Story by Shannon Phillips – Seasons Living Executive Manager Care

The Aged Care sector is currently experiencing one of the most significant periods of reform in its history.

The introduction of the Support at Home program in November 2025, which replaced the former Home Care Package program, represents a major shift in how in-home aged care services are funded, delivered and administered across Australia.

While these reforms are designed to improve the long-term sustainability of the aged care system and increase transparency for consumers, the transition has required substantial change across the entire sector.

HISTORIC REFORMS: Seasons Living Executive Manager of Care Shannon Phillips has shared an honest review of the Aged Care reforms and the challenges care providers have faced as a result of the changes. Picture: Contributed

Providers have needed to adapt to new funding models, revised pricing structures, enhanced reporting requirements, and significant digital system upgrades to integrate with Services Australia and My Aged Care.

Across the industry, there have been widely reported challenges associated with the transition, particularly with system integration and system compatibility.

As a result, many providers including Seasons have experienced delays in finalising and issuing client statements and invoices during the early implementation phase.

We acknowledge that some Seasons Care clients have been affected by these delays and we sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding shown as the sector works through these technical and operational adjustments.

NAVIGATING CHANGE: At Seasons, our teams across all communities have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to implement these changes while continuing to deliver high-quality care and support to our residents and care clients. Picture: Contributed

The Support at Home program has also introduced important structural changes that require providers to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible to remain sustainable.

Under the new program, Package Management fees have been removed and Care Management charges are now capped at 10% of a client’s budget.

While these changes are designed to direct more funding toward frontline care and services, they require providers across the sector to carefully review operational models and service delivery
approaches to ensure long-term viability.

Looking ahead, the Aged Care sector is preparing for the next stage of reform. From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has indicated price caps will be introduced for services listed under the Support at Home service catalogue.

Along with other providers across the industry, Seasons is closely monitoring these developments as further guidance and details are yet to be released.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our care clients and their families for their patience, understanding and support as we navigate these reforms together.

NEXT CHANGE: From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government has indicated price caps will be introduced for services listed under the Support at Home service catalogue. Picture: Contributed

At Seasons, our teams across all communities have worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to implement these changes while continuing to deliver high-quality care and support to our residents and care clients.

From our Care Teams and Care Managers to our administration, finance and leadership teams, the level of collaboration, adaptability and commitment demonstrated throughout this transition has been outstanding.

Throughout this period of significant change, Seasons staff members across all communities have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to implement the new changes while continuing to deliver compassionate and high-quality care.

We acknowledge and congratulate our Seasons Team for their professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment.

From Care to Finance, Administration and Leadership, the collaboration, adaptability and dedication demonstrated throughout this transition has been exceptional.

THANK YOU: Seasons extends sincere gratitude to our care clients and their families for their patience, understanding and support as we navigate these reforms together. Picture: Contributed

The efforts of all team members have ensured that the people we support remain at the centre of everything we do.

Seasons remains firmly committed to delivering exceptional care now and into the future.

As the Support at Home program evolves, we will continue to communicate openly with our clients and their representatives, and work collaboratively to navigate these changes together.

Find out more about Seasons Home Care here.