Support at Home Program Delayed: What It Means for Home Care Recipients and Providers

Why the Delay?

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the four-month extension follows feedback from providers and stakeholders who have called for a smoother transition. The revised date is intended to give aged care organisations the time they need to update systems, train staff, and ensure continuity of care.

While many have welcomed the delay, concerns remain that it could exacerbate existing challenges in service delivery, especially with more than 80,000 people currently on the home care waitlist.

What Will Change Under the New Program?

The Support at Home program will replace the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, introducing a more flexible, needs-based framework. Key features include:

• Increased funding for high-needs clients — from $60,000 to $78,000 annually
  
• Expanded care options, including:
  
• Nursing and allied health care
  
• Medication management
  
• Assistance with personal care (showering, dressing)
  
• Domestic support (cooking, cleaning, gardening)
  
• More rigorous means testing, ensuring financial contributions reflect personal circumstances
  
• New care classifications and personalised planning



What Happens During the Delay?

Until the new program takes effect:

• Existing Home Care Packages will continue unchanged
• Aged care organisations will focus on readiness and training
• Families and care recipients can begin exploring their future options

However, the delay also highlights the growing need for interim support, particularly for those still awaiting access to vital services. For many, this is where INS LifeGuard steps in.

How INS LifeGuard Provides Crucial Support

INS LifeGuard plays a vital role in supporting older Australians and individuals with chronic conditions. We help bridge the gap between the need for care and the arrival of formal government-funded services, offering both practical tools and human reassurance.

1. Assistive Technology That Makes a Difference

Through the upcoming Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, more Australians will gain access to critical safety tools. INS LifeGuard is ready to support that transition with smart, user-friendly solutions such as:

• Fall detection and prevention systems
• Cognitive support for those at risk of wandering
• Medication reminders and health prompts
• Vital signs monitoring with abnormal trend alerts
• Monthly telehealth reviews and health summaries
• Independence-enhancing devices for everyday safety



2. 24/7 Nurse-Led Emergency Response

Unlike traditional alarm call centres, every alert from an INS LifeGuard device connects directly to a qualified nurse who understands the user’s medical background and can provide immediate, clinically informed support.



Whether it’s a fall, a sudden illness, or a silent alarm, we act fast even if the user cannot respond.

3. Ongoing Reassurance

Our services are designed to meet users not just physically, but emotionally, offering comfort, connection, and peace of mind for those navigating uncertainty, illness, or isolation.



Whether you’re waiting for a Support at Home package or already receiving care, INS LifeGuard complements formal systems with non-intrusive, always-on protection.

Looking Ahead

Despite short-term frustrations, the Support at Home program promises to bring lasting improvements to aged care delivery in Australia. It aims to keep people healthy, safe, and supported in their own homes for longer.



As we approach the revised rollout, INS LifeGuard remains committed to providing a compassionate, professional, and technology-driven safety net, especially for those who can’t afford to wait.

Stay connected. Stay protected. Stay confident — with INS LifeGuard.