Help at home
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.
What kind of services are available?
Meals and other food services
Help to ensure you continue to eat well, for example:
- meal delivery
- assistance with food preparation
Personal care services
Help to maintain your personal hygiene and grooming, for example:
- bathing
- taking medication
- getting in and out of bed
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:
- podiatry
- occupational therapy
- physiotherapy
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:
- general house cleaning
- clothes washing and ironing
- shopping
Home maintenance services
Help to keep your home and garden in a safe condition, for example:
- fixing uneven flooring
- installing a security light
- clearing the yard of debris
Home modification services
Help to increase or maintain your ability to move around your home, for example:
- grab rails
- ramps
- accessible bathroom redesign
Goods, equipment and assistive technology
Help with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations, for example:
- robotic vacuum cleaners
- shower chairs
- walking frames
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:
- driver service
- travel vouchers and subsidies
Social support services
Help to remain social and take part in community life, for example:
- in-home social calls
- phone and internet communication services
- group social activities
Am I eligible for these services?
Eligibility is based on need. You may be eligible for services if you have:
- noticed a change in what you can do or remember
- been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
- experienced a change in family care arrangements
- experienced a recent fall or hospital admission.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to check if you are eligible.
How does it work?
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.
How do I access these services?
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.
Two types of care needs for help at home
Entry-level care - Commonwealth Home Support Programme
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.
More complex care - Home Care Packages
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.
How do I apply?
You are here: Step 1 See what might help you at home
Take a look at the different types of care available.
Step 2 Apply for subsidised aged care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request an assessment.
Step 3 Find out what services you can get
After your face-to-face assessment, find out what services you are eligible for.
Step 4 Find a service provider
Use our Find a provider tool and checklists to find the best match for your needs.
Step 5 Arrange your services
Understand and sign the service agreement(s) to start receiving services.
Step 6 Get the most from your services
Find out how to make changes and what to do if things go wrong.