Yes, in many cases. Acupuncture is on the Australian Government’s Support at Home service list, under “Therapeutic services for independent living” (Support at Home service list). Whether you can use your funding for it depends on your assessed needs, your support plan and your budget, and your provider has to arrange it. The first step is to ask your provider or care partner.
Who this is for
- Older people receiving Support at Home services
- Families helping a parent manage their aged care funding
- People who previously had a Home Care Package
- Care partners and coordinators who want a clear summary
When this question usually comes up
It often comes up after a change in care needs, such as a fall, a hospital stay or worsening pain. It also comes up when a family is reviewing what their parent’s funding can be used for. Many people still hear the term “Home Care Package” and aren’t sure what has changed.
What changed in November 2025
On 1 November 2025, Support at Home replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme (Department of Health). People who already had a Home Care Package moved across automatically, with equivalent funding.
Under Support at Home, each person has one registered provider. That provider oversees the service agreement and coordinates, delivers and claims payment for the services (Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission). In practice, this means an independent practitioner like Anthony usually works with your provider, rather than claiming from the government directly.
How the funding works for acupuncture
The service list groups services into clinical supports, independence and everyday living. Acupuncture sits under “Therapeutic services for independent living”, alongside chiropractic, remedial massage and similar services (Support at Home service list).
Participants pay a contribution towards independence and everyday living services, based on their pension or income status. Clinical care is fully funded by the government (Benevolent Society). So a contribution may apply to acupuncture. Your provider can tell you the exact amount.
How to ask your provider
When you speak to your care partner, it helps to be specific:
- Explain what you’d like help with, for example “Mum’s knee pain is stopping her walking to the shops.”
- Ask whether acupuncture can be added to the support plan to help with that goal.
- Ask whether Anthony can be onboarded as an associate provider, so he can deliver acupuncture under their organisation.
- Ask what the participant contribution would be per session.
There is potential for Anthony to be onboarded as an associate provider with your Support at Home provider. To get this started, make a request to your care manager.
How acupuncture may help
For older people, acupuncture is most often used to help with symptoms such as ongoing joint or back pain, stiffness, muscle tension and poor sleep. It’s used alongside medical care, not instead of it. The aim is usually practical: making everyday activities a little easier.
What a home visit usually involves
Anthony comes to the home, so there’s no need to arrange transport. Treatment can be given on a portable table, in an armchair or in bed. The first visit takes about 60 minutes, including an assessment. Follow-ups take about 45 minutes. A family member or carer is welcome to be present. You can read what happens during a home visit.
When to seek medical review as well
Speak to the GP before starting acupuncture if the person:
- has had a recent fall, or new pain after a fall
- takes blood-thinning medication
- has a pacemaker or other implanted device
- has unexplained new symptoms, such as weight loss, fever or sudden weakness
Frequently asked questions
My parent had a Home Care Package. Do they need a new assessment?
No. People with a Home Care Package moved to Support at Home automatically on 1 November 2025, with equivalent funding (Department of Health). A reassessment is only needed if their care needs change.
Can we choose the acupuncturist?
You can ask. Your provider is responsible for arranging services. If you’d like Anthony to provide your acupuncture, ask your care manager about onboarding him as an associate provider.
Is acupuncture available through the Restorative Care Pathway?
The Restorative Care Pathway is short-term care focused on allied health and nursing to help someone regain function (Department of Health). Ask your provider whether acupuncture fits the person’s restorative goals.
What if my parent is still on the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
CHSP continues as a separate program until at least 1 July 2027 (Department of Health). Ask the CHSP provider what’s available.
Talk to Anthony
If you’re a family member or care partner, call or text Anthony on 0450 790 038 to talk through whether in-home acupuncture could fit a support plan. You can also read more about aged care acupuncture at home.