Older South Australians who have delayed or declined personal care because of cost are expected to access support thanks to changes to Support at Home, says South Australian aged care provider ACH Group.
From 1 October 2026, eligible Support at Home customers will no longer pay out-of-pocket costs for personal care services including assistance with showering, dressing and medication assistance.
For ACH Group customers currently contributing to personal care, the change is expected to save them an average of more than $800 a year.
ACH Group CEO Linda Feldt said the not-for-profit provider welcomed the change, seeing personal care as an essential service that supports older people to live well in their own home.
“Personal care is fundamental to older people’s dignity, health and wellbeing,” she said.
“A common personal care service is assistance with morning showers. Showering can present a significant falls risk for older people. Care may be as simple as having a Support Worker nearby for reassurance or providing help with tasks such as washing hair and showering safely.
“Without support, some older people may avoid showering altogether, which can affect their physical and mental health, increasing the risk of hospitalisation.”
Ms Feldt said ACH Group had heard from customers that they are waiting for the Federal Government reform before taking up or increasing personal care services.
“The Australian Government’s decision to fully fund personal care removes a significant barrier to accessing support that helps people maintain their health, wellbeing and independence at home,” she said.
“We have advocated for this change and are so pleased of its imminent introduction.”
Rayleen Devenport, 82, said the mix of services she receives through Support at Home, including personal care, helps her remain independent at home. “Without this support it would be difficult to stay at home,” she said.
“Personal care gives me the support, safety and confidence I need to stay independent.”
For Rayleen independence means frequent holidays with her friends, gatherings with neighbours she has known for decades, playing cards at the local RSL twice a week, and time with her two children and five grandchildren.
“I know the area and I know where I’m going, that’s why I love it here. I’m close to my children, my friends are nearby and I have wonderful neighbours. It means a lot to feel safe, supported and connected to the people around me,” she said.
The Federal Government announced in April 2026 that personal care would move from the ‘independence’ category to the ‘clinical supports’ category, recognising its value as a critical service.
The change means customers who have the personal care service type approved in their support plan, and have available Support at Home funding, can receive personal care services at no out-of-pocket cost from 1 October.
Personal care services include showering, non-clinical continence management, dressing, eating, personal hygiene, and assistance with self-administration of medication. The Support at Home program was introduced on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Packages.