Information for older Australians (including people impacted by the current situation in Victoria) on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Information for health professionals and aged care providers on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Read the latest Health alerts on Coronavirus (COVID-19). Information on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
As you get older, living independently in your own home can become more difficult. If you’re finding it harder to do the things you used to, you can ask for some help at home.
Asking for help doesn’t mean losing your independence; it’s quite the opposite. Getting a little help with daily activities means you can stay independent in your own home for longer. In fact, a little support can lead to a much better life.
Help at home looks different for different people. It may mean getting help with shopping and cooking. Or it could be receiving personal care to bath, dress, and get in and out of bed. It may even mean getting modifications to improve your safety and movement around the house.
Getting some help at home can enable you to continue to live independently in your own home for as long as possible.
Meals and other food services
Help to ensure you continue to eat well, for example:
Personal care services
Help to maintain your personal hygiene and grooming, for example:
Nursing care services
At-home help to treat and monitor those with medical conditions.
Allied health / therapy services
Help to maintain movement and mobility, for example:
Specialised support services
Help for people with a particular condition, e.g. poor vision, dementia
Domestic assistance
Help to keep your living space clean and livable, for example:
Home maintenance services
Help to keep your home and garden in a safe condition, for example:
Home modification services
Help to increase or maintain your ability to move around your home, for example:
Goods, equipment and assistive technology
Help with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations, for example:
Assistance with care and housing
Linking to housing and care services for people experiencing homelessness.
Transport services
Help to get you out and about to appointments and community activities, for example:
Social support services
Help to remain social and take part in community life, for example:
Eligibility is based on need. You may be eligible for services if you have:
Check your eligibility and apply for an assessment online, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to see if you are eligible.
The Australian Government subsidises the cost of home support services that you can receive in the comfort of your own home. What you need to pay depends on your services and in some cases, your financial situation.
Depending on your care needs, services can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Home Care Package. An assessment process determines what program is more suitable for you. Check your eligibility and apply for an assessment online.
If you are able to manage, but need support with a few tasks, you could be eligible for subsidised support services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
This program aims to help those who need a low level of support to keep living independently. Only recommended to those who need one or two services.
Home Care Packages are for those with greater or more complex care needs. If you need many care and support services on an ongoing basis, you could be eligible for a Home Care Package.
Home Care Packages provide a number of services to meet your needs.
