Support at Home Program: Complete Guide for 2026

Are you or a loved one navigating Australia's new aged care system and wondering how to access quality meals? The Support at Home program launched in November 2025, replacing the former Home Care Packages, and it's designed to help older Australians live independently while receiving the care they need. Good nutrition is vital to healthy ageing, yet many seniors face challenges preparing balanced meals at home. This guide explains how the Support at Home program works, what meal services you can access, and how Nourish'd makes nutritious eating simple for those receiving government-funded care. Let's explore how you can make mealtimes stress-free while getting the nourishment you deserve.

What Is the Support at Home Program?

The Support at Home program is the Australian Government's new approach to in-home aged care, introduced on 1 November 2025 to replace the previous Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. This reform followed the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which identified significant gaps in how older Australians received home support.

The program aims to simplify access to services, reduce wait times, and give you more choice and control over your care. Under Support at Home, eligible Australians aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) can access a coordinated package of services tailored to their assessed needs. According to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Commonwealth Home Support Program will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

Key Features of Support at Home

The Support at Home program introduces several important changes designed to better meet individual needs:

• Eight Ongoing Service Classifications: Based on your assessed care needs, each with a quarterly budget
• Three Short-Term Pathways: For restorative care, assistive technology and home modifications, and end-of-life care
• Simplified Fee Arrangements: Where you only pay contributions on services you actually receive
• A Defined List of Approved Services: Including meal preparation and delivery‍
• Care Management Funding: With 10% of your quarterly budget automatically allocated to coordinate your services

Why Nutrition Matters for Healthy Ageing

Good nutrition is fundamental to maintaining health, independence, and quality of life as we age. Research from Dietitians Australia reveals that around 50% of older Australians in aged care and in the community are either at risk of malnutrition or are malnourished. This is a significant public health concern that affects both wellbeing and independence.

A 2024 study published by Monash University researchers found that 40% of residents in Australian aged care facilities were categorised as malnourished. The consequences of poor nutrition are significant and often irreversible, including increased risk of falls and fractures, slower wound healing, weakened immune function, and reduced muscle mass and strength.

Common Barriers to Good Nutrition for Seniors

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission notes that older people may face multiple barriers to eating well:

• Decreased appetite or changes in taste and smell
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing (dysphagia)
• Mobility challenges that make shopping and cooking difficult
• Chronic health conditions requiring special dietary considerations
• Social isolation and reduced motivation to prepare meals
• Financial constraints affecting food choices

This is where the Support at Home program's meal services become invaluable, ensuring you receive nutritious, appetising food without the stress of shopping, preparation, and cooking.

How Meal Delivery Works Under the Support at Home Program

Meal delivery is a key service available through the Support at Home program. According to My Aged Care, the meals service ensures you receive safe, appetising food and drinks to help you continue eating well and staying hydrated. Services can include meal preparation, special diets for health, religious or cultural reasons, and delivery of meals at the correct temperature.

Understanding Your Co-Payment

Under the Support at Home program, services are categorised into three areas, each with its own standard contribution level:

• Meal delivery usually falls under Everyday Living Support, where you pay a participant contribution rather than the full price of each meal.
  
• For these everyday living services, standard contribution rates for full pensioners start from around 17.5% of the provider's fee. They can be higher for people with higher income and assets, up to a capped maximum.
  
• The preparation and delivery components are subsidised by the Australian Government, which helps keep your out-of-pocket costs manageable.

Knowing Your Costs in Advance

Your exact contribution depends on your income and assets assessment through Services Australia and is set out in your Support at Home documents and care agreement, so you know your costs before you start.

• If you're moving from an existing Home Care Package to Support at Home, the Australian Government has indicated that many people will be "no worse off" for the same mix of services when they transition.
  
• Your care provider or case manager can help you compare what you were paying before with what you'll pay under your new Support at Home arrangements.

Steps to Access Meal Services Through Support at Home

Getting started with meal delivery through the Support at Home program involves a straightforward process:

1. Contact My Aged Care: Visit myagedcare.gov.au to request an aged care assessment.
2. Complete your assessment: An assessor will evaluate your care needs, including any nutritional requirements or meal-preparation challenges.
3. Receive your approval letter: This outlines your classification level and the services you can access.
4. Choose your service providers: Select a care provider and meal delivery service that meets your needs.
5. Start receiving meals: Work with your provider to set up your meal plan and delivery schedule.

What to Look for in a Support-at-Home Meal Provider

Not all meal delivery services are created equal. When choosing a provider for your Support at Home program, consider these essential factors to ensure you receive truly nourishing meals:

Nutritional Quality and Dietitian Oversight

Look for providers whose meals are designed or approved by qualified dietitians. As outlined by Healthdirect Australia and Nutrition Australia, older adults have specific nutrition needs, including higher requirements for protein and key vitamins and minerals. They are encouraged to seek advice from health professionals such as their GP or an Accredited Practising Dietitian to ensure these needs are met.

Dietary Options and Flexibility

Your meal provider should offer options for various dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, diabetic-friendly, and low-sodium meals. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy delicious food that aligns with any health conditions or preferences. At Nourish'd, we're proud to be one of Australia's 100% gluten-free meal delivery services, endorsed by Coeliac Australia.

Fresh Versus Frozen Meals

While frozen meals offer convenience, fresh meals often provide superior taste and texture. Our home care meal delivery service delivers fresh, never-frozen meals made with locally sourced ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and refined sugars. Each meal arrives ready to simply heat and enjoy.

Ease of Preparation

For older Australians, meal preparation should be straightforward. Look for providers offering ready-to-heat meals with clear instructions. Our meals come in microwave-safe packaging with simple heating guidelines, making mealtimes stress-free whether you're preparing them yourself or with carer assistance.

How Nourish'd Supports Your Support at Home Journey

At Nourish'd, we understand that good nutrition is the foundation of healthy ageing. As an approved meal provider for the Support at Home program (and the former Home Care Packages), we've been helping older Australians enjoy delicious, nutritious meals tailored for seniors for years.

What Makes Nourish'd Different

Our chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved meals stand apart from typical aged care food services:

• Fresh, never frozen: Meals arrive fresh and ready to heat, maintaining optimal taste and nutrition
• 100% gluten-free: Every meal on our menu is Coeliac Australia Endorsed, with strict processes to minimise the risk of cross-contamination.
• No artificial preservatives: Made with real, whole ingredients you can trust
• Varied weekly menu: Choose from rotating options including comfort classics and international flavours
• Dietary flexibility: Options including dairy-free, keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, and high-protein meals
• Multiple portion sizes: Regular (220-320g), Large (320-420g), and Extra Large (420-540g) to match appetites

Meals Perfect for Support at Home Participants

Our menu features nourishing options that older Australians love. Some favourites on our Support at Home range include:

• Savoury Mince with Baba Ganoush, with hearty beef mince, hidden veggies and creamy baba ganoush, a cosy classic that's also high in protein.

• Bangers and Mash, a traditional sausage and mash combination with peas for a familiar, comforting meal.

• Beef Massaman offers rich, satisfying flavours while still providing a good balance of protein and vegetables.

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Greens is a flavourful chicken dish served with garlicky greens for a satisfying, well-balanced meal.

Those following specific dietary plans might enjoy:

• Satay Chicken with Cauliflower Rice, a high protein, low carb option that’s dairy free, keto friendly, paleo friendly and diabetes friendly.

• For a lighter, plant-based choice, our Pumpkin Risotto is smooth, creamy and naturally dairy-free, while still packed with vegetables.

Across the menu, you'll find plenty of high-protein choices to help support muscle strength and healthy ageing.

Getting Started with Nourish'd Through Your Support at Home Plan

Accessing Nourish'd meals through your Support at Home funding is straightforward. We work directly with numerous Home Care providers across Australia to make ordering and payment seamless.

How Ordering Works

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can start enjoying our meals through a simple process as outlined in our ordering guide:

1. Browse our weekly menu online or contact our friendly customer support team for assistance.
2. Select your meals based on your preferences and dietary needs.
3. We invoice your care provider directly for the subsidised portion.
4. Pay your small co-payment for ingredients, and your meals arrive fresh at your door.

Our weekly order cut-off is Wednesday at 9 pm AEST, with deliveries arriving between Saturday and Wednesday the following week. You can also set up recurring orders so you never have to place an order manually.

What If My Care Provider Isn't Listed?

Don't worry if your current provider isn't yet partnered with us. Simply contact our team, and we'll reach out to your nominated provider to explore setting up a supply agreement. We're committed to making our nutritious meals accessible to as many Australians as possible.

Making the Most of Your Support at Home Meal Service

To get the best experience from your meal delivery service, consider these practical tips:

Proper Storage and Heating

Fresh meals should be refrigerated promptly upon delivery and consumed within 4-7 days. When ready to eat, follow the heating instructions on each meal. Our meals heat beautifully in the microwave in just 2-4 minutes, though you can also use an oven or stovetop if preferred.

Embracing Variety for Optimal Nutrition

The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend eating a variety of foods from all food groups. Take advantage of our rotating menu to try different proteins, vegetables, and cuisines. This not only prevents meal fatigue but also ensures you're getting a broad spectrum of nutrients. Our blog on nutrients for seniors explores why variety matters for healthy ageing.

Involving Family and Carers

If family members or carers are helping manage your care, they can easily assist with ordering and meal selection. Our online platform is user-friendly, and our customer support team is always happy to help with any questions. Sharing mealtimes with others, even occasionally, can enhance the social enjoyment of eating, an important factor in maintaining good nutrition.

Nourishment Made Simple

The Support at Home program is a positive step toward helping older Australians access the care they need to live independently. With meal delivery services now more accessible through government funding, there's no reason to compromise on nutrition. At Nourish'd, we're honoured to support your health journey with fresh, delicious meals that make every bite count. Ready to experience the difference? Explore our home care meal options and discover how we can make mealtimes something to look forward to.