Reforms and studies are continuing to shape the Support at Home program, despite deadlines for the commencement of various policies passing. These actions have been welcomed by the industry at large for their efforts at fairness, but grey areas leave providers with unsteady footing.
As new dates are announced, it is impossible to predict whether they will be extended again. Support at Home providers need to continue to manage and respond to these announcements as they come through. One thing that is going to make that easier on you, is a flexible data platform.
First, let’s look at what’s happened recently.
Recent developments for Support at Home reforms
- Price caps have not started1. These were due to commence 1 July 2026, but on 19 May 2026 were deferred indefinitely. The Government cited a lack of stability in the market and the need to build pricing settings that reflect sustainable price caps for both older Australians and providers.
- The sector’s peak body Ageing Australia welcomed price cap deferral2. This is consistent with its previous position in February 2026 when the relevance of the data being used to construct the pricing strategy was questioned3.
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has been strengthened4, allowing it to act against providers who fail to provide monthly statements, and order refunds for overcharging. It will also begin publish a quarterly national price comparison.
- There has been criticism around the Integrated Assessment Tool’s outputs. This tool uses an algorithm to set a person’s classification level. Concerns were raised because levels assigned automatically weren’t matching what assessors were seeing on the ground. On 2 July 2026 human oversight was added5.
These developments are all net positive for older Australians and the industry at large.
Providers would be wise to view the situation as fluid. As the industry adapts to reform and mandates come into effect, further changes and adjustments should be expected.
Tech considerations for Support at Home providers
Something that’s going to make your response as a Support at Home provider a lot easier is a flexible data platform.
The aged care sector is still changing shape, and Support at Home is only 8 months old. Assuming everything is settled now is a risky position to take.
Here’s some technology considerations Support at Home providers should have top of mind when reviewing their capabilities in the current climate.
- Efficient reporting processes and outputs. It shouldn’t take days to pull data or have documents ready to submit. Make sure your platform has the flexibility to adjust reporting parameters in case requirements change in the future.
- Evidence of compliance with Aged Care Quality Standards. Could your current documentation process withstand an audit by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission? Review whether your data platform holds this documentation securely and logically.
- Flexibility. Being able to push and pull different levers inside your data platform allows your organisation to react to changes more easily. If everything is locked down or your platform is very minimal, you could be left scrambling if unforeseen mandates are implemented.
Reforms aren’t slowing down. If you want a clear-eyed view of what’s next for your Support at Home compliance, reach out to Simone for a confidential conversation.
If you would like to learn more about streamlining compliance, reporting and care delivery with Salesforce and SalesFix, you can read more here.
References
- https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-sam-rae-mp/media/strengthening-consumer-protections-for-older-australians?language=en
- https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/media-releases/ageing-australia-welcomes-deferral-of-premature-price-caps/
- https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/media-releases/ageing-australia-makes-recommendations-ahead-of-federal-budget-3/
- https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/executive/policy/price-caps-deferred-additional-powers-for-regulator/
- https://ageingaustralia.asn.au/media-releases/ageing-australia-welcomes-human-oversight-of-integrated-assessment-tool/