Australia’s new Support at Home program officially launched on 1 November, but the national waitlist remains at record highs. More than 88,000 older Australians have been approved for home care, yet still aren’t receiving services, and over 120,000 are waiting to be assessed—leaving an estimated 200,000 people in limbo.
The new model aims to simplify funding and deliver more flexible, person-centred care, but long-standing bottlenecks continue. Workforce shortages, slow assessment processing, and limited provider capacity—especially in regional areas—are still major hurdles. Even with the early release of 20,000 additional places, demand far outweighs supply.
These delays have real consequences: declining health, increased falls, family caregiver burnout, and longer hospital stays for patients who cannot safely return home. For many households, the transition hasn’t eased the pressure.
Families are encouraged to stay proactive by applying through My Aged Care early, checking in regularly on assessment status, and using interim supports such as CHSP or private services. Making simple home modifications and seeking assistance from community programs can also help bridge the gap.
The Support at Home reforms represent meaningful progress, but significant investment and workforce growth are still needed. Until capacity improves, staying informed and organised remains the best way for families to secure timely support.