The Support at Home Program update represents a major reform in Australian aged care, designed to simplify and improve in-home care for older Australians. From 1 July 2025, the program will replace the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme, with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) transitioning no earlier than 1 July 2027. As providers prepare for this shift, aged care technology solutions will become essential in creating a more equitable and accessible system, helping older Australians live independently at home for longer.
However, this transformation brings significant challenges for aged care providers. Adapting to the new compliance requirements, funding structures, and service delivery models will require robust business systems and innovative technologies. Providers must streamline operations to meet these demands while maintaining high-quality care.
This article explores how digital tools and modern systems can play a pivotal role in helping aged care providers navigate the new aged care standards in 2025, ensuring compliance and enhancing service delivery.
Understanding the Support at Home Program Framework
The Support at Home Program’s key objectives include improved access to services, assistive technology, and home modifications. It focuses on early interventions and provides higher levels of care for those with complex needs. These changes will ensure older Australians receive the right support to live healthier, more active lives at home.
A significant change is the introduction of 8 new classifications for ongoing services, replacing the previous 4 Home Care Package levels. These classifications align with individual care needs and come with specific quarterly budgets.
Note: Participants can carry over up to $1,000 or 10% of their quarterly budget (whichever is greater) to the next period.
Aged Care Compliance Challenges and Technology Solutions
Australia’s new Support at Home program introduces a framework designed to improve aged care services while ensuring regulatory compliance. However, navigating these changes can be complex, especially for providers juggling multiple responsibilities. Below, we explore practical strategies and aged care technology solutions to address these challenges effectively.
Invoice-Based Payment System
The transition from lump sum funding to invoice-based payments under the Support at Home Program update requires providers to submit detailed invoices to Services Australia after delivering services. This shift demands accurate documentation, including hours or units of service delivered, to verify service delivery and ensure timely payments. Providers must adapt to daily invoicing to maintain cash flow, which can strain administrative resources without the right technology.
Implementing robust invoicing systems is essential. These systems must align with Services Australia’s requirements, enabling providers to track services, generate invoices, and manage cash flow efficiently. Technology solutions that automate invoicing and integrate with care management systems will be critical for compliance and operational efficiency.
Participant Contribution Management
The Support at Home Program update introduces a three-tiered contribution structure based on pension status: full pensioners pay the lowest rates, part pensioners pay moderate rates, and self-funded retirees pay the highest. Contributions vary by service type, with clinical support fully funded, independence services moderately funded, and everyday living services requiring higher contributions.
Providers must track contributions accurately, including the $130,000 lifetime cap for non-clinical care. This requires systems, like MYP or Care Systems, capable of calculating contributions, monitoring caps, and generating reports for participants and regulators. Technology that integrates contribution tracking with billing and care management, like ShiftCare or Person Centred Software, can streamline compliance and ensure transparency.
AT-HM Scheme Compliance
The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme operates under three funding tiers: Low (500), Medium (2,000), and High ($15,000). Providers must manage these funds within a 12-month timeframe, ensuring timely expenditure and compliance with prescription requirements. Documentation for prescriptions and wrap-around services must be meticulously maintained.
The loan-before-buy principle adds another layer of complexity, requiring providers to track loans and purchases separately. Technology solutions (specialised aged care platforms like MYP or Care Systems) that manage inventory, track expenditure, and integrate with the AT-HM Scheme will be vital for compliance and efficient service delivery.
Care Management Funding Administration
Providers must allocate and track 10% of each participant’s quarterly budget for care management. This includes planning, coordinating services, and conducting minimum check-ins. Documentation must demonstrate how care management supports participants’ goals and addresses their needs.
Additional funding is available for special participant groups, such as older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or those at risk of homelessness. Providers need systems like Person Centred Software to allocate, track, and report on these funds effectively. Technology that integrates care management with budgeting and reporting, like ShiftCare or Care Systems, will ensure compliance and improve service quality.
Reporting and Monitoring Framework
The Support at Home Program introduces new data collection and reporting obligations. Approved aged care providers must submit detailed reports on service delivery, participant outcomes, and financial management. Compliance monitoring by regulatory authorities will focus on quality indicators, such as participant satisfaction and care effectiveness.
Providers must also demonstrate eligibility for thin market grants, requiring evidence of operational challenges in rural or remote areas. Integrating reporting with existing quality standards, such as the Aged Care Quality Standards, will streamline compliance and reduce administrative burdens. Technology that automates data collection and reporting (like MYP or Person Centred Software) will be essential for meeting these requirements.
Partnering with Specialised Consultants for Support at Home Compliance
Navigating the Support at Home Program update and the New Aged Care Act can be overwhelming for aged care providers. Specialised consultants play a crucial role in simplifying this transition by providing strategic roadmaps tailored to your organisation. These roadmaps identify gaps in compliance, recommend aged care technology solutions, and outline actionable steps to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining high-quality care.
Industry specialists bring deep expertise in interpreting complex regulatory frameworks. They help providers understand the nuances of the Support at Home Program, from funding structures to reporting obligations. By managing transition milestones, consultants ensure providers stay on track, minimise disruptions, and avoid costly compliance errors.
At SAH Consulting, we are dedicated to helping aged care providers thrive under the new reforms. Our team of experts offers tailored support, from system implementation to compliance monitoring, ensuring your organisation is fully prepared for the changes ahead. Partner with us to turn compliance challenges into opportunities for growth and improved service delivery.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right technology in aged care in Australia is not just about compliance; it’s a strategic business decision. By streamlining administrative processes, improving cash flow management, and enhancing care coordination, technology can transform compliance challenges into opportunities for operational efficiency and better outcomes for older Australians.
As the aged care sector evolves, providers who embrace technology will be better positioned to deliver high-quality care while meeting regulatory demands. The Support at Home Program update is an opportunity to innovate and improve, ensuring your organisation remains competitive and compliant in this new era of aged care.
Ready to navigate the Aged Care Act with confidence? Contact SAH Consulting today to explore how our tailored solutions can help your organisation thrive under the new reforms.