The Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program on 1 November 2025, replacing the previous Home Care Packages Program. The program helps eligible older Australians access care and support while continuing to live independently in their own homes.
As a podiatrist providing home visits across Adelaide, I’ve noticed that many patients are still unsure about the changes. Some aren’t aware that podiatry may be included in their care arrangements, while others don’t know whether they can choose their own podiatrist.
Foot problems can make everyday activities harder than they need to be. Painful toenails, corns, reduced balance or poorly fitting shoes can affect walking and confidence. For someone already experiencing mobility difficulties, even getting to a clinic can be challenging.
This article explains how the Support at Home program works, how podiatry fits into the program and what you can do to arrange foot care at home.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is part of the Australian Government My Aged Care and it provides funding for eligible assessed older Australians to receive services in their own home. These services are based on each person’s needs and brings together multiple services into one system. The goal is to support independence for as long as possible in the comfort of their own home and help reduced hospital visits or supported care facilities.
Depending on your care plan, services may include:
- Personal care
- Nursing
- Domestic assistance
- Meal preparation
- Allied health services
- Travel
- Everyday living
Your care coordinator works with you to build a plan that is based on your health needs or goals and your daily activity. Over time, your needs can change and the plan can be reviewed and adjusted to reflect this.
For many Australians, regular podiatry can be an important part of this plan. Healthy feet support mobility, confidence and balance. This leads to us to be more active with everyday activities and most importantly, keep our independence.
Helpful Resources
If you would like to learn more about the Support at Home program or aged care services in Australia, the following resources provide clear and up-to-date information:
These websites explain eligibility, funding, available services, and how to access support as you age.
Does Support at Home Cover Podiatry?
Yes. Podiatry is included under the clinical supports category of the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.
If you have difficulty managing your foot health due to age-related changes, health conditions or reduced mobility, podiatry may form part of your approved care arrangements. This could include routine foot and nail care, diabetic foot assessments, management of corns and callus, or other clinically appropriate treatment.
However, receiving Support at Home funding does not automatically mean every podiatry treatment or product is covered. Services must be relevant to your assessed needs and approved support plan.
If you’re unsure whether podiatry is included in your care, speak with your care coordinator or Support at Home provider.
How Much Does Podiatry Cost Under Support at Home?
Under the Support at Home program, podiatry is classified as a clinical support service. This means eligible, approved podiatry services are funded by the Australian Government without a participant contribution.
However, the service must be included in your approved care arrangements, and the necessary funding must be available.
Your Support at Home provider can confirm whether your podiatry appointments are covered and explain how booking and invoicing will be arranged.
If you are receiving podiatry privately or through a different funding arrangement, separate fees may apply.
Can I Choose My Own Podiatrist?
In many cases, you can request a podiatrist you already know or would prefer to see.
Your Support at Home provider will need to confirm whether your preferred podiatrist can provide services through their arrangements. This may involve organising the booking, confirming fees or completing supplier onboarding.
If you would like All Needs Podiatry to provide your foot care, speak with your care coordinator and ask whether we can be included in your care arrangements.
We are happy to provide the necessary business information and documentation to assist with the process.
Why Regular Podiatry Matters
Our feet carry us through every stage of life, yet they are often overlooked until a problem develops. Regular podiatry can help maintain foot health and manage painful conditions, and supports your mobility so you can stay active and independent.
Regular podiatry can help:
- Keep toenails healthy and comfortable
- Treat corns and calluses
- Monitor diabetic foot health
- Reduce pressure areas
- Provide footwear advice
- Help lower the risk of falls
- Support safe and comfortable walking
- Help with heel and foot pains
Early assessment and treatment can help reduce the risk of some foot problems becoming more serious. That is something I see often in practice. A sore toe, a cracked heel, or a pressure area may seem minor at first. But if it is left alone, it can lead to pain, infection, or difficulty walking.
One patient I treated had been limping for weeks because of a painful corn. He had tried to manage it himself, but the pain kept getting worse and even stopped him from leaving the house as his home had soft carpet. After treatment and footwear advice, he was able to walk more comfortably again. It was a simple change, but it made a real difference to his everyday life.
Home Visits Make Foot Care Easier
Travelling to a clinic is not always easy. Health conditions, reduced mobility, pain, or a lack of transport can make appointments difficult. Home visits remove the need to travel and allow treatment to take place at home in a familiar environment.
During a home visit, we take the time to assess your feet, discuss any concerns, and Provide treatment suited to your individual needs. We can also see things that may not be obvious in a clinic setting. For example, I often notice how a person walks around their home, what shoes they wear most often, and whether there are any hazards that may affect their balance. That extra context helps guide care.
How to Arrange Podiatry Through Support at Home
If You Already Receive Support at Home
Start by speaking with your care coordinator or Support at Home provider. Let them know you would like podiatry services and explain any foot problems that are affecting your comfort or mobility.
Your provider can check your support plan, confirm whether podiatry is approved and discuss available funding. If you would prefer to see All Needs Podiatry, you can ask whether we can be arranged as your podiatry provider.
If You Haven’t Applied for Support at Home
If you are not currently receiving aged care support, you can contact My Aged Care to find out whether you may be eligible for an assessment.
An assessment helps determine your care needs and which services you may be eligible to receive. Approval and funding arrangements will depend on your individual circumstances.
You can visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422 for more information.
Supporting Your Independence
As a local Adelaide podiatrist, my goal is to provide calm, reliable care that supports your mobility and helps you continue living safely at home.
Looking after your feet is an important part of staying active and independent.
In my experience, people often wait too long before asking for help. They think foot pain is just part of getting older. With the right care, many foot problems can be managed well. Sometimes the change is small. “Sometimes even a small improvement can make everyday activities easier.
When was the last time you gave your feet the attention they deserve?
Arrange a Podiatry Home Visit in Adelaide
If you or a family member receives Support at Home funding and would like to arrange podiatry care, All Needs Podiatry may be able to help.
We provide professional home visit podiatry across Adelaide, with treatment tailored to your foot health and mobility needs. If you would like to see us through your Support at Home provider, speak with your care coordinator or contact us to discuss the arrangements.
Written by Michael Cedar
Podiatrist and Owner of All Needs Podiatry
Bachelor of Podiatry, University of South Australia (2021). Experience in public hospital, private practice and community podiatry, with particular interests in aged care, diabetic foot health and biomechanics.
Originally published: 7 July 2026
Last reviewed: 10 November 2026
Credit and thanks to Vitaly Gariev (2), Age Cymru (1 & 3) and Mobio Marketing (3) for the Images on Unsplash.