The Support at Home Program is one of the most important upcoming reforms in Australia’s aged care system. Designed to simplify the way older Australians access in-home support, it replaces the old Home Care Package system with a more flexible, streamlined model of care.
At Sydney Rehab, we work closely with seniors, families, and Support at Home providers to ensure older adults receive professional physiotherapy and exercise physiology to help them stay strong, mobile, and independent in their own homes.
If you’re searching for accurate, easy-to-understand information about the Support at Home Program — this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program is the Australian Government’s new model for providing in-home aged care. Its aim is to make accessing services easier, faster, and more tailored to each person’s needs.
The program will support older adults who want to remain living safely and independently at home by providing government-funded services such as:
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Personal care
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Domestic assistance
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Transport
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Social support
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Home modifications
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Physiotherapy
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Exercise physiology
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Nursing and clinical care
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Assistive technology
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Ongoing reablement programs
The Support at Home Program puts greater emphasis on wellbeing, mobility, and independence, which makes allied health services like physiotherapy and exercise physiology even more important.
Why the Support at Home Program Is Being Introduced
The new system is designed to address common problems identified in the previous Home Care Package model, such as:
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Long waiting times
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Difficult navigation and confusing package levels
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High admin and provider fees
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Limited flexibility in how funds could be used
The Support at Home Program aims to make care simpler, fairer, and more responsive, ensuring older Australians receive services sooner and in a way that fits their individual goals.
How the Support at Home Program Works
Instead of fixed package levels, the new system offers a more streamlined and flexible funding approach. Once assessed through My Aged Care, seniors can access a range of services based on their needs, including:
1. Restorative and Reablement Support
Focused on rebuilding mobility, strength, and confidence so seniors can continue living independently.
2. Ongoing Support Services
Daily living assistance such as cleaning, personal care, meal prep, and home safety support.
3. Clinical and Allied Health Services
Government-funded access to physiotherapy, exercise physiology, nursing, continence support, and more.
4. Short-Term or Transitional Support
This includes recovery assistance after surgery or injury.
The process is designed to be quicker, more flexible, and more streamlined for families and providers.
Why Mobility Support Is Essential in the Support at Home Program
A major focus of the Support at Home Program is keeping older Australians active, mobile, and independent for longer — something strongly backed by scientific evidence.
At Sydney Rehab, our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists help seniors:
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Improve balance and prevent falls
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Manage chronic pain
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Build strength and confidence
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Recover after illness or hospitalisation
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Maintain independence with walking, transfers, and daily tasks
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Reduce the risk of hospital admissions
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Stay active and socially connected
These outcomes align directly with the goals of the Support at Home Program.
The Role of Physiotherapy in the Support at Home Program
Physiotherapy is a core service eligible under the Support at Home Program. Our physiotherapists assist with:
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Comprehensive mobility and fall-risk assessments
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Pain management plans
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Strength and balance training
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Home safety recommendations
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Assistive equipment prescriptions and education
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Reablement-focused therapies
We provide documentation, treatment notes, and reports to Support at Home providers to ensure clear communication and seamless coordination.
The Role of Exercise Physiology in Supporting Older Adults
Exercise physiology focuses on long-term, safe exercise programming for seniors. Our AEPs assist with:
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Tailored exercise plans for ageing bodies
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Strength training to maintain independence
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Aerobic fitness for heart and lung health
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Chronic disease management (arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis)
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Balance and fall prevention exercise programs
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Mobility training for everyday function
This helps seniors stay at home longer, maintain quality of life, and reduce the need for residential aged care.
Benefits of the Support at Home Program for Seniors
The Support at Home Program provides several advantages, including:
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Improved access to essential services
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More streamlined funding
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Greater flexibility in choosing care
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Faster allocation of services
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Better alignment with individual goals
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Clearer focus on independence, mobility, and wellbeing
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Stronger integration of allied health services
Most importantly, it supports the desire of many older Australians to age at home rather than enter residential care.
How Sydney Rehab Supports People Using the Support at Home Program
Sydney Rehab has extensive experience working within government-funded home support systems. We provide:
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Physiotherapy
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Exercise physiology
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Mobility assessments
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Falls-risk reports
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Strength and balance programs
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Pain management
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Ongoing communication with coordinators and providers
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Detailed reporting to meet all program requirements
Our team understands the administrative, clinical, and communication standards required when working with Support at Home providers.
Who Is Eligible for the Support at Home Program?
Eligibility is assessed through My Aged Care, and generally includes:
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Older Australians who need assistance to remain living at home
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People needing reablement or rehabilitation
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Individuals with chronic conditions affecting mobility, balance, or strength
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Seniors who need help with daily activities or safety
An assessor will determine what support is appropriate and what services can be funded.
How to Access the Support at Home Program
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Contact My Aged Care for an assessment
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Complete an in-person assessment (ACAT/ACAS)
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Receive your approval for in-home support
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Choose a provider
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Begin receiving physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other services
Sydney Rehab can work alongside any provider in Australia.
Need Support Through the Support at Home Program? We Can Help
If you or a loved one is eligible for the Support at Home Program and needs physiotherapy or exercise physiology, Sydney Rehab is here to support you.
We help seniors stay mobile, strong, and independent — in the comfort of their own homes.
Contact Sydney Rehab today to learn how our team can support you through the Support at Home Program.