Rural Lifestyle Options Australia’s Annual Report 2024–2025

Rural Lifestyle Options Australia’s Annual Report 2024–2025 is now available. 🌻

This year reflects disciplined delivery, measured growth and deeper impact across the communities we proudly support. 😍

Discover the milestones that shaped our year and the real stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed through our tailored NDIS and My Aged Care services. 🙌

This year’s report features powerful client stories that capture the impact of our work including:

🔹 How One Renovation Changed Bruce’s Life

🔹 Adam’s Return to the Library

🔹 Robert’s Culinary Journey

📘 Read the full 2024–2025 Annual Report here:

https://lnkd.in/g8rAPk33

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To learn more about how Rural Lifestyle Options Australia can support you or your loved one, visit www.rloa.org.au/whatwedo or call 1300 032 175.

10. 'Support At Home' Your Questions, Answered (Part 2).

Question: Will I pay a co-contribution under Support at Home?

Answer:

Yes, participants generally pay a contribution (or “participant contribution”) for non-clinical services under the independence or everyday living categories.

Key points:

• Clinical supports (delivered by qualified health professionals) are fully government-funded, with no participant contribution.

• The contribution rate is determined by your income and assets, and a letter will be sent informing you of your rate before 1 November 2025.

• A fee estimator tool will be available to preview your expected contribution.

• If you experience financial hardship, you may apply for financial hardship assistance to reduce or remove your fees.

Question: How will I find out my contribution rate?

Answer:

• The department will send you a letter outlining your contribution rate before the transition.

• From 1 November 2025, Services Australia will confirm and issue a formal fee advice letter.

• If there is insufficient information, you may be asked to provide financial details (income, assets).

• A digital fee estimator (on the My Aged Care website) will let you check your estimated contribution in advance.

Question: What about people with dementia? Is there a dementia supplement under Support at Home?

Answer:

• Yes, Support at Home continues to support people living with dementia.

• For those with complex cognitive needs, higher funding is available based on assessment outcomes.

• If you are receiving a Dementia and Cognition Supplement on 31 October 2025, you will continue to receive similar support under the new scheme.

• The supplement is integrated into your overall care package funding and assessed needs.

Question: What happens to CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) services?

Answer:

• CHSP services will transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.

• To keep receiving services from 1 November 2025, you must have undergone an aged care assessment before that date.

• If you’ve already been assessed and are receiving CHSP, you can continue until the formal integration.

• As your support needs increase, you may become eligible for full Support at Home earlier.

Question: Will there be a price cap on service charges?

Answer:

• Under the current Home Care Package model, providers set their own fees.

• From 1 July 2026, the government will introduce price caps for many Support at Home services.

• Providers must adhere to those caps, and you must be informed of any changes before agreeing to services.

Question: Can Support at Home providers charge extra administration or “package management” fees?

Answer:

No, under Support at Home, administration and care management costs are built into the service price. You should not be charged a separate “package management fee” as under the HCP regime.

Question: If I self-manage, why will I still pay for care management?

Answer:

Even if you self-manage your services, 10% of your annual budget is allocated to care management. This portion covers oversight, compliance, quality assurance, governance and safety obligations that the government and providers must meet.

Question: Can I use AT-HM (Assistive Technology / Home Modifications) funding for occupational therapy?

Answer:

Yes, if your occupational therapy consultation is primarily to prescribe assistive technology, to provide education or training, or to support modifications, it is eligible.

OT is included under “allied health and therapeutic services” in the independence category.

Question: Why do I need to contribute toward personal care (e.g. hygiene, showering) when clinical care is free?

Answer:

Personal care, hygiene and showering fall under independence / everyday living supports, not clinical supports. Clinical supports are fully funded, but independence services enable you to remain in your own home and thus require a participant contribution.

Question: What if I can’t afford my contribution?

Answer:

You can apply for financial hardship assistance. Once approved, the government will pay some or all of your aged care fees directly to your provider. To apply, complete the Aged Care Claim for Financial Hardship Assistance (SA462) form. Services Australia aims to assess applications within 28 days.

Question: Will I need to be reassessed if my needs change?

Answer:

Not always. A Support Plan Review (SPR) may be triggered if:

• Your health or care needs change

• You need new or additional services

• A time-limited, therapeutic or trial service ends

You or your care provider can request the review. Importantly, when you transition from HCP to Support at Home, you will not need a new full assessment just to access different services.

Question: How can I find support or advocacy?

Answer:

• Call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600

• Visit OPAN’s website for resources

• Ask to speak with an Elder Care Support worker at your local health service

• For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care support, contact your National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) or local ACCHO

Question: Will I receive more correspondence from the government?

Answer:

Yes. Prior to and after 1 November 2025, you will get letters related to:

• Your unspent funds balance

• Your contribution rate

• Details of your new service agreement

• Updates about service providers, price caps, and relevant changes

• You can also check updates via My Aged Care, talk with your provider, or liaise with OPAN or your local elder support service.

Question: How can RLOA (Rural Lifestyle Options Australia) help during my transition?

Answer:

At RLOA, our mission is to support you to live well and independently in your own home.

During the transition to Support at Home, we:

• Offer information and guidance tailored to you

• Help you understand service options, contributions, and your rights

• Advocate on your behalf if issues arise

• Assist with liaising between you, your provider, and government agencies

We are here to make your journey smooth, clear and empowering.

Want to take the next step?

Get in touch with our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing agedcare@rloa.org.au today!

09. 'Support At Home' Your Questions, Answered.

Question: What is this blog about?

Answer: 

It answers frequently asked questions from older people, families and carers about the 'Support at Home' program.

Question: Who can I contact for help with my personal situation?

Answer: 

• Call Rural Lifestyle Options Australia on 1300 032 175

• Call the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422

• Visit an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at select Services Australia centres

  
  

Question: How can I get printed information about Support at Home?

Answer: 

• Ask us to print it for you from our Main Office

• Ask at your local library

• Call National Mailing and Marketing on 02 6269 1000 to request a copy

• Order fact sheets from National Mailing and Marketing

• Speak with your home care provider if you’re already receiving care

  
  

Question: What happens when I move from a Home Care Package to Support at Home?

Answer: 

• You will transition on 1 November 2025

• Your budget will match your current funding level

• Unspent funds can be used for services like assistive technology or home modifications

• You will have access to all services without needing a reassessment

• You will need to sign a new or updated service agreement

• Service prices may change, but protections are in place to keep them reasonable and transparent

  
  

Question: How will I know what my contribution rate is?

Answer: 

• The department will send you a letter with details

• From 1 November 2025, Services Australia will confirm your rate and send a fee advice letter

• If more information is needed, you will be asked to provide income and asset details

• Use the fee estimator to preview your contributions

  
  

Question: What if I receive CHSP services?

Answer: 

• CHSP will transition to Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027

• To continue receiving CHSP services from 1 November 2025, you must have had an aged care assessment

• If you have already been assessed, you’ll continue receiving services

• If not, request an assessment before 1 November 2025

• If your needs become more complex, you may be eligible for Support at Home

  
  

Question: What services are covered under Support at Home?

Answer: 

The service list includes three categories:

• Clinical supports

• Independence

• Everyday living

  
  

Question: What category does osteopathy fall under?

Answer: 

Osteopathy is listed under ‘independence’ in ‘therapeutic services for independent living’.

Question: Is there a dementia supplement under Support at Home?

Answer: 

• Support at Home continues to support people with dementia

• Higher funding is available for those with complex needs

• Funding is based on assessments, including cognitive ability

• If you receive the Dementia and Cognition Supplement as of 31 October 2025, you will continue to receive it

Question: Can I still use Cabcharge and rideshare services?

Answer: 

Yes. These are listed under ‘indirect transport’ in the Support at Home service list.

Question: Will there be a cap on service prices?

Answer: 

• Providers currently set their own prices

• From 1 July 2026, the government will introduce price caps

• Providers must keep prices at or below the cap

• Your provider will inform you of any price changes before you agree to them

Question: Will providers charge administration fees on top of the service price?

Answer: 

No. Under Support at Home, the price for each service already includes administration costs. You won’t be charged extra for package management like you were under the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program.

Question: If I’m self-managing, why do I still pay a percentage of my budget to a provider for care management?

Answer: 

All participants receiving ongoing services will have 10% of their budget allocated to care management even if they self-manage. This covers oversight of quality, safety, governance and compliance.

Question: Can I use my AT-HM funding for occupational therapy assessments?

Answer: 

Yes, if the appointment is mainly for prescribing assistive technology or related services like education or follow-up. AT-HM funding covers products, equipment, home modifications and associated services. Occupational therapy is also listed under ‘Allied health and other therapeutic services’.

Question: Why do I have to pay a contribution for personal hygiene and showering?

Answer: 

Showering support falls under the ‘independence’ category, not ‘clinical supports’. Clinical supports are fully funded and must be delivered by qualified health professionals. Independence services, like showering assistance, help older people stay independent at home and require a participant contribution.

Question: What if I can’t afford to pay for my contributions?

Answer: 

You may be eligible for financial hardship assistance. If approved, the government will pay some or all of your aged care fees directly to your provider. To apply, complete the Aged Care Claim for financial hardship assistance form (SA462). Services Australia will assess your application within 28 days.

Question: What is the government doing about long wait times for assessments or services?

Answer: 

The government is working with assessment organisations to improve staffing, training, and systems to ensure timely assessments, especially as the new Aged Care Act begins.

Question: Will I need a Support Plan Review (SPR) every time my needs change?

Answer: 

Not always. You or your provider can request a review if:

• Your needs or goals change

• You need services not on your current plan

• A time-limited service ends

However, many changes can be managed without a full review. When transitioning from HCP to Support at Home, you won’t need reassessment to access different services.

Question: Who can I talk to about my rights?

Answer: 

• Call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600

• Visit OPAN’s website

• Speak to an Elder Care Support worker at your local health service or visit the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation’s website

Question: Will I receive more letters from the department about Support at Home?

Answer: 

Yes. The department will send letters to HCP recipients with details about:

• Your unspent funds

• Contribution rates based on your circumstances

  
  

You can also find more information on the My Aged Care website, speak to your provider, or contact OPAN or an Elder Care Support worker.

Question: How can RLOA help me?

Answer: 

At RLOA, our mission is to help you live well and for longer by staying in the home you love, supported by people who listen, understand and care.

Whether you are transitioning into Support at Home or want care support without waiting, we are here to ensure the journey is smooth, empowering and tailored to you.

Want to take the next step?

Get in touch with our team by calling 1300 032 175 or by emailing agedcare@rloa.org.au today!