Australia’s home care waitlist hits record highs under new Support at Home system
Australia’s new Support at Home system has launched, but more than 88,000 older Australians are still waiting for care. Learn why the backlog persists – and what families can do right now to get help faster.
The long-awaited Support at Home program has officially replaced the old Home Care Package system – but for thousands of older Australians, the transition hasn’t solved the biggest problem: the waitlist keeps growing.
As of late 2025, more than 88,000 people remain approved for government-funded home care but still aren’t receiving it. Another 120,000-plus are waiting just to be assessed. The result? A combined backlog that likely exceeds 200,000 Australians needing in-home help.
What is the Support at Home system?
Support at Home is Australia’s new national model for in-home aged care, introduced on 1 November 2025. It’s designed to simplify funding, improve flexibility, and better match care to people’s actual needs – replacing the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) program.
However, while the system itself is new, the underlying pressure points remain familiar:
- Too many people are waiting for assessments or funding
- Approved clients are stuck in limbo, unable to find available providers
- Workforce shortages continue to limit service delivery, particularly in regional areas
Why the backlog persists
Despite reform, the queue for home support is longer than ever. Several factors are driving it:
| Factor | How it contributes |
| Rapidly ageing population | The number of Australians aged 80+ is rising fast, increasing demand for in-home support. |
| Slow rollout of new packages | Package releases haven’t kept pace with new approvals. |
| Assessment bottlenecks | Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) and Regional Assessment Services (RAS) are overwhelmed. |
| Implementation delays | The rollout of 83,000 additional places was pushed back several months, leaving people stranded. |
| Workforce shortages | Funding alone doesn’t create carers – and many providers can’t fill shifts or grow capacity. |
Providers have warned Senate committees that wait times of 12–15 months are becoming standard – even for those with approval.
The human toll
Behind the numbers are real people whose health and independence are on the line:
- Declining wellbeing: Long waits mean seniors go without essential care, leading to falls, hospitalisation, and faster decline.
- Caregiver strain: Families are under immense pressure to provide round-the-clock care without support or respite.
- Hospital logjams: Hospitals report up to 10% of beds occupied by patients medically cleared for discharge but unable to go home safely.
- Regional inequality: Access remains patchy, with the worst delays in rural and remote communities.
What’s being done – and what still isn’t
The Support at Home system marks the biggest change in aged care funding in decades. It aims to give older Australians more control and transparency – but the rollout has been bumpy.
- 20,000 new care places were released earlier than scheduled, yet demand continues to outstrip supply.
- Workforce incentives and training grants are in motion, but many providers say the measures don’t go far enough.
- Advocates and peak bodies are calling for another 20,000 packages immediately, alongside better regional workforce planning.
In short, the framework has changed – but the capacity problem hasn’t.
What families can do right now
Until the system stabilises, families need to stay proactive. Here’s how:
1. Get assessed early
Apply through My Aged Care as soon as possible. Ensure medical reports and supporting documents are current and comprehensive.
2. Track your status
Follow up regularly and ask whether your situation qualifies for priority reassessment. Sometimes, deteriorating health can move someone up the queue.
3. Use interim supports
- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): Basic services like cleaning, transport, and meals.
- Private services: Short-term stopgaps to cover gaps while waiting for government-funded help.
- Community programs: Meals on Wheels, local councils, and volunteer groups can fill immediate needs.
4. Make the home safer now
Install ramps, rails, and fall-prevention aids without waiting for funding. Early action can prevent accidents and hospitalisation.
5. Keep up the pressure
Raise issues with your local MP, participate in aged care consultations, and share your experience through consumer groups. Public accountability drives faster action.
The shift to Support at Home was meant to simplify and speed up access to care – but the reality for many families is still a long, uncertain wait. The growing queue is a reminder that reform on paper doesn’t immediately fix problems on the ground.
Until capacity catches up, families must stay informed, organised, and proactive to secure the care their loved ones need. Real change will take not just policy, but sustained investment, workforce growth, and community pressure.
