Aged care and health leaders are sounding the alarm over delays and design flaws in the federal government’s upcoming Support at Home program, warning that current policy risks harming seniors and increasing pressure on hospitals.
Providers say the decision to delay the release of 20,000 home care packages has left many older Australians without vital support. Russell Bricknell, CEO of Juniper in WA, called the delay “unjustified,” stressing that it shifts costs into hospitals- where daily care can exceed $3,000- compared to just $173 a day for home-based services. “It’s not just perverse, it’s cruel,” he said.
Data highlights the scale of the problem: in WA alone, 43,000 seniors were admitted to hospital from home last year, far outpacing admissions from residential care. Experts argue that investing in home support now would not only reduce these numbers but also preserve dignity and quality of life for older people.
Concerns have also been raised about affordability. Analysts warn that under current pricing models, pensioners may be forced to choose between essentials such as meals and personal care. Professor Kathy Eagar described this as “unethical,” urging the government to cap fees and ensure care remains accessible for all.
As policymakers debate the future of Support at Home, aged care leaders continue to push for urgent action.
At CareVision, we share this commitment to ensuring older Australians can live safely and independently at home. Our Support at Home software helps providers deliver care more efficiently—reducing admin, supporting compliance, and freeing staff to focus on what matters most: people.