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 help is available?
Knowing if there's something that might help with your situation is one of the key questions most people have when thinking about whether to apply for aged care services.
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.
How do I get an assessment?
You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for an aged care assessment.
Answer a few simple questions in our eligibility checker tool. If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an assessment straight away.
If your application is successful, you will be referred for an assessment. An assessor will arrange to meet you in person, usually at your own home.
What if I’m not ready to look for services?
You might still be exploring your options and not need or feel ready to look for aged care services yet. Healthy ageing—working to maintain your physical and mental wellbeing as you grow older—can help you further delay your need for services.
The My Aged Care website provides information and access to online tools to help guide you in staying fit, well, and independent for longer. Find out more on our Healthy ageing page.
What’s the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages?
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.
