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At Cultura, we believe that growing older shouldn’t mean giving up your independence. Our Home Care Packages are designed to provide personalised, flexible support so you can continue living safely and comfortably at home, while staying connected to your community, culture, and loved ones. Whether you need assistance with daily tasks, personal care, transport, or clinical services, Cultura ensures your care is tailored to your needs, respectful of your background, and delivered by a compassionate team.
Home care in Australia is changing. From 1 July 2025, the government will introduce the Support at Home program, replacing the current Home Care Packages system. These changes will simplify access, reduce wait times, and provide more tailored funding to meet individual needs. Cultura is actively preparing for this transition to ensure a smooth experience for all our clients and continue delivering friendly, responsive, culturally sensitive care.
How to Get a Home Care Package (Current System)
If you need ongoing support to stay independent at home, the first step is to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Their team will assess your needs and, if necessary, arrange a comprehensive assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS).
Following this assessment, you will be approved for one of four Home Care Package levels, which determine the level of funding you receive:
- Level 1 – Basic support for daily activities
- Level 2 – Low-level care needs
- Level 3 – Intermediate care needs
- Level 4 – High-level support, including complex care
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Once approved, you will be placed in the national priority queue and contacted when a package becomes available. Waiting times vary depending on individual circumstances, but Cultura can assist with interim support options while you wait.
Changes Coming in 2025: The Support at Home Program
From July 1st 2025, instead of four package levels, clients will be assessed into one of ten funding classifications, providing a more tailored level of support. Clients will also receive quarterly budgets instead of annual funding.
Funding for home modifications and assistive technology will be provided separately, so clients will no longer need to save care funds for essential equipment such as mobility aids and home safety modifications.
If you already have a Home Care Package before 30 June 2025, your funding will not be reduced, and any unspent funds will carry over into the new system. Your fees will remain the same or lower, ensuring a seamless transition with no unexpected increases.
Those who entered the home care program? after 12 September 2024 have been assessed under the new Support at Home framework.
What These Changes Mean for You
If you are already receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), on the national waiting list, or have been approved for a package before 12 September 2024, you will transition into Support at Home under a “no worse off” principle. This means:
- Your funding will stay the same, ensuring continued access to the support you need.
- Your fees will remain approximately the same, and you will continue paying the same income-tested fee (ITF) as before.
- Your unspent funds will carry over, ensuring that any remaining balance in your current package as of 30 June 2025 is available to you in the new system.
- You do not need to reapply or be reassessed immediately, as your services will transition seamlessly.
- If your needs change, you can still be reassessed for a higher funding level, and you will move into the new Support at Home classification system when additional support is required.
If you were approved for a home care package after 12 September 2024, you will enter the Support at Home system from July 1st 2025. This means:
- You will be assessed under the new funding model, with ten funding classifications instead of four package levels.
- Your care costs will be based on the type of service you receive instead of a fixed Income-Tested Fee (ITF):
- Clinical care services (e.g., nursing, physiotherapy) will be fully government-funded.
- Independence support (e.g., personal care, transport, respite) will require a moderate contribution, depending on income and assets.
- Everyday living services (e.g., cleaning, gardening) will require a higher client contribution, prioritising government funding for essential care needs.
- Assistive technology and home modifications will be separately funded, ensuring clients do not need to save their care funds for essential equipment.
Cultura’s Commitment to You
Navigating home care can feel overwhelming, especially with major changes ahead, but Cultura is here to make the process simple and stress-free. Whether you are an existing Home Care Package recipient, waiting for approval, or applying for care for the first time, our team will provide clear guidance, practical support, and personalised care planning to ensure you receive the services you need.
We are actively preparing for the transition to Support at Home, ensuring our clients continue receiving high-quality care without disruption. From assisting with paperwork to explaining funding options, Cultura is here every step of the way.
If you have questions about your current Home Care Package, upcoming changes, or new eligibility requirements, our team is ready to help.
📞 Contact Cultura today to discuss how we can support you now and in the future.
Get in touch
To find out how Cultura can help you with a home care package, contact us between Monday and Friday, 9am to 5pm, on (03) 4210 0000.
If you leave a voicemail, we will call you back that same day. Or if you find email easier, just contact us using the ‘Get in Touch’ form.
