Why More Seniors Are Choosing Home Care Over Residential Care

In recent years, there has been a clear shift in how Australians approach aged care - with more seniors choosing home care over traditional residential aged care homes. This growing preference isn’t just a trend - it reflects the deep desire many older Australians have to age in place, surrounded by familiar comforts, routines, and neighbourhoods. For many families, home care offers the perfect balance of support and independence.

The Benefits of Ageing in Place

1. Independence & Control Over Daily Life

Unlike residential care, where routines are largely predetermined, home care allows seniors to maintain greater autonomy. From choosing meal times to deciding when to receive care, flexibility is a key benefit.

Josef, 101, a home care client in Victoria, still enjoys woodworking and gardening thanks to flexible daily assistance that fits around his hobbies, not the other way around.

2. Familiar Surroundings Promote Emotional Wellbeing

There’s no place like home. Remaining in a familiar environment is especially important for seniors living with dementia or cognitive decline. Familiar photos, pets, neighbours, and furniture offer emotional stability and reduced confusion.

Maria, 84, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Staying in her home of 40+ years, with support from a bilingual home care worker, helped her maintain routines and connections to her Italian heritage.

3. Cost-Effective Care, Tailored to Your Needs

With government-subsidised Home Care Packages and flexible service options, home care can often be more affordable than residential care, especially for seniors who need only a few hours of support per day or week.

Families can choose from a range of services, including:

Personal care and grooming
Meal preparation
Transport to appointments
Housework and home maintenance
Clinical care (wound care, medication management, etc.)

Unlike residential care, you only pay for what you need.

4. Strong Family & Community Connections

Staying at home means seniors can continue to be involved in family life and community activities. Grandkids can visit after school, neighbours can drop in, and seniors can stay engaged with their local church, club, or hobby group.

George, 76, receives weekly help with showering and groceries, but still volunteers at his Men’s Shed twice a week - something he feared he’d have to give up if he moved into residential care.

When is Home Care the Right Choice?

Home care is ideal for seniors who:

Prefer to live at home with some help
Have a safe and suitable home environment
Need low to moderate levels of care
Value personalised, one-on-one support
Want to delay or avoid moving into a care facility

Even those with more complex needs can receive clinical and palliative care at home, thanks to advanced home nursing options now widely available.

Government Support Makes Home Care More Accessible

The My Aged Care system provides access to subsidised Home Care Packages, depending on your care needs. These can fund a variety of services, and many home care providers offer guidance on navigating the application process.

Not sure what level of support you qualify for? Visit Aged Care Online to compare providers and learn how to get assessed.

More than ever, Australian seniors are choosing to age on their own terms - and home care is making that possible. From staying connected to your local community to keeping control over your daily life, home care supports both independence and dignity.

Need help finding home care?

Confident choices start with our Home Care Shortlist. Take the stress out of finding support - our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy to connect with trusted providers near you. Just tell us what you need and we’ll match you with qualified local providers - saving you hours of calls and confusion.