Support at Home: What the New Model Means for Providers

The introduction of the Support at Home program on 1 November represents the biggest structural change to aged care in over a decade. For providers, it brings both fresh opportunity and greater accountability. 
 
The new model consolidates existing programs, caps management fees, and places a stronger emphasis on measurable clinical outcomes. It’s a shift from “service delivery” to client wellbeing and evidence-based support — and that means every part of a provider’s workflow will be under greater scrutiny. 
 
Support at Home doesn’t just change the funding structure; it changes expectations. Providers will now need to demonstrate that client needs — including nutrition, mobility, and safety — are not only assessed but actively supported and monitored. 
 
Nutrition is one of the most overlooked areas of risk in Home Care. Studies show up to half of older Australians living at home are malnourished or at risk, yet very few providers have systems to screen or monitor nutrition effectively. 
 
Handled well, it’s an area where providers can stand out for quality, client satisfaction, and compliance. 
 
Providers are already stretched. Capped management fees and workforce pressures make it hard to add new processes or staff. That’s why the next phase of innovation in Home Care won’t be about hiring more people — it’ll be about using technology and partnerships to deliver more with less. 
 
At Eat Well Health, we help providers do exactly that. Our model combines simple, paperless nutrition screening with dietitian oversight and direct-to-client product supply — all managed digitally, with no extra admin for your team. 
 
Support at Home isn’t just a compliance test — it’s a leadership opportunity. Providers who embrace smarter systems now will enter 2026 with a proven model, measurable outcomes, and stronger client retention. 
 
Because in the new world of Home Care, doing the right thing for clients and running an efficient organisation are finally aligned. 
 
Learn more about how Eat Well Health supports Home Care Providers at https://eatwellhealth.com.au/pages/home-care-provider. 
 
— Andrew Martin, Founder, Eat Well Health Pty Ltd