The Support at Home program is bringing changes to how aged care is delivered, along with some new language to get familiar with. This glossary defines some of the most common terms, helping older people, their loved ones and support workers feel more confident navigating the program.
We’ve grouped the terms by topic to make them easier to find.
Getting started with Support at Home
Aged care assessment
Single Assessment System
Notice of decision
Participant
Funding, costs and budgeting
Funding classification
The level of funding assigned to a participant based on their care needs. There are eight classifications under Support at Home, each with a different annual amount.
Participant contributions
The amount a participant may be required to pay toward the services they receive. This depends on both the types of services received and the participant’s financial circumstances.
Income and assets assessment
Also known as a ‘means test’, this is a review of a participant’s financial situation by the government to determine how much they may need to contribute toward their aged care.
Transitioned HCP care recipient
Grandfathered participant
A subset of transitioned HCP care recipients. These are recipients who were either receiving a Home Care Package, were on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package on 12 September 2024.
A ‘no worse-off’ principle applies to these participants, which means they will make the same contributions, or lower, than they would have had under HCP program arrangements, even if they are re-assessed into a different Support at Home classification at a later date.
People and roles in your care
Registered provider
A registered organisation responsible for delivering safe, quality aged care services under Support at Home. Providers manage a participant’s funding, plan their care, and provide clinical oversight. They are also known as ‘home care providers’.
Associated provider
Service agreement
Care management
A key responsibility of Support at Home providers, which helps participants to get the most out of their funding. Care Partners coordinate services, check in regularly, and update support plans as needs change.
Registered supporter
A trusted person formally nominated to My Aged Care to help a participant make decisions about their care. They support communication, advocacy and navigating the aged care system.
Digital labour platform operator
Planning and extra support
Support plan
Short-term pathways
Assistive Technology and Home Modification (AT-HM) scheme
Short-term funding to help pay for assistive devices or home changes that improve safety, comfort, or independence. Funding tiers range from $500 to $15,000 and must be used within 12 months.
Restorative Care Pathway
An additional budget designed to help eligible participants regain strength and confidence. It provides a budget of approximately $6,000 up to $12,000 for services such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy, over a 12 week period.
End-of-Life Pathway
Rights and legislation
Aged Care Act
New legislation coming into effect on 1 November 2025. The Act sets out the responsibilities of aged care providers and the rights of older people, with a focus on dignity, autonomy and personalised care.
Statement of Rights
A document introduced under the Aged Care Act that outlines the rights older people have when receiving aged care services.
Want to dive deeper into Support at Home? Visit My Aged Care online for more information, explore the Support at Home booklet, or speak with your current provider.
This article provides our summary of Support at Home terms and is intended for general purposes only. Please contact My Aged Care for advice on your specific circumstances.
