The final version of the Support at Home Manual is now expected in June, leaving less than a month for full implementation.
An early version of the Manual was released on 7 March, with a second release expected later this month (April 2025).
The early version contained more than a dozen gaps marked with an icon signifying 'information subject to finalisation' (see main image).
The expectation, outlined in a December webinar, had been that the Manual would be available in March.
Despite the tight timeframe, Prue Bowden, CEO of Australian Unity Home Health, said it's important the reforms are implemented successfully. She told The SOURCE, "The scale and complexity of change required is challenging for the sector.
"This is a pivotal moment for aged care in Australia, it’s essential we get it right and build a sustainable, world-class system that supports people to age with dignity, independence and choice.
"Our priority is supporting our 24,000 customers to understand what these reforms mean for them and feel supported every step of the way.
"Australian Unity is doing everything to prepare for the July 1 transition."
The gaps in the first release of the Support at Home Manual relate to matters including:
- provider responsibilities,
- place allocation,
- service agreements,
- what happens when participants won’t agree to changes,
- cessation of services,
- claiming through the Aged Care Provider Portal,
- cancellations and no shows, and
- allocation of care management funding.
Some details of the Support at Home program are dependent on consultation on the Aged Care Rules. Once consultation on the relevant Rules is complete, the Manual will be updated.
A summary of Support at Home indicative prices was released on 24 March.
