Can Support at Home pay for companionship?
Yes. Social support and community engagement may be included when isolation or participation is an assessed need.
Key points
- Yes. Social support and community engagement may be included when isolation or participation is an assessed need.
- The service must match an approved assessed need.
- Availability, price and participant contribution can still vary.
Yes. Social support and community engagement may be included when isolation or participation is an assessed need.
Support could involve conversation, outings, activities or help maintaining community connections.
Social support can include companionship, conversation, help maintaining relationships and support to participate in community life. It should be linked to an assessed goal rather than treated as an unrestricted leisure expense.
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01Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Check whether this service type appears in the Notice of Decision and support plan.
Ask the provider how it will be delivered, how often and at what agreed price.
Request a Support Plan Review if the service is needed but is not currently approved.
02Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
03Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
Check the official Support at Home service guidance. Aged care rules, funding amounts and program guidance can change, so check the current official information before making an important care or financial decision.
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