Sunshine Coast families are preparing for one of the biggest changes to home care in more than a decade, as the Australian Government’s new Support at Home program rolls out on 1 November.
The program will replace several existing community-based aged care services, aiming to streamline support and give older Australians greater choice and flexibility in how they receive care at home.
Local aged care provider Ozcare, which has served the Sunshine Coast for nearly 30 years, is stepping up to guide thousands of residents through the transition.
The organisation sees the reform as an opportunity to strengthen its long-standing support for the region’s ageing population and their families.
“Weʼve been delivering home support and care for decades,” Nick Hansen said, as Ozcareʼs chief operating officer, Community Living.
“The new model simplifies the system, but it doesnʼt replace what matters most: trust, local knowledge, and genuine relationships.”
The Support at Home program will consolidate home care services into three new service categories, Everyday Living, Independence and Clinical Support.
With more than 76,000 Sunshine Coast residents over the age of 65, accounting for 22 per cent of the local population, Mr Hansen said families were seeking clarity and reassurance as the changes take effect.
Ozcareʼs Sunshine Coast team comprises experienced Care Partners, Clinical and Registered Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, along with Care and Support Workers who assist locals in remaining independent and confident in their own homes.
Support ranges with daily living activities to community outings and gentle exercise programs, ensuring that care adapts to changing needs.
“Our value has always been in the people behind the care,” Mr Hansen said.
“Many of our staff have worked in the same community for years. That continuity gives families confidence that their loved ones will always be supported by people who know them.”
For many Sunshine Coast residents, this consistency has made the transition to the new Support at Home program smoother.
Local retiree Kate De Vere, who is transitioning to the new Support at Home program, expressed a renewed sense of connection.
“Itʼs not just about the help at home, itʼs the people,” Mrs De Vere said.
“The Ozcare team knows me, they know my friends, and they understand the Coast. You feel part of a community that has been here for years.”
Mr Hansen said there was also comfort in having seamless support from home support to aged care.
“We have a team of Care Partners as well as Ozcare, having established co-located facilities at Currimundi Gardens retirement community and Ozcare Caroline Chisholm aged care facility, and Ozcare Noosa Heads aged care facility,” he said.
“This local footprint allows families to experience seamless support from home care to residential aged care, if and when their needs change.”
