Starting the process of arranging home support can feel like entering unfamiliar territory. For many older Australians and their families, the decision involves a balance between wanting to maintain independence and recognising that some day-to-day tasks are becoming harder. Families describe this stage as bittersweet: a relief to know that help is available, but a challenge to accept that more consistent support is now needed.
This is where Support at Home Classification 2 comes into play. It builds on the foundation of Classification 1, but provides a broader range of assistance and more frequent visits. Classification 2 is designed for people who are still independent in many aspects of their life but are beginning to need regular, reliable support to stay safe, healthy, and connected at home.
What Is Support at Home Classification 2?
Support at Home Classification 2 is the next step-up in community-based aged care services, aimed at individuals with low-to-moderate care needs. While Classification 1 might involve occasional visits or light assistance, Classification 2 introduces more structured and consistent care.
The goal is not to take away independence, but to fill in the gaps where a person may be struggling. Think of it as a safety net that allows someone to keep living in their own home with dignity, while managing everyday challenges that might otherwise compromise their wellbeing.
Key Features of Classification 2 Support
The services available at Classification 2 cover a wider spectrum and occur more regularly than at Classification 1. Typical features include:
1. Regular Personal Care
At this level, personal care becomes a more routine part of the support plan. This might include:
- Assistance with showering or bathing several times a week
- Help with dressing and grooming
- Support with toileting if required
- Gentle mobility support around the home
Carers encourage independence wherever possible, but they are there consistently enough to ensure comfort and safety.
Start comparing providers rightaway with a tailored report sent to you within 20 minutes. Get started here.
2. Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support
Healthy eating becomes more challenging as mobility or energy levels decrease. At Classification 2, carers can:
- Prepare nutritious meals regularly, not just occasionally
- Provide assistance with meal planning and shopping
- Encourage hydration and healthy eating habits
- Support safe use of kitchen equipment for those with mobility or memory concerns
3. Household Management
Classification 2 provides more comprehensive household support, helping individuals manage daily living tasks without becoming overwhelmed. This often includes:
- Cleaning multiple rooms of the house
- Laundry, ironing, and bed changing
- Organising cupboards or helping to declutter
- Support with bill payments or light paperwork
4. Transport and Community Access
Isolation is a significant risk for people at this stage. Classification 2 services often extend beyond the home, offering:
- Transport to medical appointments
- Escorting to community groups or social activities
- Assistance with shopping trips or errands
- Accompaniment on walks to maintain mobility and confidence
5. Medication Assistance
While Classification 1 provides simple reminders, Classification 2 may involve more structured medication management, such as:
- Prompting and monitoring medication routines
- Ensuring prescriptions are collected and organised
- Coordinating with healthcare professionals if changes are needed
6. Health and Safety Monitoring
Carers at this level play a more active role in keeping an eye on overall wellbeing. They may:
- Notice changes in mobility or appetite
- Identify risks in the home environment
- Communicate with family members about any concerns
- Support gentle exercises to maintain strength and balance
Who Is Support at Home Classification 2 For?
Classification 2 is intended for people who:
- Are still largely independent, but need regular weekly support
- Have mild-to-moderate mobility issues
- Require consistent personal care rather than occasional help
- Benefit from structured routines and check-ins
- Feel increasingly isolated without support to access the community
- Need ongoing assistance with meal preparation, shopping, or cleaning
In short, Classification 2 is for individuals who no longer manage comfortably with minimal help, but do not yet need high-level daily or medical care.
How Classification 2 Differs From Classification 1
Understanding the step up from Classification 1 to Classification 2 is important for families making decisions.
- Classification 1: Occasional, light-touch support for people with very low care needs.
- Classification 2: More regular, structured care; support with personal care, meals, household tasks, and social connection.
Classification 2 is often where people begin to feel a genuine difference in their quality of life. They’re not just coping day-to-day; they’re supported enough to thrive.
Benefits of Support at Home Classification 2
Choosing Classification 2 care brings tangible benefits:
- Peace of mind for families – Loved ones know regular support is in place.
- Improved safety – Reduced risk of falls, malnutrition, or unmanaged health issues.
- Better quality of life – People can participate in activities and maintain social connections.
- Consistency – Regular visits create routines that provide structure and reassurance.
- Preventive care – Addressing challenges early reduces the likelihood of hospital admissions or needing higher-level care too soon.
How to Access Support at Home Classification 2
Getting started with Support at Home involves a few simple steps:
- Register with My Aged Care
Begin by contacting My Aged Care, the government’s entry point for aged care services. You can register online at the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422. - Screening and Assessment
After registering, you’ll complete a short screening. If you’re eligible, you’ll be referred for a full aged care assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). - Receive Your Support Plan
Once assessed, you’ll be provided with a personalised Support Plan that sets out your care needs, goals, and the services recommended for you. - Enter the Priority System
You’ll be assigned a priority rating (urgent, high, medium, or standard) based on your care needs. This new system which replaces the previous National Priority System helps make sure those with the greatest needs receive funding and services first. Your place in the queue depends on how urgent your needs are, not just when you applied. - Choose a Provider and Begin Services
When funding is allocated, you’ll have 56 days (or up to 84 days with an extension) to select a provider and sign a Service Agreement so your services can begin.
Real-Life Example
Meet Robert, a 77-year-old living with arthritis. He manages most things independently, but struggles with showering safely, cooking balanced meals, and keeping up with housework. With a Support at Home Classification 2 package, carers visit four times a week to:
- Assist with showering and dressing
- Prepare meals and encourage healthy eating
- Clean the kitchen and bathroom
- Drive him to a weekly social group
This consistent, reliable support means Robert can continue living in the home he loves, while staying safe and connected to his community.
Support at Home Classification 2 is the next step in maintaining independence with dignity. It offers more than occasional help, and is a structured, consistent layer of support that ensures people can continue living well at home, even as their care needs increase.
At Aged Care Decisions, we help you find the right aged care solution for your individual needs. Our service is FAST, INDEPENDENT and 100% FREE, giving you the best support at every stage of your journey. Our friendly team uses their extensive knowledge and experience to guide you through your home care options with confidence.
Here’s how our FREE service works:
