How to Become a Registered Home Care Provider Under the Support at Home Program
The Support at Home Program and strengthened Aged Care Standards under the Aged Care Act 2024 is reshaping the aged care sector. With this it offers new opportunities for providers to deliver essential home care services to older Australians. As the sector undergoes significant reform, understanding how to become a Registered Home Care Provider is crucial for ensuring compliance, quality service delivery, and long-term success.
At Lorraine Poulos and Associates (LPA), we specialise in helping those wishing to become home care providers navigate the complexities of becoming a Registered Provider under the Support at Home Program. With years of experience in the aged care consulting industry, we have developed a deep understanding of the Support at Home Program, the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, and the Aged Care Act 2024. Our expert team is dedicated to empowering your organisation with the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to successfully complete the registration process. Not only that, but we also have the capability to continue to work with you after approval, assuring ongoing compliance with all regulatory frameworks.
We are committed to supporting your organisation every step of the way, from understanding key requirements to ensuring your services meet the highest standards of care and compliance. Whether you’re just beginning the process or looking for expert advice to streamline your registration, LPA is here to help you thrive in the evolving aged care landscape.
What does it mean to become a Registered Provider under the Support at Home Program?
Becoming a Registered Provider means your organisation is officially authorised to provide home care services under the Support at Home Program. This program is a government initiative designed to improve the quality of home care for older Australians. This is being achieved by streamlining the delivery of services, increasing flexibility, and ensuring participants have more choice in their care.
Registration Requirements for Registered Provider vs Associate Provider (contractor)
| Registration Requirement | Registered Provider | Associated Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Participant Interaction | Can directly engage with and provide services to participants. | Provides services under the supervision of the registered provider and does not directly engage with participants independently. |
| Eligibility Check | Must meet the criteria set in the Aged Care Act 2024 and Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards. | Must align with the registered provider’s requirements, but not directly assessed by the ACQSC. |
| Application Submission | Submit a detailed application to the ACQSC, including documentation of service model, governance, and financial systems. | Not required to submit an application to the ACQSC, but must enter into a partnership agreement with a registered provider. |
| Compliance with Aged Care Standards | Must comply with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, including governance, service delivery, and consumer safety. | Must comply with the registered provider's compliance systems and follow their governance and service delivery standards. |
| Governance and Risk Management | Must have internal governance, risk management, and quality control frameworks in place. | Must adhere to the governance and risk management frameworks of the registered provider. |
| Participant Care Standards | Must meet person-centred care and safety standards as outlined in the Support at Home Program. | Must follow the registered provider’s protocols for consumer safety, quality, and care. |
| Financial Management | Responsible for managing finances, funding claims, and reporting to the ACQSC. | Financial reporting and claims management are overseen by the registered provider. |
| Quality Assurance Systems | Must have systems in place for ongoing quality improvement and continuous compliance with aged care reforms. | Must align with the registered provider’s quality assurance and improvement systems. |
| Oversight and Reporting | Directly responsible for ongoing reporting to the ACQSC and maintaining registration. | Must report through the registered provider’s systems, with oversight from the registered provider for compliance. |
We encourage you to refer to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to gain further understanding on the process of becoming a registered or associated provider.
At LPA we are working with new providers to ensure they are in the best position to submit their application, under the strengthened Aged Care Act 2024 from 1 November 2025.
Statement from Our CEO, Marisa Galiazzo
It is important to note that during the first phase of the Support at Home Program, the ‘Single Entity Model’ means that each provider has a single registration across all aged care programs, and each client has one main provider responsible for their overall care—even if services come from several organisations. The term “Single Entity Model” (sometimes called the "Single Provider Model" or “Universal Provider Registration”) under the new Aged Care Act refers to a major reform in how aged care providers are registered and how care for older Australians is coordinated:
- Single Registration: Each aged care provider will now register once, regardless of how many types of aged care services or programs they offer. This replaces the previous system where a provider might require multiple accreditations for different programs (e.g., home care, residential care).
- One Main Provider Per Client: Every person receiving government-funded aged care will have a single, main aged care provider. This main provider is responsible for managing the client's funding, overall care planning, coordination of services (even if delivered by other organisations), and administrative requirements. This ensures one entity is ultimately accountable for the quality and oversight of care for each client.
- Multiple Service Providers Still Possible: While each client has a main provider (the "single entity"), this provider can coordinate and subcontract services from different specialist providers. For example, an older person can receive domestic help from one agency and medical care from another, but their registered provider will organise and manage these on their behalf.
Step-by-Step Process to Becoming a Registered Aged Care Provider
The pathway to becoming a registered provider under the Support at Home Program involves several important steps. Here’s a detailed guide to navigating this process:
1. Determine eligibility for registration
Before applying, it’s essential to confirm that your organisation meets the basic eligibility criteria for registration under the Support at Home Program:
Compliance with the Aged Care Act 2024: Your organisation must demonstrate that it adheres to the Aged Care Act 2024 and the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Operational Readiness: Ensure your organisation is operationally ready to meet the requirements for governance, service delivery, and participant safety.
Financial Sustainability: Your organisation must show financial sustainability to manage the services you’ll deliver, ensuring long-term success under the program.
At LPA, our first step is usually what we call our Pulse Check which involves working with a consultant to map the requirements of being a registered provider with what you currently have in place and identify any gaps. A consultant can then work with you to develop any areas, to ensure you have the best chance of success when submitting your application.
It is important to note that during the current period of reform, there have been a minimal number of applications that have been approved. We recommend that those wishing to become a registered home care provider, consider using this time before changes are implemented to do your “groundwork”. This will help in ensuring that you know what your requirements will be and having key decisions in place.
Should you wish to learn more before getting started make sure you check out our upcoming free webinar on the 8 October – Becoming a Registered Provider under Support at Home.
2. Submit an Application to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC)
Once you have confirmed eligibility, the next step is to submit your application for registration to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. The application process requires detailed documentation and evidence of compliance with the required standards, including:
Service Model: Provide a comprehensive description of how your organisation delivers home care services, emphasising person-centred care, quality service delivery, and participant engagement.
Governance and Financial Systems: Submit documentation outlining your governance structures, risk management frameworks, and financial systems to demonstrate your ability to comply with regulatory requirements.
Risk Management and Quality Assurance: Ensure you have robust systems in place for managing risks, ensuring participant safety, and maintaining service quality.
3. Application Review and Assessment by ACQSC
After submitting your application, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) will assess your application. This review process includes verifying that your organisation aligns with the following:
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards: Your systems and practices must align with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, which emphasise continuous improvement, participant safety, and transparency.
Single provider model compliance: Under the Single Provider Model, your organisation must demonstrate integrated, person-centred care delivery.
Risk management: The ACQSC will assess your organisation’s ability to manage risks and ensure compliance with all relevant frameworks.
4. Approval and registration
Once your application is approved, you’ll be officially listed as a Registered Provider under the Support at Home Program. This status allows you to provide aged care services directly to participants, ensuring you meet all required quality standards and regulations.
5. Ongoing compliance and monitoring
Becoming a registered provider isn’t the end of the journey; it’s an ongoing process. To maintain your registration and deliver quality care, you’ll need to:
Regularly submit compliance reports: As a registered provider, you’ll be required to submit regular reports to the ACQSC to confirm ongoing compliance.
Participate in audits: Expect to participate in audits and inspections to verify that your service delivery meets the required standards.
Continuous improvement: Implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance the quality of care you provide and address any gaps identified during audits or participant feedback.
Why LPA is your trusted partner in becoming a Registered Provider.
Navigating the registration process and maintaining compliance can be complex, but LPA is here to support you every step of the way. Our expert team provides:
Consultation and guidance: We help you understand the regulatory requirements, prepare your application, and ensure your organisation meets all necessary standards.
Governance and risk management advice: We assist in developing the governance, risk management, and quality assurance frameworks that align with the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.
Ongoing Support: We offer ongoing compliance support to ensure your organisation remains up to date with regulatory changes and continuously improves its’ service delivery.
With years of experience in the aged care sector, LPA is a trusted partner in ensuring your organisation’s registration under the Support at Home Program is smooth, efficient, and compliant.
Are you ready? Take the Next Step Towards Becoming a Registered Provider
The Support at Home Program offers significant opportunities for aged care providers to deliver high-quality, participant-centred care to older Australians. Becoming a Registered Aged Care Provider is a key step in ensuring your business stays competitive, compliant, and able to access funding under this important program.
If you’re ready to start your journey or need guidance through the registration process, LPA is here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your organisation in becoming a Registered Provider under the Support at Home Program.
