The aged care system in Australia is evolving, with the Home Care Packages (HCP) program set to be replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 July 2025. As we prepare for this significant transformation, one of the most noticeable updates is the shift in terminology and wording to allow the new Support at Home terms to be represented accurately. These changes reflect a deeper structural reform designed to improve transparency, standardisation, and client-focused care.
If you’re wondering what this means for you or your loved ones, here’s a clear breakdown of the key Support at Home terminology and how it differs from what we’ve known under the current Home Care Package system.
Note that in some instances, Trilogy Care has used alternative terminology to the government, as we prefer to use terms that most accurately represent the services we offer and the people we engage.
Home Care Packages vs Support at Home: Key terminology shifts
Here’s a side-by-side look at the most important changes in aged care terms:
| Home Care Packages (Old term) | Support at Home (New term) | What’s changed? |
|---|---|---|
| Care recipient | Client | Trilogy Care customers were previously known as care recipients, but will now be referred to as clients |
| Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) | Aged Care Assessment / Single Assessment System (SAS) | A new assessment system has been created, designed to work more efficiently |
| Daily Subsidy | Quarterly Budget | Funding now arrives quarterly instead of daily |
| Inclusions and exclusions | Service list and AT-HM List | The categories of items have been updated into defined lists of services, assistive technology and home modification items. |
| Restorative Care Pathway | Short-term restorative care | A new pathway for providing intensive allied health services |
| Funding Levels 1–4 | Classification Levels 1-8 with 3 short-term classifications | Includes 8 new Support at Home tiers with 3 short-term classifications |
| Flexible Services | Services fall into 3 categories: Clinical, Independence, and Everyday Living | All services now fall under a defined category |
| Means assessment | Income and assets assessment | An assessment of a client’s income and assets to determine the client contribution rate. The new term reflects the new system more accurately. |
| Income Tested Care Fee, ITF | Client Contribution | This change is made to reflect what the fee represents more accurately |
| Home Care agreement | Client agreement | This change has been made to reflect the new system rather than the Home Care Package system |
| New term | Transitional client | A collective term for Hybrid and Grandfathered clients – those who were previously on the Home Care Package program |
| New term | Hybrid client | Refers to Home Care Package recipients who were approved for a Home Care Package between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025 (inclusive). Â |
| New term | Grandfathered client | Refers to Home Care Package recipients who, on 12 September 2024, were receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package. Â |
| New term | New client | Clients that are new to the Support at Home program and never received Home Care Package services. |
What do these aged care changes mean for you?
Whether you’re a grandfathered client, hybrid client, or new client, the aged care changes under Support at Home will impact the way your services are planned and funded.
- More predictable funding: Quarterly budgets replace the daily subsidy model
- Greater transparency: Fees and services are more clearly defined and categorised
- Access to dedicated funding pools: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications have separate funding allocations and rules
- Stronger planning tools: The role of your Care Partner is designed to support you holistically—not just administratively
Why are these terminology changes important?
The new Support at Home terminology isn’t just for show—it demonstrates a change in how aged care is delivered and managed. The language used now reflects a more structured, transparent, and accountable system that empowers older Australians to remain independent in the home they love for longer.
Whether you’re currently receiving services or newly entering aged care, understanding the new wording and terminology will help you navigate the system with confidence.
Stay informed with Trilogy Care
At Trilogy Care, we’re here to guide you through every step of the transition to the Support at Home program. Our team is committed to helping you understand what these aged care changes mean and ensuring your care remains aligned with your evolving needs.
Have questions? Contact us today on 1300 459 190 to discuss how the Support at Home changes may affect you.
