Australia’s Support at Home reforms are introducing sweeping changes to in-home aged care, especially for services like gardening. Here’s what you need to know:
A New Era Begins 1 November 2025
The Australian Government is rolling out major aged care reforms under the new Support at Home Program, starting 1 November 2025. As a gardening and home maintenance business, My Garden Therapy wants to help our clients understand how these changes affect access to funded gardening services and what to expect moving forward.
Gardening Support = Everyday Living
Under the upcoming Support at Home Program, gardening is formally recognised as part of everyday living support. This category covers services that help older Australians live safely at home, like lawn mowing, pruning, and yard maintenance.
This recognition is a positive step forward. It affirms what many families already know: outdoor maintenance is just as essential to independence and well-being as indoor care.
Goodbye to Caps on Gardening Hours
Earlier government proposals included a cap of 18 hours per year on gardening services for clients receiving government-funded support. Older Australians, carers, and industry groups widely criticized this as unrealistic, especially for people living on larger blocks or with mobility limitations.
Thanks to community feedback and advocacy, the government has scrapped these limits. That means:
- No fixed cap on hours: Services can now be tailored to individual needs.
- Flexibility in support: Your gardening plan can be seasonal, ongoing, or more intensive during peak times.
- More control: Older clients can now work more collaboratively with providers to decide how much gardening support is needed.
This allows My Garden Therapy to provide compassionate, personalised garden care, tailored to each person’s unique needs and fully supported through aged care funding.
What Will It Cost?
While the government will cover most care services, gardening support usually involves a co-contribution, depending on your financial assessment. To understand what this might mean for you, we recommend speaking with your aged care provider or reaching out to our team at My Garden Therapy for guidance and support.
How to Access Gardening Services Under the New Program
If you or a loved one currently receives gardening assistance through a Home Care Package (HCP) or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), there will be some changes starting from November 2025. But don’t worry—we’re here to help make the transition smooth and stress-free.
Here’s how to get started:
- Book or update your aged care assessment through My Aged Care (1800 200 422). Be sure to mention that gardening support is an important part of your well-being and daily living.
- Work with your care provider to include garden maintenance in your personalised care plan.
- Choose a trusted provider like My Garden Therapy, experienced in aged care and supporting older Australians.
- Stay informed: Receive monthly statements and a breakdown of service costs from your provider, so you always know what’s included.
Our team is more than happy to work directly with your care coordinator to ensure everything is in place, making it easier for you to continue enjoying your garden safely and comfortably.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming aged care reforms are all about giving older Australians more choice, independence, and control, and we’re proud that gardening is now recognised as an important part of that support network.
At My Garden Therapy, we’re here to provide caring, reliable, and high-quality gardening services tailored to the needs of older adults. Whether it’s maintaining a safe outdoor space or simply helping you continue enjoying your garden without the physical strain, our team is here to support you with compassion and respect.
To learn more about how the aged care reforms may affect you, visit the resources below.