What It Means for Older Australians and How Optimum Healthcare is Helping Clients Transition Smoothly

 

Australia’s aged care system is entering a new chapter with the introduction of the Support at Home (SAH) program — a reform designed to make it easier for older Australians to access the care and support they need to live safely and independently at home.

At Optimum Healthcare Australia, we’re proud to be part of this transition and to continue supporting our clients with high-quality, person-centred allied health care.

 

🏡 What is the Support at Home Program? 

The Support at Home program, introduced under the Aged Care Act 2024, brings together several existing aged care programs — including the Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) — into one streamlined system.

The goal is to create a simpler, fairer, and more flexible model of care that ensures older Australians can continue living well at home for as long as possible.

Under this new system, clients will have access to funding that can be used for a range of supports, such as:

  • Allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, massage, and osteopathy)
  • Nursing and personal care
  • Domestic assistance and home maintenance
  • Transport and social support

This means less complexity, more choice, and better coordination of care.

 

💬 What Changes Can Clients Expect? 

For most people already receiving services under a Home Care Package, the transition to Support at Home will be seamless. The main changes will happen behind the scenes — with funding and reporting systems updated to align with the new framework.

Clients can still expect:

  • The same clinicians they know and trust
  • Continued support at home without interruption
  • Clear communication from their providers and care managers
  • A focus on quality, safety, and achieving meaningful health outcomes

At Optimum Healthcare, we’ve worked closely with our partners and the Department of Health and Aged Care to ensure that the move to the new program is as smooth as possible for every client we support.

 

💪 How Optimum Healthcare is Supporting Clients Under Support at Home 

Our team has been preparing for this change for some time. With updated systems, training, and governance frameworks, Optimum Healthcare is fully Support at Home–ready.

Here’s what that means for our clients:

  1. Continuity of Care

There’s no disruption to appointments or services. You’ll continue seeing your regular physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, massage therapist, or osteopath — just as before.

  1. Quality and Compliance

Our team meets all requirements under the Aged Care Act 2024 and the new Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring safe, effective, and transparent care.

  1. Affordable and Consistent Pricing

Our Support at Home pricing schedule remains largely unchanged, reflecting our commitment to accessible, high-quality care.

  1. Personalised, Goal-Focused Therapy

We’ll continue to focus on what matters most to you — maintaining independence, improving mobility, and enhancing your quality of life.

 

👩‍⚕️ Our Role in the New Aged Care Landscape 

With more than 20 years of experience delivering allied health services across Melbourne, Optimum Healthcare Australia has a strong reputation for helping older adults stay active, safe, and confident at home.

Our multidisciplinary team includes:

  • Physiotherapists – improving strength, balance, and mobility
  • Occupational Therapists – supporting independence in daily activities
  • Speech Pathologists – assisting with communication and swallowing needs
  • Massage Therapists and Osteopaths – helping relieve pain and improve function

Each of our clinicians is dedicated to helping clients live comfortably and confidently at home — now and into the future under the new Support at Home model.

 

🌟 Moving Forward 

The introduction of the Support at Home program marks an important step forward in Australia’s aged care reforms. It’s a positive change that places clients at the centre of their care — giving them greater flexibility, transparency, and support.

At Optimum Healthcare, our focus remains the same: to deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based allied health services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

If you have questions about how the new Support at Home program affects your services, or you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Together, we’ll continue making home the best place to live, heal, and thrive.