e-Tools Support at Home software status update
eSAH will be rolled out in stages from September. Read about access to the sandbox version, training, finalising eHCP, reconciling data for last 2025 claim, preparation & transition.
Status of e-Tools Support at Home software (eSAH) changes
eSAH [e-Tools Support at Home] software will be ready for roll out from September 2025 in stages. There are some minor changes that we intend to make, but they are related to the functions that will not be required until the end of November 2025 i.e. reports and claiming.
The software is currently being demonstrated to clients. If you have not had the opportunity to view the software, please send a request to support@e-tools.com.au and we will contact you to arrange a suitable time.
By the first week of September, our “trial” site [Sandbox] will be available for clients to access. This will allow you to experience the functionalities of the software and to work with the manual entering of trial data to see how the software responds to your needs. We are very pleased with the outcome of the development so we hope you will enjoy the experience and fully grasp the extent of the changes and additions we have added to eSAH to meet and comply with the Government’s requirements.
Access to Sandbox Version, User Manual & Training LMS
As mentioned above, the Sandbox will be available from the first week of September. The earlier you register, the quicker you will be granted access to the site, i.e. first in, first on the system so that you can start exploring the software. As there is a small amount of setup required to allow access, we intend to process requests based on when the request was made. The registration process is part of the activation of your eSAH licence, so please contact the Sales team via sales@e-tools.com.au to complete this step.
Access to the Sandbox version of the software will not be restricted, however please note that as a user you will have your own tenant, which is separate from other users. Some setup will be required to get the system operating so early registration is imperative.
In addition, those logged onto the Sandbox will be provided with access to a User Manual to assist in navigating the software.
The Sandbox will be released in stages, with functions added at each staged release. This will allow our team time to have a focused approach for training and continue to refine the software to adapt to changing Department rules.
In addition, those logged onto the Sandbox will be provided with access to a User Manual to assist in navigating the software.
To further help the navigation, given the number of clients that will be transitioning to Support at Home on 1 November, we have also adopted a Learning Management System [LMS] which contains a series of modules that can be replayed by the user, as often as required.
The LMS is a commercial software solution and the cost to access the LMS will be advised at a later date, but we can assure you it will be very reasonable. Each user will be provided with individual logon credentials.
As we have in the past, e-Tools will also provide online F2F training at its normal training rate. This will be scheduled on a first come first scheduled basis as the number of staff that require training prior to the implementation date is in the thousands.
e-Tools has adopted some user-managed training options as part of the training mix to meet everyone’s needs and to ensure everyone receives the appropriate training on eSAH. There will be a blend of LMS, F2F, User Manual access and flow chart support to assist clients.
Finalising eHCP & Reconciling Data for Last 2025 Claim
There are two major issues which we believe clients should take note of in relation to the transition to Support at Home. Whilst they are unrelated to the actual migration on 1 November, we believe it is important that we bring them to your attention so that you can take appropriate steps:
- Reconciliation of Home Care records
It is important that our clients recognise that the November claim, submitted in December 2025 is the last claim that will be made under the old funding arrangements. As such, it is very important that each provider reconciles their data [history] to ensure that all prior claims have been correctly recorded and that there a no adjustments to be made. Unless this is done, any errors or underclaiming historically will be lost to the provider.
- Potential Audit of Home Care History
The Home Care Package program has been a significant government program involving hundreds of millions of dollars and we cannot believe that the Government will shut that program down without conducting some sort of audit of the program, to ensure funds have been expended appropriately. Whilst it may not happen, although highly likely, we believe it is in each providers interests to conduct an internal audit of its Home Care Package program to ensure all funding has been correctly accounted for and claimed appropriately. If further advice on this matter is required, please contact e-Tools via the support portal support@e-tools.com.au
Preparation Required to Ensure an Easier Transition
Over coming weeks, e-Tools will circulate an advisory on what needs to be done by clients to help ensure that the transition is smooth and without any major hiccups. There are a significant number of consumers/participants to migrate, staff to train and new participants to commence being brought onto the program. This will require a coordinated effort between e-Tools and our clients to manage any issue that may arise.
How We’ll Manage Your Transition & Training
As mentioned above, e-Tools intends to manage the training and transition on a basis of a schedule created following contact by individual clients identifying available times and states of readiness. It is important that clients prepare and when they believe they are ready, they should contact e-Tools and discuss suitable times for both training and transition options.
Software Operational Ahead of 1 November 2025
The eSAH software will be rolled out from September, but we are finalising a few items in relation to APIs, reports and the claiming process. Please keep in mind the Department is still releasing new information which has an impact on our state of readiness.
If you haven’t already done so, we recommend you contact e-Tools via the support portal and arrange a suitable time for a demonstration and to initiate the purchase of your new eSAH licence. Please do not leave this too late as it will be more difficult as we get closer to the commencement date of 1 November to accommodate individual requests.
Read Only Licences for eHCP
For obvious legal responsibility [record retention for 7 years] as well as the potential of an audit or queries raised by the Department, not to mention completing the final acquittal document that the Department will require, all providers will need to retain a “read only” eHCP licence for the 7-year period going forward. Please discuss this when you contact e-Tools as part of the activation of your eSAH licence.
We thank you for your patience and trust the information above will provide reassurance that we are on track to delivering a solution that will enable an easier transition for you and your team. As always, if you have any queries, please reach out to e-Tools support for assistance.
The e-Tools Software team
