The former Home Care Packages program was replaced by the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, and funded in-home care in Australia now falls under Support at Home.
Accessing funded support to remain in your own home can make daily life safer and more comfortable. Many people, however, only use one or two services and may not access the full range available. This guide explains what your funding can cover, how to make the most of it, and how the right support can help you stay at home with confidence. Whether you are new to the Support at Home Program or have held a package for years, there is likely more available to you than you realise.
What the Funding Can Be Used For
Your funding is designed to help you live safely and comfortably at home across a wide range of services. It goes beyond cleaning and occasional transport support. Examples include:
- Personal care assistance – help with bathing, dressing and grooming
- Nursing and clinical care
- Meal preparation and support with nutrition
- Medication management and reminders
- Mobility assistance and gentle exercise
- Light domestic work and home upkeep
- Transport support to appointments and social activities
- Social support and companionship
- Home modifications and assistive equipment linked to your assessed care needs
Funded services must relate to your assessed care needs. They support safety, independence and wellbeing; they do not cover general living costs.
Common Questions About the Funding
- Can I buy a fridge with the funds? Generally no. Everyday household appliances and general expenses such as groceries, rent, mortgage repayments and entertainment are not covered.
- What can I spend it on? Items and services that directly relate to your assessed care needs. For example, a shower chair, grab rails or personal care assistance are typically eligible; a new television or a holiday is not.
- Does this specific item relate to my care needs? This is the test behind every spending decision. If the answer is yes, it is likely to be covered. If you are unsure, ask before you buy.
- Are there any fees attached to this service? Under Support at Home, providers cannot charge a separate administration fee on top of the service price. Since 1 July 2026, service prices include associated administration costs, and price caps apply.
What Home at Heart Delivers
We shape support around individual needs rather than a fixed checklist. Everyone’s situation is different, so care is tailored to each person.
Our services include:
- Personal care assistance – respectful support with bathing, dressing and grooming, at your pace.
- Companionship – a friendly presence for conversation, a walk or shared activities.
- Medication management – organising doses, timely reminders and monitoring for side effects.
- Meal preparation – fresh, balanced meals aligned with your health needs and preferences.
- Mobility assistance – steady support with walking, transfers and safety.
- Light domestic work – keeping the home clean, tidy and free of hazards.
- Transport support – reliable assistance to appointments, shopping and social outings.
The thinking behind good Aged Care for Baby Boomers is that people maintain independence while receiving support where it is needed. Our caregivers are trained professionals and attentive care partners who build genuine connections and notice changes.
How to Get the Most Value From Your FundingWith some planning, you can make the most of your funding:
- Begin with what is most challenging day-to-day, then build from there.
- Review your care plan regularly, as needs may change over time.
- Ask your provider to explain all fees clearly.
- Consider coordinating services with one provider so the same team understands your full situation.
- Add services gradually as you identify what helps.
A good aged care provider will typically guide you through these steps, taking time to understand your circumstances and suggest practical support that improves daily life.
Where to Find Funding and Support
If you are asking what government resources are available for funding or support for aged care in Wagga Wagga, the starting point is My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au. This is where you request an assessment, which determines your eligibility and funding level. Services Australia manages the income and assets assessment that sets your contribution. The free Financial Information Service, available through Centrelink’s Older Australians line on 132 300, can explain how your finances may affect both your pension and care costs. Local providers like us can also point you towards the right services and help you understand the steps involved.
Summary
The Support at Home Program can help older Australians pay for a wide range of services that support safety, independence and wellbeing at home, including personal care, nursing, meals, transport, companionship and home modifications. Understanding what is covered and planning your services around your individual needs can help you get the most value from your funding. Home at Heart provides personalised, flexible support designed to help people remain independent in their own homes.
How Home at Heart Works With You
Getting started is straightforward. Speak with our team for an initial conversation; we arrange a home visit to understand your situation, and we develop a personalised care plan based on your needs. You can meet potential caregivers to find the right match. Services then begin, with the flexibility to adjust as things change.
What sets us apart:
- Local caregivers who understand the community and build genuine connections.
- Fully certified staff with ongoing professional development.
- Flexible care that grows or reduces with your circumstances, with no rigid contracts.
- Consistent caregivers, so relationships are built on trust and familiarity.
As one of the aged care service providers working across Wagga Wagga, Griffith and the surrounding region, we focus on supporting independence. Our approach to aged care for baby boomers is simple: help older Australians stay in the home they love, for as long as possible, with their dignity intact.
Contact the Home at Heart team on 1300 923 934 or visit homeatheart.com.au to talk through your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What services can I access through my funding?
Funded support commonly includes personal care assistance, companionship, medication assistance, meal preparation, mobility assistance, light domestic work and transport support. Services can be combined based on your individual needs, and your care plan can change as those needs change.
Q: How do I know which services I need?
Start with what is most difficult right now. Difficulty showering may point to personal care assistance. Feeling isolated may point to companionship. Confusion about medication may point to medication management. A care coordinator helps identify your needs during the assessment, and many people begin with one or two services and add more over time.
Q: Can I choose my caregiver?
Yes. You can meet a few options before deciding, and preferences such as gender, shared interests, and personality can be considered. If the first match does not feel right after a few visits, you can request someone different. The relationship should work for you.
Q: Do you offer short-term or overnight care?
Yes. Short-term care is available for recovery after surgery, to give a family carer a break, or during times of uncertainty about long-term needs. Overnight and round-the-clock care are also available for those who need supervision or have complex needs and wish to remain at home rather than move into residential care.
For more information about how Home at Heart can support your care needs, please contact our team.