Support at Home Changes from 1 October 2026: What They Mean for You

ByMatt McLean

1 October 2026 marks an important milestone in aged care, with several positive changes taking effect under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.

As the Eastern Suburbs’ most trusted provider of in-home support, St Luke’s Care welcomes these changes, which will make essential care more accessible, strengthen the aged care workforce, and provide greater transparency for older Australians and their families.

Personal Care Now Available Without Contributions

One of the most significant changes taking effect today relates to personal care services.

Personal care includes support with everyday activities such as:

  • Showering and personal hygiene
  • Dressing and grooming
  • Assistance with eating and drinking
  • Mobility and daily living support

Until now, some older Australians were required to contribute towards the cost of personal care services, depending on their financial circumstances and care arrangements.

From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services are moving into the Clinical Supports category of Support at Home.

This means that if personal care is included in your support plan and you have sufficient funding available within your Support at Home budget, you will no longer be asked to make a personal contribution towards these services.

For many older Australians, this is welcome news that removes a financial barrier to receiving vital day-to-day support and helps people remain independent in their own homes for longer.

What This Means for St Luke’s Care Clients

For existing St Luke’s Care clients receiving personal care services through Support at Home:

  • No action is required from you.
  • The change will automatically apply from 1 October 2026.
  • Previous contributions remain applicable only for services delivered before 1 October.
  • Contributions may still apply to other support services, including domestic assistance, gardening and certain lifestyle supports.

If you are unsure how these changes affect your individual circumstances, our team is here to help explain your funding and support plan.

Supporting a Stronger Nursing Workforce

Another positive change taking effect today is additional Government funding to support higher award wages for registered and enrolled nurses working in aged care.

This investment recognises the critical role nurses play in supporting older Australians and helps providers attract and retain skilled clinical staff.

As a result:

  • Support at Home budgets and certain supplements will increase to reflect higher nursing costs.
  • Your Support at Home classification will not change.
  • Any proposed changes to nursing service pricing must be discussed with you beforehand.

Importantly, providers must explain any proposed price adjustments and obtain your agreement before any changes are made.

For clients, this means continued access to high-quality clinical care delivered by qualified and experienced nursing professionals.

Greater Transparency Around Pricing

The Support at Home reforms also continue the sector’s move towards greater transparency and accountability.

Providers are required to:

  • Publish their most commonly charged prices.
  • Ensure pricing is reasonable and transparent.
  • Agree on service prices with clients before services are delivered.

While the Australian Government has delayed the introduction of formal price caps, there is ongoing monitoring of provider pricing across the aged care sector. This provides important protections for consumers and gives older Australians greater confidence when comparing providers.

When choosing a provider, it is important to look beyond contribution rates and understand the actual price being charged for services, as prices can vary between organisations.

At St Luke’s Care, we believe in transparent pricing, honest conversations and making sure clients understand exactly what services they are receiving and what costs may apply.

A Positive Step Forward for Older Australians

The changes commencing on 1 October 2026 represent a significant advancement in Australia’s aged care system.

By removing contributions for approved personal care services, investing in the nursing workforce and improving pricing transparency, the reforms help ensure older Australians can access the support they need with greater confidence and certainty.

At St Luke’s Care, we are proud to continue supporting older people across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs to live independently, safely and with dignity in their own homes.

If you would like to understand how these Support at Home changes may affect you or a loved one, our team would be happy to assist.

Contact St Luke’s Care today on 02 9356 0444 to discuss your individual support needs and funding arrangements.