life Pathway: Provides additional in-home care and support during the final stages of life, with up to $25,000 in funding available over a 16-week period.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications: Access to aids, equipment, and home modifications without using your individual care budget, helping your home stay safe and accessible.
Levels of Support
The program introduces eight classification levels, replacing the previous four-level system, with budgets allocated quarterly:
Level
Approx. Quarterly Budget
Approx. Annual Budget
1
~$2,750
~$11,000
2
~$4,000
~$16,000
3
~$5,500
~$22,000
4
~$7,000
~$30,000
5
~$10,000
~$40,000
6
~$12,0 00
~$48,000
7
~$14,500
~$58,000
8
~$19,500
~$78,000
These budgets include care management and may be reviewed or adjusted over time to match individual needs. Unspent funds, up to $1,000 or 10% of the budget, can roll over to the next quarter, providing flexibility.
Contributions and Costs
The Support at Home Program continues to focus government funding on essential care that helps older Australians stay well and remain at home.
Participants may be asked to make a personal contribution towards some services, depending on their income, assets, and pension status (for example, full pensioner, part-pensioner, or self-funded retiree).
At Brightenity, we’ll always be transparent about costs and help you understand what’s covered, so you can make confident decisions about your care and budget.