The Support at Home Program, commencing 1 November 2025 as part of the new Aged Care Act, will replace the current Home Care Package system with eight levels of support designed to match individual needs at home.
At the upper end of this framework sit Classifications 7 and 8, intended for people with very high-level or end-of-life care requirements. These tiers deliver intensive, continuous support so individuals can remain safely and comfortably in their own homes.
While Classifications 5 and 6 provide substantial assistance, Classifications 7 and 8 go further, with Classification 8 offering the most comprehensive care, including 24-hour oversight and palliative services.
What Are Support at Home Classifications 7 and 8?
Support at Home Classifications 7 and 8 offer the highest levels of in-home care for individuals with very high to critical care needs, addressing severe physical, cognitive, or health challenges. These classifications represent the top tiers, with Classification 8 providing the most comprehensive care, including 24/7 monitoring and palliative support. Classifications 7 and 8 focus on frequent, often multiple daily or continuous, assistance with personal care, clinical needs, and household management, enabling individuals to avoid residential care.
- Classification 7: Provides very high-level support for severe needs, including multiple daily visits for full personal care (e.g., feeding, bathing, transferring), advanced clinical oversight, allied health services, and specialised equipment. Suitable for those with significant mobility issues, advanced chronic conditions, or cognitive impairments requiring intensive daily intervention.
- Classification 8: Provides the highest level of comprehensive in-home and palliative care for critical health conditions, such as terminal illnesses or severe dementia requiring 24/7 monitoring. Includes overnight support, symptom management (e.g., pain relief, breathlessness), end-of-life planning, and specialised equipment like hospital beds or hoists. Aims to ensure comfort, dignity, and family support to avoid hospitalisation.
Both classifications focus on delivering the highest level of in-home care, prioritising comfort, dignity, and safety while providing continuous support for individuals with complex or end-of-life needs.
Key Features of Classifications 7 and 8 Support
Classifications 7 and 8 offer an in-depth range of services to address critical care requirements. Common features include:
1. Comprehensive Personal Care
Individuals at these levels often require complete assistance with daily activities, including:
- Full support with bathing, showering, or toileting
- Assistance with dressing, grooming, and continence management
- Help with mobility and transfers (e.g., from bed to chair or wheelchair)
- Support for eating or managing swallowing difficulties
2. Advanced Medical and Nursing Support
Classifications 7 and 8 include clinical care to manage critical health conditions, such as:
- Administration of medications or injections
- Intensive wound care, catheter management, or other clinical procedures
- Monitoring of severe conditions (e.g., terminal illnesses, advanced neurological disorders)
- Coordination with healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or palliative care specialists
Classification 8 often involves more frequent nursing visits, overnight care, and complex medical oversight compared to Classification 7.
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3. Intensive Household Assistance
To maintain a safe and functional home environment, care workers may:
- Perform thorough cleaning of key areas (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms)
- Manage laundry, including heavy linens
- Arrange home modifications, such as ramps, grab rails, or widened doorways
- Conduct safety assessments to eliminate hazards, especially for those with mobility or cognitive impairments
4. Meal Planning and Nutritional Support
Proper nutrition is critical for individuals with critical care needs. Services may include:
- Preparing specialised meals for dietary requirements (e.g., low-sodium, pureed, or diabetic-friendly diets)
- Feeding assistance for those with swallowing or motor difficulties
- Coordinating with dietitians to meet nutritional goals
- Regular grocery shopping and meal planning support
5. Social and Emotional Support
Loneliness and mental health challenges are common among those with critical needs. Classifications 7 and 8 provide:
- Regular companionship visits to reduce isolation
- Support for engaging in community activities, hobbies, or outings, where possible
- Emotional and spiritual support for individuals and families navigating critical health conditions
6. Specialised Equipment and Technology
To enhance safety and mobility, these classifications may include:
- Access to mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, hoists, or walking frames)
- Assistive technologies, such as fall detection systems or medical alert devices
- Home modifications like stairlifts or accessible bathrooms
7. Care Coordination
Classification 8, in particular, emphasises coordinated care, involving:
- Multidisciplinary teams (e.g., nurses, allied health professionals, and social workers)
- Regular care plan reviews to adapt to changing needs
- Liaison with family members or medical providers for holistic support
Who Are Classifications 7 and 8 For?
Classifications 7 and 8 are designed for individuals who:
- Have profound mobility limitations or require extensive specialised equipment
- Live with critical or end-stage health conditions (e.g., terminal illnesses, advanced dementia, or severe post-stroke complications)
- Are recovering from critical surgery or managing multiple chronic diseases
- Need continuous supervision due to severe cognitive impairments or safety risks
- Require 24/7 clinical care and palliative support (Classification 8)
These levels are ideal for those who wish to remain at home, but need the most intensive support beyond what family or lower classifications can provide.
How Classifications 7 and 8 Differ From Other Levels
- Classifications 1–2: Minimal to moderate support, such as light cleaning, occasional personal care, or companionship.
- Classifications 3–4: Regular personal care, mobility support, and frequent visits for moderately complex needs.
- Classifications 5–6: Intensive daily support with clinical care, home modifications, and allied health input for complex needs.
- Classifications 7–8: Very high to critical support with multiple daily visits, 24/7 monitoring (Classification 8), and palliative care for the most severe needs.
Direct Alternative to Residential Aged Care
For many families, Classifications 7 and 8 can offer a viable alternative to entering Residential Aged Care (RAC). These levels are designed to deliver intensive, continuous support at home, making it possible for individuals with complex or end-of-life needs to remain in a familiar environment rather than transitioning to a residential facility. Where clinically appropriate and safe, Classification 7/8 funding enables people to receive the same level of care they would expect in RAC, but with the comfort, dignity, and independence that come from staying at home.
Benefits of Support at Home Classifications 5 and 6
The advantages of these classifications include:
- Maintained Independence: Individuals stay in their familiar home environment with tailored support.
- Personalised Care: Services address complex medical, physical, and emotional needs.
- Peace of mind for Families: Professional care reduces the burden on family caregivers.
- Health Monitoring: Regular clinical oversight prevents deterioration or emergencies.
- Enhanced Safety: Home modifications and assistive technologies ensure a secure living space.
How to Access Support at Home Classifications 5 and 6
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
Consider Sarah, a 76-year-old with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Sarah struggles with mobility and requires help with daily tasks and medication management. With Classification 5 support, a care team visits twice daily to:
- Assist with bathing, dressing, and transfers
- Administer medications and monitor symptoms
- Prepare specialised meals for her dietary needs
- Provide companionship to reduce isolation
For David, an 80-year-old with early-stage dementia and heart disease, Classification 6 offers daily nursing visits, mobility support, home modifications (e.g., grab rails), and coordination with a physiotherapist to maintain his independence and safety at home.
Why Choose Aged Care Decisions?
Aged Care Decisions offers a 100% FREE, fast and independent service to connect you with trusted care providers tailored to your needs. With the Support at Home Program starting 1 November 2025 and new out-of-pocket fees, now’s the time to sign up or review your provider for the best support.
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