Aged & Home Care providers and their clients throughout the country are busily preparing for the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, which becomes law on 1st November 2025.
The new Act shifts the aged care system toward a rights-based framework where older people are placed at the centre, with more decision-making power, protections, clearer eligibility, and supports. It responds to findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
The Support at Home Program is a major reform to how in-home aged care support works. Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care from 1 November 2025.
Support at Home will offer 8 ongoing levels of funding with defined service classifications. For example, new service classifications include Clinical care (e.g. nursing, therapy), Independence support (help with personal tasks) and everyday living (cleaning, meals, gardening, etc.).
Wellness & Reablement are core principles baked into the new system. They shift focus from just “doing for” older people to supporting them to do as much as they can themselves, regain or maintain function, independence and wellbeing. The aim is to keep people living in their homes longer, safely and with a better quality of life.
Avanti has been working closely with aged and home care providers to assist them in meeting this requirement.
Avanti has designed a suite of health and wellbeing programs able to be delivered within our Avanti centre or in the client’s home. The core programs are delivered in 12-week blocks to match the funding cycle, focusing on wellbeing, independence, autonomy and capacity through person-centred wellness and reablement approaches.
Every program begins and ends with comprehensive assessments to ensure that the programs are delivering results. In addition, the program can be tailored to the individual to effectively manage high-risk areas, including falls and mobility, continence and pain.
As our exercise physiologists will tell you, exercise is not just about physical fitness; it’s essential to healthy aging as it improves bone density, muscle strength and overall mobility, enabling people to lead a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Rosemary Adlington attends Avanti Mackay twice per week through funding from her Home Care Package.
"Without my twice per week sessions with my Exercise Physiologist Karina, through my home care package, I would not have the physical and mental health that I have today", Rosemary said.
“Because of these sessions, I am stronger and more confident than I have ever been. I am able to get out and about and live the life I want to - while still living independently at home. Because of Polio, my usual activities were becoming more and more difficult with ageing. This helps to keep me independent so I am able to enjoy the privilege of getting old!"
If you currently receive Home Care Package funding (or Support at Home post 1st November), then Avanti may be able to work with your provider to apply this funding and create a tailored program for you. Please don’t hesitate to ask us.
If you (or a family member) are not currently receiving support and have complex needs, then you may be eligible to receive Home Care Package funding support (Support at Home after the 1st November). Avanti will be happy to organise an obligation-free chat with one of our trusted Home Care provider partners to help you start the journey.
Including Exercise Physiology, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology