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.

Aged care worker cleaning for older woman

What kind of services are available?

Services that keep me healthy and safe

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.

podiatry
occupational therapy
physiotherapy

Specialised support services
Help for people with a particular condition, e.g. poor vision, dementia

Services that keep me safe in my home

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.

Services that allow me to interact with my community

Transport services
Help to get you out and about to appointments and community activities.

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, so if you’ve:

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.