What is Support at Home classification?

Ongoing classifications

Each participant receiving ongoing services is assigned one of eight classifications, numbered 1 to 8, in their aged care assessment. Each classification carries a quarterly budget that includes the 10% set aside for care management. Budget amounts are indexed on 1 July each year; check the Department's current Schedule of Subsidies and Supplements rather than relying on old figures.

Participants can carry a limited amount of unspent funds into the next quarter. If a budget no longer meets someone's needs, the provider can, with the participant's agreement, ask for a reassessment for a higher classification.

Short-term pathways

• Restorative Care Pathway: coordinated, intensive allied health and nursing to regain function, funded for up to 16 weeks
• End-of-Life Pathway: dedicated funding for people diagnosed with three months or less to live who want to stay at home
• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme: funding for equipment, products and home adjustments

Restorative and end-of-life funding is allocated immediately on approval. Care management for these pathways is claimed against the pathway's own funding account.

Waiting for funding

Approval and funding are separate steps. People approved for ongoing services wait for funding through the Support at Home Priority System. Depending on demand, a participant may first receive interim funding of 60% of their classification so they can start critical services, with the rest allocated later and not backdated.

Transitioned Home Care Package recipients hold Transitioned HCP Level 1 to 4, with budgets matched to their old package, until a reassessment gives them a higher Support at Home classification.

How Rostery helps

Rostery sets up each participant's Support at Home budget by classification and quarter, draws it down as services are delivered, separates the care management share, and shows what is left before a service is booked.