This change reflects personal care being recognised as an essential part of ageing well at home, not an optional extra.
What is changing?
Support at Home Clients receiving personal care services as part of their approved package are currently required to make a contribution for the service. From 1 October, these services will be fully government funded and can be accessed without paying a contribution, as long as funds are available in their Support at Home budget.
What does personal care include?
Personal care covers the everyday things that help someone feel comfortable, clean and dignified at home, like showering and bathing, getting dressed, personal grooming, and support with continence.
Who does this apply to?
If personal care is already part of someone’s approved package and they have funding available, they will simply stop paying a contribution for it from 1 October. There is no need for a new assessment, and existing arrangements with a provider can continue as they are. The change only applies to services delivered from 1 October onwards.
For more detail on Support at Home, visit https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-at-home.
