5 key questions for home care providers to consider on Support at Home

By Taran Minhas, Senior Consultant

The new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home Program are set to commence in July 2025, and perhaps this Christmas break offers a unique opportunity for Home Care providers to get ahead. By proactively preparing now, you can position your business for success in the new year and beyond. 

Here are five questions to consider during the holidays to ensure you’re ready for the changes ahead: 

1. What do we know about the Support at Home Program, and how will it impact our services? 
Given the magnitude of change coming up, understanding the components of the Support at Home Program is crucial for aligning your services with future requirements.

Actions:

• Stay informed: Review the latest information released by the Department of Health and Aged Care about the Support at Home Program. If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of information, you might want to start with one of our blogs on What we know about Support at Home so far. 
• Identify changes: Note some of the key elements such as the new assessment and classification tools, funding changes, and the emphasis on reablement and wellness. 
• Strategic alignment: Begin adjusting your service offerings to align with the new program’s focus on personalised, flexible care that promotes independence and quality of life.

2. How prepared are we for the transition to the new funding and assessment models?
The new program will introduce a different funding approach. Preparing for these changes is essential to maintain financial sustainability and compliance. 

Actions:

• Financial analysis: Assess how the shift from block funding and package levels to individualised budgets will affect your revenue streams. 
• Budget planning: Develop financial models to forecast potential impacts and identify areas where cost efficiencies can be achieved. 
• Training on assessment tools: Familiarise your team with the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) and how it influences funding and service delivery. 

3. Is our workforce equipped for the new program’s requirements?
The Support at Home Program emphasises reablement, wellness, and person-centred care to a degree that we have never seen before, which naturally may require new skills and approaches from your staff. Ensuring your workforce is prepared will facilitate a smoother transition and enhance care quality. 

Actions:

• Skills assessment: Evaluate your team’s current competencies against the new program’s and Strengthened Quality Standards requirements, identifying any skill gaps. 
• Professional development: Invest in training programs focused on reablement techniques, wellness approaches, and the use of new assessment tools. 
• Change management: Implement strategies to support staff through the transition, including clear communication, support systems, and opportunities for feedback. 

4. How can technology support our transition and improve client outcomes? 
Technology will play a crucial role in the new program, from managing individualised budgets to meeting reporting requirements and enhancing client engagement. Leveraging the right technology can improve efficiency and service quality.

Actions:

• Evaluate current systems: Assess whether your existing technology infrastructure can support functions like electronic and automated care planning, client management, and compliance reporting. 
• Explore new solutions: Research platforms that align with the Support at Home Program’s needs, such as digital care management and compliance systems and client portals. 
• Implementation plan: Develop a roadmap for adopting new technologies, including timelines, budgets, and staff training to ensure seamless integration and adoption. 

5. How will we communicate changes to our clients and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition? 
Your clients and stakeholders may have concerns or questions about how the new program will affect them. The Department is already starting to communicate with them, so transparent and proactive communication from providers is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring a positive experience during the transition. 

Actions:

• Develop a communication strategy: Create clear messaging about what the Support at Home Program means for your clients, including any changes to services, funding, or care plans. 
• Engage clients and families: Provide forums for clients and their families to ask questions, offer feedback, and express concerns. 
• Collaborate with stakeholders: Work closely with partners, referral sources, and community organisations to coordinate efforts and share best practices for implementing the new program.

While it’s important to rest and recharge over the Christmas break, taking time to reflect on these critical questions could set your business on the path to success in 2025. By understanding what we know about the Support at Home Program so far and proactively preparing for its implementation, providers could be better positioned to navigate the changes, ensure sustainability and efficiency in funding, avoid compliance issues, and provide high-quality, person-centred care to your clients. 

At Mirus Australia, we’re dedicated to supporting all aged care providers through these significant transitions. If you’d like to discuss how to prepare your business to implement the reforms, please get in touch.