Support at Home Personal Care Contribution Changes: What You Need to Know
Getting a little extra help with everyday personal care can make a meaningful difference to how you feel at home. Whether it’s assistance with showering, getting dressed or maintaining your daily routine, having the right support can help you feel comfortable, confident and independent.
If you currently receive personal care services, or you’re considering arranging support for yourself or someone you love, there’s an important change to the Australian Government’s Support at Home program that you should know about.
From 1 October 2026, eligible personal care services under Support at Home are fully funded by the Australian Government, meaning participants no longer need to pay a contribution towards these services.
Here’s what has changed, who it applies to and what it could mean for you.
What’s Changed for Personal Care Under Support at Home?
The Support at Home program helps eligible older Australians access services that support their health, well-being and independence while continuing to live at home.
When the program was introduced in November 2025, services were grouped into three categories:
- Clinical Supports: Services such as nursing and physiotherapy, which are fully funded by the government.
- Independence Supports: Services that help you manage everyday activities and maintain your independence.
- Everyday Living Supports: Practical assistance with household tasks and daily living.
Previously, personal care was included in the Independence Supports category, which meant some participants were required to contribute towards the cost of these services.
From 1 October 2026, personal care has moved into the Clinical Supports category.
This means eligible personal care services are now fully government-funded, with no participant contribution required.
The change recognises the importance of personal care in supporting older people to remain comfortable, safe and independent at home.
What Personal Care Services Are Included?
Personal care is about providing practical, respectful assistance with everyday activities that may have become more difficult to manage independently.
Depending on your individual needs and approved Support at Home services, this may include assistance with:
- Showering
- Non-clinical continence management
- Dressing
- Eating
- Personal hygiene
- Assistance with self-administration of medication
For some people, personal care might involve a little assistance a few times a week. For others, it may be a more regular part of their daily routine.
At Life Care, we understand that these are personal moments. Support should always be provided with dignity, respect and consideration for your preferences, routines and independence.
Does This Mean Personal Care Is Free?
For eligible participants, there is no out-of-pocket participant contribution for approved personal care services delivered under Support at Home from 1 October 2026.
However, there are a few important things to understand.
Personal care services still need to be included in your approved Support at Home care plan, and the cost of these services is covered through your available government-funded Support at Home budget.
This means the change removes the participant contribution for eligible personal care services, rather than providing unlimited personal care outside your existing funding arrangements.
Other services, such as domestic assistance or transport, may still require a participant contribution depending on the service category and your individual circumstances.
If you’re unsure how these changes affect your funding, your care provider can help you understand your budget and the services available to you.
Who Is Eligible for Fully Funded Personal Care?
The change applies to people receiving approved personal care services through the Support at Home program.
If you’re already receiving personal care through Support at Home, you may notice a change in how these services are charged from 1 October 2026.
If you’re new to government-funded aged care services, you’ll generally need to complete an aged care assessment to determine your eligibility, support needs and available funding.
Your assessment and support plan help identify which services are appropriate for your circumstances.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is different. The support you receive should reflect your individual needs, preferences and goals.
Why This Change Matters for Older South Australians
For many older people, accepting assistance with personal care can be a significant decision.
You may have always managed these activities independently, or you might feel more comfortable receiving help from someone who understands your preferences and daily routines.
For families, there can also be questions about how best to support someone they love while respecting their independence.
Removing the participant contribution for eligible personal care services may help ease some of the financial considerations involved in arranging this support.
More importantly, it reinforces that receiving assistance with everyday personal care is about maintaining your wellbeing, dignity and quality of life.
Having support with showering, dressing or other daily activities doesn’t mean giving up your independence. It can help you continue enjoying your routines and feeling comfortable in your own home.
How Life Care Can Help You Understand Your Options
Changes to aged care funding can sometimes feel confusing, particularly when you’re already managing health needs, family responsibilities or decisions about future support.
You don’t need to work through everything on your own.
Life Care provides personal care and a range of other in-home support services for Older South Australians, with support tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Whether you’re already receiving services or beginning to consider what assistance might be helpful, our team can talk you through your options and help you understand how your Support at Home funding can be used.
We take the time to listen to what’s important to you, so you can make informed decisions about the care and support that feels right for your circumstances.
Understanding the Changes and Taking the Next Step
The changes introduced on 1 October 2026 are a positive step towards making personal care more accessible for eligible older Australians.
If you currently receive personal care services, it’s worth speaking with your provider about how the new contribution arrangements apply to your care plan and budget.
If you’re considering personal care for yourself or someone you love, understanding the available support is a good place to start.
At Life Care, we’re here to help you understand your options and find support that works around your needs, preferences and everyday life.