Funding Dementia Care Through Support at Home
How dementia support at home is funded: how cognitive needs shape your Support at Home classification, what is covered, and the dementia supplement change.
How Support at Home funds dementia care
The change to the dementia supplement
What dementia funding can cover
The value of consistency
Support beyond the budget
Planning for a progressive condition
Getting started
Frequently asked questions
How is dementia care funded under Support at Home?
Through the standard structure: you are assessed, assigned one of eight classifications, and given a budget to use across the service list. Cognitive needs are built into the classification framework, so dementia-related needs are meant to be reflected in the funding level you are assigned.
Is there still a dementia supplement?
Not as a feature of the new program — cognitive needs are built into the Support at Home classification instead. However, people receiving the supplement as at 31 October 2025 with a prior diagnosis generally keep that additional funding while they remain on their grandfathered level.
What can a dementia care budget pay for?
Personal care, supervision and social support, fully funded clinical care such as nursing and allied health, domestic help and meals, and respite for the family carer. A small, consistent team of familiar workers often makes dementia care far calmer and more effective.
What if dementia care needs increase over time?
Dementia is progressive, so funding may need to keep pace. A reassessment can lead to a higher classification. Keep notes on changes such as more supervision, new safety risks or harder behaviours, so you can clearly show the increase when you seek a review.