The upcoming Support at Home program is set to reshape aged care for older Australians—especially those living in regional, rural, and remote communities. With a strong emphasis on equity, independence, and local service access, the new model aims to ensure that where you live doesn’t limit the care you receive.
A $600 million investment in rural aged care
In a major step forward, the Australian Government has committed $600 million to support aged care providers delivering services in rural and remote areas, as well as to people from diverse backgrounds. The funding is designed to:
- Strengthen the financial viability of providers in hard-to-reach locations
- Ensure continuity of care for older people already receiving support
- Introduce two-year thin market grants, available from 1 July 2025, to help providers continue operating in less populated areas
This initiative reflects the government’s recognition that rural aged care services require dedicated investment and flexible solutions.
What’s changing in Support at Home?
Launching on 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program replaces existing in-home care models with a more tailored, nationally consistent system. For those living in regional and rural areas, key improvements include:
- Earlier access to support like allied health, assistive technology, and home modifications
- Fairer budgets, with eight care levels matched to individual needs
- Affordable contributions, set by the government—not providers
- Simplified access, with a single, streamlined assessment process
- Dedicated funding for home modifications and equipment through the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme
For regional and rural clients, this means more consistent access to the care they need, when they need it—delivered by providers who are better supported to serve their communities.
A fairer future for regional aged care
Together, these changes mark a clear shift toward a more responsive and equitable aged care system. Older Australians living in regional and rural areas can expect:
- Improved access to high-quality, at-home support
- Greater independence to stay safely in their own homes for longer
- A system that recognises the unique challenges of delivering care outside metropolitan areas
With the Support at Home program, the future of regional aged care is more secure, more accessible, and more person-centred than ever before.
Trilogy Care is leading the Support at Home transition
At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the transition to Support at Home—working closely with our clients, their families, and local providers to make sure every older Australian receives the care they deserve, no matter where they live. From navigating funding changes to tailoring in-home supports that meet individual needs, we’re here to make the shift smooth, simple, and stress-free.
If you or someone you know is living in a regional or rural area and wants to learn more about the future of aged care, give us a call today on 1300 459 190—we’re here to help you stay independent, supported, and confident at home.
Note, the information contained in this article is subject to change as the government refines the terms of the new program.
