Support at Home Reforms: What Australia's New Aged Care Changes Mean for Your Meals

Have you been hearing about the changes coming to aged care in Australia and wondering how they'll affect you or your loved ones? The Support at Home reforms are a major change to Australia’s aged care system, designed to help older Australians remain independent in their own homes for longer. Whether you're currently receiving a Home Care Package, caring for an ageing parent, or planning for your own future, understanding these changes is essential. We've put together everything you need to know about the new Support at Home program and how it affects your access to nutritious, ready-made meals. Let's break down what's changing and how you can make the most of the new system.

What Are the Support at Home Reforms?

The Support at Home program officially launched on 1 November 2025, replacing the previous Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, these reforms respond directly to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

As explained on the My Aged Care website, the new program places older people at the centre of their care, with a Statement of Rights that protects their ability to make decisions about their own lives. This is a significant step forward in creating a system that's safer, fairer, and more respectful.

Key Changes You Need to Know

The reforms bring several important changes to how aged care services are delivered:

• Eight funding classifications replace the previous four Home Care Package levels, allowing for more tailored support based on your individual needs.
• Quarterly budgets managed by Services Australia replace annual funding, with the ability to save up to $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget (whichever is greater) for the following quarter.
• For ongoing services, 10% of your quarterly budget is automatically set aside for care management, helping you get the best outcomes from your services.
• Clinical care is fully funded by the Government, meaning no cost to participants for nursing and allied health services.
• Services are organised into three categories: clinical supports, independence services, and everyday living services.

How Meal Delivery Fits into Your Support at Home Plan

One of the wonderful aspects of the Support at Home program is that meal preparation and delivery remain approved services. Information from My Aged Care's meals services page confirms that meal support helps you stay well-nourished through safe, appetising food delivered to your door.

Under the new system, meal preparation and similar supports sit in the ‘everyday living’ category of services, alongside things like cleaning, gardening and shopping. For everyday living services such as meals, you'll contribute a percentage of the service price based on your income and assets. The Australian Government pays the rest of your approved Support at Home funding through your provider. The exact amount you pay depends on your contribution rate and your provider's prices.

Why Nutrition Matters More Than Ever

Good nutrition isn't just about staying healthy, it's about maintaining your independence. Research from Monash University reveals that 40% of older Australians in residential aged care are malnourished, a concerning statistic that highlights the importance of proper nutrition as we age.

According to Dietitians Australia, approximately 50% of older Australians in aged care and in the community are either at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished. Malnutrition can increase the risk of falls, slow recovery from illness, reduce immunity, and lead to earlier loss of independence.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission emphasises that meals matter for both nutritional and social wellbeing. For many older Australians living at home, having access to quality, ready-made meals can make the difference between thriving independently and struggling with nutrition.

Who Is Eligible for Support at Home?

Support at Home is available to older adults who need assistance to remain safely at home. To access the programme, you generally need to be:

• Aged 65 years or older (or 50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• Living in Australia and finding it difficult to manage everyday activities at home
• Assessed through the Single Assessment System as needing in-home aged care support.

The assessment process is handled through the new Single Assessment System, which uses an Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to determine your needs and assign you to one of the eight support classifications. To get started, you can contact My Aged Care or visit myagedcare.gov.au to apply for an assessment.

What If You Already Have a Home Care Package?

Great news, if you were receiving a Home Care Package before 1 November 2025, you've automatically transitioned to the new Support at Home program. The Government's "no worse off" principle means:

• You maintain your current level of funding
• Any unspent funds carry over to your new quarterly budget
• Full pensioners won't pay more in contributions than they currently do
• You don't need a new assessment unless your needs have changed

A lifetime cap of $130,000 (indexed) applies to your co-contributions for non-clinical care across both Support at Home and residential aged care. Once you reach this cap, you won't be asked to pay any further contributions for non-clinical services.

How to Access Nourish'd Meals Through Support at Home

At Nourish'd, we're proud to partner with government-funded home care providers to deliver meals to people using the Support at Home programme. Our Home Care meals service makes accessing nutritious, chef-prepared meals simple and stress-free.

Getting started is straightforward:

• Check your eligibility: If you're unsure whether meals are included in your Support at Home plan, our team can guide you through the process
• Confirm your provider: We work with a growing list of Home Care providers across Australia. Check our searchable provider list to see if your provider is already partnered with us
• Start ordering: Once confirmed, you can browse our menu and order directly through our website or with help from our friendly customer support team
• Provider not listed? No worries, simply contact us and we'll reach out to your nominated provider to explore onboarding options

Understanding Your Co-Payment

Under Support at Home, your provider typically covers approximately 70% of your meal costs (this varies by provider). This means you pay a small co-payment per meal, making nutritious eating affordable and accessible.

*Average co-payment based on the common 70% subsidy from Home Care providers. Actual subsidy varies between providers

Why Choose Nourish'd for Your Support at Home Meals

When it comes to your nutrition, quality matters. Here's what makes Nourish'd the ideal choice for Support at Home participants:

• 100% gluten-free and Coeliac Australia Endorsed: Every single meal on our menu is gluten-free, perfect for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Fresh, not frozen: Our meals arrive fresh and stay that way in your fridge, with no freezer burn or compromised flavour.
• Chef-crafted, nutritionist-approved: Every meal is designed to be both delicious and nutritionally balanced, supporting healthy ageing.
• Easy to heat and enjoy: Simply pop your meal in the microwave for a few minutes, no prep, no mess, no fuss.
• Dietary options to suit your needs: From dairy-free and low-calorie to high-protein and diabetes-friendly options, we've got something for everyone.
• Free from preservatives: We use natural preservation methods like blast chilling, no nasty additives here. 

Meals Our Customers Love

Not sure where to start? Here are some Nourish’d favourites many Home Care customers enjoy:

• Lasagne with Beef & Pumpkin: A hearty, oven-baked classic with tender beef, sweet pumpkin and pasta layers that feel just like a home-cooked dinner.

• Butter Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Mild, creamy butter chicken served with light, fluffy cauliflower rice for a satisfying lower-carb option.

• Beef Bourguignon with White Potato Mash: Slow-cooked beef in a rich sauce paired with smooth potato mash; perfect for those who love traditional comfort food.

• Pumpkin Risotto: A creamy, vegetarian risotto with pumpkin that’s gentle on the stomach but still wonderfully filling.

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Butter Greens: Tender chicken in a rich creamy garlic and herb sauce with spinach and parmesan, served with buttery garlic green beans and broccoli for a cosy, high-protein, Italian-inspired meal. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Support at Home and Meals

Are Nourish'd meals suitable for older Australians?

Absolutely! Our meals are nutritionist-approved and designed to support healthy ageing. With options for various dietary needs and portion sizes ranging from Regular (220–320g) to Extra Large (420–540g), there's something to suit every appetite.

Can I use my Support at Home budget for meal delivery?

Yes! Meal preparation and delivery services are approved under the Support at Home program as part of everyday living support. Your provider can help you allocate funding toward nutritious meal delivery.

Do I need to pay anything out of pocket?

Under Support at Home, you may be required to contribute toward everyday living services, such as meals. The amount you contribute depends on your income and assets, and the contribution rate that applies to your situation. Your Support at Home provider can explain your specific contribution and provide an estimate of what you're likely to pay for Nourish'd meals, with the remaining approved cost covered by your Support at Home funding.

What if my Home Care provider isn't partnered with Nourish'd?

No problem! Simply contact our team and we'll reach out to your provider to set up a partnership. We're always expanding our network to support more Australians. Visit our Home Care page to check our current provider list or request engagement with your provider.

When is the ordering cut-off?

Orders close every Wednesday at midnight AEST for delivery the following week. You can also set up a regular subscription so you never have to think about ordering; your favourite meals arrive like clockwork.

Your Next Step to Easier, Healthier Mealtimes

The Support at Home reforms are designed to help you live independently, safely, and comfortably in your own home, and good nutrition is a fundamental part of that goal. With Nourish'd, accessing delicious, nutritious meals through your Support at Home plan couldn't be simpler. Whether you're new to the program or transitioning from a Home Care Package, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Book an exploration call with us today and discover how easy healthy eating can be through your Support at Home plan.