Key Points

• SIL supports daily living for people with higher support needs
• It covers help with tasks like personal care, cooking, and routines
• SIL does not cover rent or housing costs
• Eligibility depends on your support needs and NDIS plan
• SIL and SDA are different and often confused

Summary

Supported Independent Living (SIL) helps people with disability live more independently with daily support. This guide explains what SIL funding covers, what it does not include, and how it differs from Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Outline

• Introduction
• What is SIL in the NDIS?
• What does SIL cover?
• What does SIL not cover?
• Who is eligible for SIL?
• SIL vs SDA: what’s the difference?
• How do you get SIL in your NDIS plan?
• How Kirinari can help

Supported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding that provides daily support to help you live as independently as possible. It covers help with everyday tasks like personal care, cooking, and routines, while also building your skills over time. If you need regular support at home, SIL may be part of your NDIS plan.

What is SIL in the NDIS?

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living.

It is funding that helps you with everyday tasks and ongoing support needs, so you can live as independently as possible.

This support is usually provided in a shared home or supported living environment, but may also be available in other living arrangements depending on your needs.

SIL is one of several home and living supports available under the NDIS, and other options may be more suitable depending on your situation.

What does SIL cover?

SIL funding covers support with daily living tasks, such as:

• personal care (showering, dressing)
• cooking and meal preparation
• cleaning and household tasks
• help with routines and daily structure
• supervision for safety and wellbeing
• support to build everyday living skills

It may also include support to:

• attend appointments
• access the community
• follow behaviour support plans

The goal is to help you live more independently over time.

What does SIL not cover?

SIL funding does not cover:

• rent or mortgage payments
• utility bills
• groceries
• personal expenses

It only covers the support, not the cost of living itself.

Who is eligible for SIL?

SIL is generally for people who:

• need support throughout most of the day
• require overnight support
• have higher or complex support needs

In many cases, this means support is needed 7 days a week, including overnight.

Eligibility is based on your NDIS plan, your goals, and an assessment of your daily support needs.

SIL vs SDA: what’s the difference?

This is a common point of confusion.

• SIL = support services (help with daily living)
• SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) = housing

SDA funding covers the cost of the home itself, while SIL covers the support you receive inside it.

You may receive one or both, depending on your needs.

How do you get SIL in your NDIS plan?

To receive SIL funding, you need to show that it is the right support for your needs.

This usually involves:

• assessments or reports about your support needs
• information about your daily routine
• your goals for independent living

The NDIS will look at whether SIL is the best option compared to other supports.

You may also work with a support coordinator or provider to develop a plan that outlines the level of support you need.

How Kirinari can help

At Kirinari, we provide supported living services that help you live independently with the right level of care. We can help you:

• understand your NDIS plan
• find suitable SIL accommodation
• access available housing vacancies
• build a support plan that works for you

You can learn more about in-home and supported living services at Kirinari here.

Or to view our current accommodation vacancies, click here.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.

The post What does SIL funding actually cover under the NDIS? appeared first on Kirinari.

These changes include a Statement of Rights for older people receiving aged care services. They include the right to make your own decisions, to be respected, and to feel safe.

At Kirinari, it is our responsibility to ensure that these rights are upheld and that you are placed at the centre of your aged care experience.

We encourage you to talk to us if you have any concerns or questions about your care or services. It is an obligation for us to provide a complaints process that is easy to understand and access.

We’re committed to providing you with safe, quality care that meets your needs and preferences. Raising your concerns with us is often the most effective way to resolve things. It is always safe to speak up.

You can provide feedback, raise a concern or make a complaint by visiting: https://kirinari.com.au/feedback/

You can also choose to have a family member or supporter raise a concern on your behalf. If you need help making a complaint or finding information, contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) for free, independent, and confidential support. Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the national regulator of government funded aged care services. You can contact the Commission if you’d like independent advice or support in raising a concern.

To contact the Commission:

• Call 1800 951 822 between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
• Write to Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, GPO Box 9819, in your capital city
• Email info@agedcarequality.gov.au

The post Choice, dignity, respect – your rights in aged care appeared first on Kirinari.

We now know at least 160,000 participants are set to be removed by the end of the decade. Reform was necessary, but the scale and speed of these changes deserve scrutiny, particularly for regional Australia, where the consequences will be felt most acutely. What is also sometimes lost in the NDIS debate is how the scheme contributes to economic growth, through engagement, employment and service demand.

Regional providers see firsthand where the scheme works and where it falls short, often stepping in as the ‘provider of last resort’ to ensure no one in our communities is left without support. As the Government’s savings plan is rolled out, regional realities must not be forgotten. Notably in his speech announcing sweeping reforms, Minister Mark Butler made no mention of regional areas, or the thin markets that define service delivery outside our cities.

Australia would be worse off without the NDIS – especially in the regions

Socially and economically, Australia would be worse off without an insurance framework to include and support people with permanent or significant disability. Before the NDIS was introduced in July 2013, care was fragmented, and costs were spread across other areas. Today, the care economy the NDIS helps sustain, is increasingly replacing traditional employment opportunities in many regional areas, providing stable, local jobs in communities that have lost manufacturing, agriculture or resource‑sector employment.

The Productivity Commission found the old system was failing vulnerable Australians; it was generating enormous uncompensated costs that fell on families and on the health, justice and public housing systems. Before the NDIS, people who needed trauma-informed care were even more likely to end up in emergency departments or police cells.

In 2011, the Productivity Commission also found that the lack of workforce participation by carers was a major economic cost. Increased employment for people with disability and their families benefits the wider economy, boosting tax revenue and GDP. If Australia achieves the OECD average for employment for people with disability, by 2030 around $12 billion would be added to GDP, an increase of around 0.5 per cent.

Negative headlines aren’t the full story

The Federal Government now plans to slow the growth of the scheme to an average of 2 per cent per year, returning to 5 per cent from 2030. Minister Mark Butler announced plans to reduce the cost of the average plans from $31,000 to the 2023 average of $26,000. That involves significant cuts to social and community participation. People living in isolated regional areas rely on these programs for quality of life, decision-makers must remember regional settings are different to life in urban areas, where there are fewer barriers to community inclusion. Funding redirected to an Inclusive Communities Fund will only be a fraction of what was available.

It should also be remembered there is temporary cost pain that will pay off later. The NDIS is shifting to a market with stricter compliance and oversight, which Kirinari also supports. From 1 July this year, organisations that provide Supported Independent Living accommodation must be registered, a positive change that will create better industry-wide standards. Mandatory registration will be expanded to providers in high-risk activities, such as personal care, a move that is also welcome.

However, these reforms will also drive-up administrative costs that must be passed on, keeping prices at the ceiling of NDIS limits.  

Supported Disability Accommodation policy is another source of cost friction. Pricing was updated to incentivise developers to build housing with high physical supports for residents with complex needs. However, while communities wait for this housing supply, we still must fund older stock and high-cost placements in hospitals or aged care. We have to pay for future supply while still funding the current crisis.

The case for regional loading 

Providers of human services in regional Australia are more than the title ‘providers’ suggests. NDIS participants rely on us for more than a single service they are funded for. For many, support workers are the antidote to loneliness and the workers who pick up on essential needs that may otherwise be missed.

Delivery of services in the regions is vastly different to that in the cities. In Sydney or Melbourne, for example, a support worker may be able to see 5 clients for one hour each in a day, with the other 3 hours spent travelling between locations and a lunch break. In the regions, it can take one hour just to drive between two clients.

Even before the fuel crisis, providers in the country were not adequately funded for travel. That’s why we continue to call for the introduction of regional loading – a small top up payment on funding, that recognises the increased cost burden.

Regional loading doesn’t mean more funding for the scheme, but a more equitable spread that recognises the increased cost of delivering quality care to the 239,769 people living in regional and remote Australia, who represent 31 per cent of NDIS participants.

Loading currently exists for remote and very remote locations (applicable to approximately 1.4 per cent of NDIS participants), but not for regional areas that face the same cost pressures and limited availability of services.

Smaller economies of scale give regional providers a front row seat to observe what needs to be strengthened, to ensure all Australians have the chance to lead a good life, no matter where they live.

About the author:

Born and raised in regional Australia, Paul Vaccaro is the Chief Strategy Officer at Kirinari, the country’s largest regional provider of human services. He draws on experience across finance, marketing, corporate development and strategy to lead new approaches to service delivery and sector reform. Paul is an advocate for regional communities and is dedicated to improving the lives of people living outside our major cities.

The post Opinion: How regional providers set the bar for a stronger NDIS model appeared first on Kirinari.

WorkFoundations is a paid employment program that gives job seekers the chance to build skills, gain real work experience and work towards future employment goals over a six-month placement.

Kayliah is completing her placement at Rise Espresso, where she works as an all-rounder on the café floor. Her days include delivering coffees, running food, taking orders, doing dishes and helping out behind the scenes.

Three months in, she says she’s feeling right at home.

“I feel happy. I love going into the café.”

Kayliah says one of the biggest changes since starting has been the independence she’s gained.

“It’s given me a bit of confidence because I’ve gained independence and feel more comfortable in that.”

While Kayliah had worked before, this experience has still helped shift the way she approaches her work.

“I feel more motivated to go in and make something out of my day.”

Looking ahead, she’s excited about the possibility of gaining more hours and continuing to build connections with the people around her.

“I’m excited about gaining more hours and getting to know the team and customers a bit more.”

For Kayliah, the placement has been about more than learning café skills. It’s also been about feeling part of something.

“I just love how it’s a really friendly environment, the customers are friendly, the co-workers are friendly, and it helps that we’ve all got the same sense of humour.”

Kirinari is proud to be part of the WorkFoundations program, supporting job seekers like Kayliah as they build confidence, grow their independence and work towards their goals.

The post Kayliah’s story: Finding routine, confidence and independence appeared first on Kirinari.

Kirinari has have made a submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into The Transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program to the Support at Home Program.

As Australia’s largest regional provider of human services, we see every day that delivering care in the regions is different.

Travel distances, thin markets and workforce pressures mean regional providers simply can’t match an hour of care to an hour of funding under metropolitan‑designed models.

Policy designed in the cities must not forget the realities of the regions. Kirinari will continue to advocate for models that ensure regional Australians are not left behind simply because of where they live.

Our submission highlighted these challenges, with case studies on our experience of the Support at Home Program.

This can be read in full on the Committee webpage: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/CHSPTransition/Submissions

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• Commonwealth Home Support Programme services provide low-level support for older people who need occasional help.
• The Support at Home program for aged care offers coordinated and ongoing care for people with more complex needs.
• CHSP providers often act as a starting point, with people moving to Support at Home as their needs grow.
• Both programs require an assessment through My Aged Care to determine eligibility and the right level of support.

Summary:

The Support at Home program for aged care and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme both help older Australians stay at home, but they are designed for different levels of support. CHSP offers basic, low-level help for people who are mostly independent, while the Support at Home program provides more structured and ongoing care for those with higher or more complex needs. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right support and plan for future care.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
3. Support at Home
4. How CHSP and Support at Home work together
5. Important to know
6. How to access CHSP and Support at Home Services
7. We’re here to help

Although the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home both provide essential supports for older Australians, there are differences between the two programs. While CHSP is ideal for those who need a little bit of help now and then, Support at Home is a comprehensive home care program designed for people who need regular, coordinated support so they can live safely and well at home.

To help you understand which option might be right for you, we’ve outlined the key differences below.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP is for older people who are mostly managing on their own but may need a little help with everyday tasks.

Key Features

• Provides basic assistance
• Usually one or two services per week
• Supports independence and reablement, which means doing things with you, not for you
• You can use different providers for different types of services
• Services are subsidised, with customers contributing to the cost of each service

Services include things like:

• Cleaning or laundry
• Meals or meal delivery
• Transport to appointments
• Social activities or companionship
• Small jobs around the house

CHSP might suit you if:

• You only need one or two types of help
• You are generally independent
• You only need support occasionally, not every day

In summary

CHSP is ideal for those who might just need one or two hours of support each week. If you’re finding everyday tasks more difficult and think some low-level support might increase your health, well-being and independence, CHSP might be a good fit for you.

Support at Home

Support at Home is for older people who need regular, coordinated help to live safely and well at home.

Key features

• Replaced Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care on 1 November 2025
• Designed for ongoing or complex support needs
• Services fall under three main categories: Clinical Care, Independence, and Everyday Living
• Uses eight funding classifications (or levels)
• Provides a planned budget, so your services are organised together in one place.
• Includes care management, capped at 10% of the budget
• Funding is more flexible and needs-based
• Has a stronger focus on transparency and quality

Services include things like:

• Personal care (showering, dressing)
• Help around the home
• Nursing or allied health
• Transport and respite care
• Equipment or home modifications
• Short-term pathways such as restorative care and end-of-life care

Support at Home might suit you if:

• Need help with several different things
• Need support regularly
• Have more complex health or care needs

How CHSP and Support at Home work together

• CHSP operates alongside Support at Home for people with low needs
• CHSP often acts as an entry point for home care services
• If a person’s needs increase, they can be reassessed for Support at Home

Important to know

• Both programs are government-funded
• An assessment will help decide which program is right for you
• CHSP will continue for now, but it is expected to transition into Support at Home in 2027.

How to access CHSP and Support at Home Services

To be eligible, you must be aged:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

If you are eligible, the first thing you need to do is arrange for an assessment through My Aged Care. This will determine the type and level of support that is best suited to meet your support needs.

We’re here to help

Choosing between programs can feel confusing, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own. At Kirinari, we offer both CHSP and Support at Home program services across regional communities.

Our team takes the time to understand your needs, explain your options in plain language, and guide you through every step, from your My Aged Care assessment to setting up the right supports. If you need a little help now or more regular care, we’re here to make the process simple and supportive.

Kirinari provides both CHSP and Support at Home services across regional Australia. To find out more, contact our experienced team today by calling 1300 547 462.

The post Support at Home vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme – which is better for me? appeared first on Kirinari.

• The Support at Home program is designed to simplify and improve aged care services in Australia.
• It replaces the Home Care Package and Short-Term Restorative Care programs as part of broader reforms.
• The Commonwealth Home Support Programme will transition into Support at Home by 2027.
• A new Aged Care Act introduces stronger rights, standards, and protections for older Australians.

Summary:

The New Support at Home program for aged care is a new initiative introduced in November 2025 to make services simpler and more sustainable. It replaces existing programs like Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care, with more changes planned in the coming years. Alongside this, a new Aged Care Act strengthens the rights of older Australians and improves quality and safety across services.

On 1 November 2025 the Australian Government introduced Support at Home, a new program that aims to simplify and ensure the ongoing sustainability of aged care services.

It replaces the old Home Care Package program and Short-Term Restorative Care. This is the first step in a major reform, with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) also set to join Support at Home in 2027.

A new Aged Care Act also started on 1 November 2025. It replaces outdated laws and delivers key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The new Act includes:

• A Statement of Rights for older Australians
• Stronger quality standards
• Better regulation and complaints processes

At Kirinari, we understand that navigating the transition to Support at Home may be confusing. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you access the information you need to make informed decisions about your care.

You can view the FAQ’s below or download your own copy here.

The post Support at Home is Here: Your Top Questions Answered appeared first on Kirinari.

We know that big changes like this can often raise more questions than answers. To ensure you feel informed and confident about the new system of care, we’ll be sharing monthly updates on key Support at Home topics. This month, we’re looking at registered supporters – what they are, and how they can help you get the most out of your aged care services and supports.

Some background

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety found that the old Aged Care Act was no longer fit for purpose. It was seen as being structured around the needs of providers and funding bodies, rather than the needs of the people accessing services.

The new rights-based Act, which came into effect on 1 November 2025, puts the rights of older people first. One way it does this is by establishing a legal framework for the registration of supporters of care recipients. The thinking here is that this will embed supported decision-making across the aged care system.

The registered supporter role is one of the changes under the new Act, which aims to promote the older persons’ right to be supported to make their own decisions.

What is a Registered Supporter?

A registered supporter is someone you choose – a person you trust, like a family member, carer, or close friend. They can help you to make decisions, communicate with your service providers, and understand your options. You can even choose to have more than one registered supporter, because your need for support can vary, depending on the situation you’re in, and the decisions you need to make.

What does a Registered Supporter do?

A registered supporter replaces the old regular and authorised representatives in My Aged Care. Their purpose is to promote your right to be supported to make your own decisions. This means you still make and communicate decisions about your care on your own, and your aged care provider will continue to go directly to you for any decisions.

Registered supporters may:

• Help you to understand information about your care
• Help you to explore your options, and understand what they might mean for you
• Help you to communicate your choices and decisions
• Request, access, or receive information to assist you
• Speak to My Aged Care, aged care assessors, aged care providers, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on your behalf.

Registered supporters do not:

• Automatically have legal decision-making authority
• Act as a substitute decision-maker: Unlike a guardian or someone with enduring power of attorney, a registered supporter can’t make decisions on your behalf unless they also hold legal authority under other laws
• Override your right to make your own choices: providers must still go directly to you for decisions, even if you have a registered supporter.

In some cases, a registered supporter also has guardianship, enduring power of attorney or similar legal authority. These people are called Appointed Decision-Makers.

About Appointed Decision-Makers

• Appointed Decision Makers are legally appointed under state or territory law
• They can only make decisions within their legal authority
• Depending on the older person’s situation, they may also be the nominated registered supporter.

What if I don’t want to have a Registered Supporter?

Not everyone will want or need a registered supporter. You may feel your family, friends, and carers are already supporting you to make your own decisions, and there is no need for them to become registered supporters. If this is the case, there’s no need to nominate someone.

Legal Duties of Registered Supporters

All registered supporters have duties under the new Act that they must comply with, including:

• Promoting the will and preferences of the person they are supporting – even when they don’t agree with their decisions.
• Supporting the person only as much as is needed for the older person to make their own decisions.
• Acting honestly, diligently, and in good faith at all times.
• Avoiding or managing any conflicts of interest. 

How do I nominate a Registered Supporter?

If you would like to nominate a registered supporter, first have a conversation with the person you wish to nominate. If they agree to the registration, you can nominate them by:

• Calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Completing and submitting the Registration of a Supporter form
• Requesting to register a supporter relationship in the ‘Support Networks’ section of your My Aged Care Online Account
• Requesting to register a supporter relationship when applying for an aged care assessment
• Speaking with an aged care assessor at your assessment
• Speaking with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) – you can book an appointment with an ASCO call 1800 227 475.

Opting Out

If you or your registered supporter chooses to opt out of the registered supporter relationship, you can:

• Call my Aged Care on 1800 200 422
• Log in to your My Aged Care Online Account and select the opt out button

We’re here to help

At Kirinari, we believe in care that supports independence, confidence, and connection, and the introduction of Support at Home, including the creation of the registered supporter role, reflects a stronger focus on personal choice and wellbeing.

We understand these reforms can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our caring and knowledgeable team can help you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of the support available.

To learn more about the Registered Supporters, or the Support at Home program, contact our team on 1300 547 462. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

The post Registered Supporters – What are they? appeared first on Kirinari.

• Support at Home is a new Australian Government program that simplifies in-home aged care and helps older people stay independent and connected to their community.
• The program gives people more choice and control, including access to a wider range of services and clear visibility over how their care budget is used.
• Key features include a Restorative Care Pathway, assistive technology funding, home modifications, and an End-of-Life Pathway.
• People already receiving aged care will transition automatically, while new customers can get started through My Aged Care.

Summary: 

From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government’s Support at Home program brings together existing in-home aged care services into one simplified program, helping older Australians stay independent, active, and connected. The program offers greater flexibility, clearer budgeting, and a broader range of supports. Kirinari is here to support people through this transition and help them continue living life on their own terms.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is Support at Home?
3. Key Features
4. We’re Here to Help
5. How to Get Started

As of 1 November 2025, the Australian Government has introduced the Support at Home program. This new approach to in-home aged care is designed to make it easier for older people to stay independent, active, and connected to their community.

Support at Home brings together existing services like Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care into one program, with the Commonwealth Home Support Program joining no earlier than 1 July 2027.

What is Support at Home?

Support at Home is about more than care, it’s about helping you live life your way.

Through this program, you can:

• Access a wider range of supports such as nursing, personal care, cleaning, transport, and meal preparation
• Choose and adjust your services to suit your needs and lifestyle
• See clearly how your care budget is used, giving you confidence and control

The program is designed so older Australians can continue living well at home, on their terms.

Key features

• Restorative Care Pathway – short-term allied health support to help maintain or regain independence
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications – funding for equipment or home changes to make life safer and easier
• End-of-Life Pathway – support to remain at home during your final months
• Care Management – guidance and coordination from your provider to ensure your plan meets your needs

Have questions? Read Support at Home: Your Top Questions Answered.

We’re here to help

At Kirinari, we’re here to help you understand these changes and continue living life your way. We support people to make their own choices, stay connected, and enjoy what matters most. Get in touch by calling our team on 1300 547 462.

For more information on the Support at Home program, head to My Aged Care – Support at Home Program

How to get started

If you already receive aged care through My Aged Care, your provider will help you transition automatically.

If you’re new to aged care, a good place to start is My Aged Care or by calling 1800 200 422. Here, you can check your eligibility, arrange an assessment, and explore the supports available to you.

The post Understanding the new Support at Home Program appeared first on Kirinari.

• The Restorative Care Pathway provides up to 16 weeks of intensive support to help people recover, regain strength, and maintain independence at home.
• Services include tailored exercise programs, allied health professionals, home modifications, and nursing care based on your personal goals and circumstances.
• Eligibility is determined during your aged care assessment, with contributions required for independence and everyday living supports but not for clinical nursing care.
• Support at Home begins on 1 November 2025, with existing Home Care Package recipients automatically transitioning to the new program.

Summary:

The Restorative Care Pathway under Support at Home provides up to 12-16 weeks of intensive nursing and allied health support to help older Australians regain independence after illness, injury, or age-related changes. This pathway replaces the former Short-Term Restorative Care Program and offers tailored services like exercise programs, allied health support, and home modifications based on individual goals. Support at Home begins on 1 November 2025, and Kirinari is here to help you navigate these changes and access the care you need.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. What is the Restorative Care Pathway?
3. Am I eligible for the Restorative Care Pathway?
4. Will I need to contribute to the cost?
5. Who will deliver my restorative care services?
6. Accessing Support at Home
7. We’re here to help

The rollout of Support at Home is set to bring meaningful changes to the way in-home aged care is delivered across Australia. Services will become more flexible, consistent, and focused on the individual, with new funding streams and pathways that help people stay safe, well, and independent for longer.

The Restorative Care Pathway will replace the former Short-Term Restorative Care Programme.

What is the Restorative Care Pathway?

The Restorative Care Pathway is designed to support recovery, rehabilitation, and independence. It provides up to 12 weeks of intensive nursing and allied health support, which can be extended to 16 weeks if needed.

The supports you receive will depend on your personal goals and circumstances. For some, restorative care may involve a tailored exercise program to improve strength and balance. For others, it could include help from a dietitian to plan nutritious meals or the installation of minor home modifications such as bathroom rails or non-slip mats.

The Restorative Care Pathway aims to help you:

• Prevent or delay the need for ongoing in-home care or higher levels of care
• Regain strength and mobility after illness, injury, or surgery
• Manage new or changing age-related conditions
• Learn ways to maintain function and independence as you age

Am I eligible for the Restorative Care Pathway?

During your aged care assessment, your assessor will talk with you about your health, mobility, and goals for independence. If restorative care is likely to help you stay active and well at home, you’ll be allocated a budget to fund these supports. You’ll then work with your provider to set your goals, develop a plan, and arrange the services you need.

Your Restorative Care Plan may include:

• Tailored exercise programs designed by physiotherapists or occupational therapists
• Access to allied health professionals such as dietitians, speech pathologists, or podiatrists
• Support from a dietitian to plan and prepare healthy meals
• Recommendations and installation of mobility aids or home modifications
• Nursing care to monitor recovery after illness or surgery

Will I need to contribute to the cost?

Yes. The same contribution arrangements that apply to other Support at Home services will also apply here.

This means:

• Clinical supports such as nursing will not require a contribution
• Independence supports such as personal care or transport will require a moderate contribution
• Everyday living supports such as cleaning and shopping will require a higher contribution

Who will deliver my restorative care services?

If you already receive home care, your existing care partner will coordinate your restorative supports. You’ll also be supported by a Restorative Care Partner, who will provide clinical oversight and help you stay on track with your goals throughout the program.

Accessing Support at Home

Support at Home will begin across Australia on 1 November 2025.

If you’re new to government-funded aged care, visit My Aged Care or call 1300 547 462 to start the assessment process. Once assessed, you’ll receive a plan outlining the services available to you.

If you currently receive a Home Care Package, you’ll automatically transition to Support at Home.
If you receive services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, your services will remain unchanged until July 2027, when you’ll move across to the new program.

If your circumstances change, you can contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment at any time.

We’re here to help

At Kirinari, we believe in care that supports independence, confidence, and connection. The introduction of Support at Home, including the Restorative Care Pathway, reflects a stronger focus on personal choice and wellbeing.

We understand these reforms can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our caring and knowledgeable team can help you understand what’s changing and how to make the most of the support available.

To learn more about the Restorative Care Pathway or the Support at Home program, contact our team on 1300 547 462. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

The post The Restorative Care Pathway Explained appeared first on Kirinari.