As Australia’s aged care system evolves, Support at Home is emerging as a key program designed to improve the way older Australians receive assistance to remain independent in their own homes. A central philosophy guiding this initiative is the wellness and reablement approach, which focuses on helping individuals regain and maintain their functional ability, rather than fostering dependency.
This shift represents a major departure from traditional aged care models, emphasizing proactive, goal-driven interventions that align with the unique needs of each person. But what exactly does this mean for older adults who require care? And how does Support at Home integrate these principles into its framework?
What Are Wellness and Reablement Approaches?
The wellness and reablement model is based on the understanding that ageing does not automatically mean a decline in capability. Many older adults can improve their mobility, social connections, and overall well-being through targeted interventions. This approach supports individuals in actively participating in their own care, whether through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, home modifications, assistive technology, exercise programs, or social engagement activities.
- Wellness is about maintaining overall health and quality of life. It incorporates elements like physical activity, mental well-being, social inclusion, and nutrition—all of which play a critical role in helping individuals remain independent.
- Reablement focuses on short-term interventions that help people regain lost function due to illness, injury, or age-related challenges. The goal is to restore an individual’s ability to carry out daily activities, reducing their reliance on ongoing support services.
The Shift to Support At Home
The Support at Home program, set to replace existing aged care initiatives like Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care in July 2025, brings together multiple services under a streamlined, needs-based funding system. This framework ensures that individuals receive tailored, evidence-based care suited to their level of independence and capability.
By embedding the wellness and reablement model into Support at Home, the Australian Government aims to:
- Promote self-sufficiency by enabling older adults to set personalized goals for their independence.
- Enhance accessibility through targeted interventions like allied health support, assistive technology, and home modifications.
- Reduce long-term reliance on aged care services by offering effective early interventions.
Practical Applications of Wellness and Reablement in Aged Care
The implementation of wellness and reablement models varies depending on individual needs. Here are some key ways these principles are being applied within Support at Home:
- Personalized therapy programs: Physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and occupational therapy play a vital role in restoring physical function. These therapies assist individuals in regaining mobility, balance, and strength, preventing falls and improving independence.
- Assistive technology and home modifications: Devices such as grab rails, walking aids, adaptive utensils, and smart technology can significantly enhance an individual’s ability to carry out daily tasks safely.
- Cognitive support and mental health interventions: Older adults benefit from tailored strategies to maintain cognitive function, including brain training, stress management techniques, and social participation programs.
- Goal-oriented care plans: Rather than providing generic assistance, aged care professionals work with individuals to develop personalized, time-specific goals that focus on strengthening functional ability and confidence.
Benefits of the Wellness and Reablement Approach
The Support at Home program, guided by wellness and reablement principles, brings numerous advantages to older Australians, including:
- Improved independence – Encourages individuals to retain control over their daily activities for as long as possible.
- Better health outcomes – Focuses on preventing deterioration through early interventions and proactive support.
- Enhanced social engagement – Helps individuals stay connected to their communities, reducing isolation and loneliness.
- More efficient aged care services – Reduces long-term reliance on intensive support by empowering individuals to be active participants in their care.
The Support at Home program represents a new era in aged care, where services are built around empowerment, autonomy, and improved well-being. By integrating wellness and reablement models, aged care providers are shifting towards goal-driven, personalized support, ensuring older Australians have the tools and resources they need to live independently for longer.
As this program takes shape, it is essential for service providers, carers, and individuals to embrace these principles, recognizing that ageing is not about decline but rather about opportunity and continued growth.
References
Wellness and reablement approach in aged care | KeepAble
Purposeful Ageing: A Wellness and Reablement Approach | Ausmed
