Understanding Home Care Services
Home Care enables older Australians to continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes, without the need for residential aged care. It provides practical and personalised support with daily tasks, maintaining independence while offering peace of mind.
Services Covered Under Home Care
Typical in-home assistance includes:
- Personal care: bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting
- Domestic support: cleaning, laundry, meal preparation, gardening
- Medication reminders and basic nursing care
- Transport for appointments or shopping
- Social support and engagement with community activities
- Home modifications and safety aids
Both government-funded and private home care programs are available - offering flexibility depending on your needs and budget.
Home Care Package Levels
Available across Australia, Home Care Packages provide coordinated in-home services at four levels:
| Level | Care Need | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic | Ideal for minimal daily support (e.g. light domestic assistance, social support) |
| 2 | Low | Suited for moderate support with personal care and household tasks |
| 3 | Intermediate | For more comprehensive needs, including regular nursing or allied health support |
| 4 | High | Designed for individuals requiring significant and frequent in-home assistance |
Planning for the Future: New Support at Home Program
Starting 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages system. This new model emphasizes consumer-directed care, streamlined access, increased funding, and early intervention - empowering older Australians to maintain independence longer.
Benefits of Choosing Home Care
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Ageing in place: Staying familiar surroundings preserves dignity, comfort, and emotional wellbeing.
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Customised support: Care is tailored to your unique needs, and can adapt as circumstances change.
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Cost-effective: Home care often costs less than full-time residential care while delivering high levels of satisfaction and better health outcomes.
How to Access and Navigate Home Care
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Assessment: Begin by contacting My Aged Care or seeking an aged care assessment to determine eligibility based on your care needs.
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Choose a provider: Collaborate with a provider to develop a tailored care plan. Aged Care Online’s Home Care Shortlist service simplifies this by offering a free, customised list of local providers for you to compare and contact.
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Manage your care: Under Consumer Directed Care, you maintain control over how services are delivered and funded - ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.
Find out more: Your Guide to Home Care
Search for home care services in:
- Home care in Melbourne
- Home care in Sydney
- Home care in Canberra
- Home care in Brisbane
- Home care in Adelaide
- Home care in Perth
- Home care in Hobart
Need help finding home care?
Finding quality home care can be overwhelming, but our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy. Compare local providers, connect directly, and request information or consultations - all in one place. This saves time and ensures informed decisions.
Click here to get your FREE shortlist
Article posted:Oct 10, 2024 Category: Finding care
