From 1 October 2026, people receiving personal care through Support at Home will no longer have to pay part of the cost themselves.

This is because personal care tasks such as showering, dressing and personal hygiene now fall under the category of ‘Clinical Supports,’ which does not require a co-payment.

If you already receive personal care through Uniting AgeWell, you do not need to do anything.This means you will no longer have to pay part of the cost of the personal care you receive through Support at Home.

Your Care Advisor will contact you if your care arrangements need to be updated.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is an Australian Government-funded aged care program for older people who need support to continue living at home.

Those who need support are assessed through MyAged Care. those eligible for Support at Home will then gain access to different types of care and support based on a their assessed needs.

The support you receive will depend on your individual needs and care arrangements.

There are many types of support available, from help with tasks like shopping or cleaning, to specialist nursing care or physiotherapy.

Find out more about Support at Home

What is personal care?

Personal care is just one type of help available through Support at Home.

It helps a person with essential everyday tasks that they might not be able to do alone to look after themselves. This can include:

What is changing from 1 October 2026?

From 1 October 2026, personal care will be included in the Clinical Supports funding category under Support at Home.

This means people receiving personal care will no longer need to make a co-contribution towards these services.

If you receive personal care through Support at Home, you will no longer have to pay part of the cost yourself from this date.

Already receiving personal care?

You do not need to do anything right now.

If your care plan, budget or service agreement needs to be updated, your Care Advisor will contact you before the change takes effect.

Uniting AgeWell will speak with you about any changes before they are made.

Interested in receiving personal care?

If you do not currently receive personal care but think help with tasks such as showering or dressing could support you at home, speak with your Care Advisor.

Your Care Advisor can discuss your needs, your current care arrangements and the support that may be available to you.

If you do not have a Care Advisor, call Uniting AgeWell on 1300 783 435.

Could other support be available?

When reviewing your care plan, your Care Advisor can discuss whether other services or supports may be available to help you stay healthy, independent and connected to your community.

Frequently asked questions

Is personal care the same as Support at Home?

No. Support at Home is the broader aged care program. Personal care is one type of help that may be provided through the program.

What does personal care include?

Personal care is help with everyday tasks such as showering, dressing and personal hygiene. The support provided will depend on your individual needs and care arrangements.

Who can receive personal care?

Personal care may be suitable if you need help with everyday tasks such as showering, dressing or personal hygiene. Access will depend on your assessed needs and care arrangements.

What is changing on 1 October 2026?

Personal care will be included in the Clinical Supports funding category under Support at Home. People receiving personal care will no longer need to pay a co-contribution towards these services. In everyday language, this means you will no longer have to pay part of the cost yourself.

Will I have to pay more?

No. From 1 October 2026, you will no longer pay a co-contribution for your personal care services.

Do I need to do anything?

No. You do not need to do anything right now. Your Care Advisor will contact you if your care plan, budget or service agreement needs to be updated.

Will my personal care services change?

Your care needs remain our priority. We will speak with you about any changes to your care plan or budget before they are made.

Can I receive more services?

Possibly. When reviewing your care plan, your Care Advisor can discuss whether other services or supports may be available based on your needs and care arrangements.

What if I do not currently receive personal care?

Speak with your Care Advisor if you think personal care could help you. Your Care Advisor can discuss your needs and the options that may be available. If you do not have a Care Advisor, call Uniting AgeWell on 1300 783 435.

Who can I contact with questions?

Contact your Care Advisor or call Uniting AgeWell on 1300 783 435.

Find out more about care and support at home

Learn about the services available through Support at Home and how Uniting AgeWell can support you to continue living independently at home.

Explore Support at Home or call 1300 783 435