Home Care Services
For many older Australians, staying in their own home is the preferred option for as long as possible. Home care services are designed to provide the support needed to maintain independence and safety at home. These services are delivered through two key government-funded programs, which offer different levels of support depending on an individual's assessed needs.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
The CHSP provides entry-level, basic support for older Australians who need a smaller amount of assistance with everyday tasks. It is designed to help with things like household chores, meal preparation, shopping, and transport to appointments. This program is perfect for those who are largely independent but need a little extra help to continue living comfortably in their own homes. Eligibility is assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
Home Care Packages (HCP)
For those with more complex or ongoing care needs, the government offers a Home Care Package. These are coordinated packages of care, available at four different levels, from low-level care (Level 1) to high-level care (Level 4). A higher-level package provides more funding and a wider range of services, which can include nursing care, allied health services (such as physiotherapy), personal care, and assistance with more complex daily tasks. After an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), recipients are allocated a package level and can choose their preferred provider.
- Services commonly included in Home Care Packages:
- Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
- Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)
- Meal preparation and nutrition advice
- Medication management
- Transport to medical appointments and social outings
- Allied health services (e.g., occupational therapy)
- Social support and companionship
Residential Aged Care
Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live safely or independently at home and require 24-hour support. This care is provided in a residential facility, often called an aged care home or nursing home. These homes provide accommodation, meals, personal care, and access to round-the-clock nursing and allied health services. Residential care can be either on a permanent or short-term basis.
Permanent Residential Care
This option is for those who need ongoing, higher-level care that cannot be delivered effectively in their own home. It provides a safe and supportive environment with all needs met, including nursing care, meal services, laundry, and social activities. The level of care is determined by an ACAT assessment.
Residential Respite Care
Residential respite care is a short-term stay in an aged care home, designed to provide a break for an individual's regular carer. This can last for a few days or weeks. It is often used after a hospital stay for recovery or simply to give family carers a rest while ensuring the person being cared for receives continuous support. Like permanent care, it is accessed through an ACAT assessment.
Flexible Aged Care
Flexible aged care is a third category of service that caters to a range of specific, often short-term, needs. Unlike the mainstream home and residential options, these programs are designed for particular situations, such as recovery after a hospital stay or specialised care for specific population groups.
Transition Care Programme (TCP)
TCP is a short-term, goal-oriented program for older people transitioning from hospital to their home. It provides up to 12 weeks of low-intensity therapy, nursing, and personal care to help the person recover, regain function, and finalise ongoing care arrangements. It can be provided in a residential setting or in a person's home.
Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)
The STRC program provides early intervention services for up to eight weeks to reverse or slow the functional decline of older people. The aim is to improve their wellbeing and independence, helping them to continue living in their own homes. Like TCP, STRC can be delivered in a home or residential care setting.
Specialised Programs
Other flexible care options exist for specific needs and demographics, such as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program, which provides culturally appropriate care.
Comparison of Aged Care Service Types
| Feature | In-Home Care | Residential Aged Care | Flexible Aged Care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | In your own home | In a residential facility | In your home, a residential setting, or both |
| Level of Care | Basic to high-level support, depending on the package | 24/7 high-level personal and medical care | Targeted, short-term restorative care |
| Purpose | To assist with daily tasks and maintain independence at home | For those unable to live independently who require continuous care | Recovery post-hospital, respite for carers, or early intervention |
| Programs | CHSP and Home Care Packages | Permanent Care and Respite Care | TCP, STRC, and other special programs |
| Assessment | RAS for CHSP, ACAT for HCP | ACAT for both permanent and respite | ACAT for TCP, RAS for STRC |
Navigating the Aged Care System: Your First Steps
Before accessing any of these government-funded aged care services, the first step is to contact the official gateway: My Aged Care. A phone call or visit to the website will begin the process of understanding eligibility and arranging an assessment. An assessor will evaluate an individual's needs, health, and living situation to determine which services are most appropriate.
Following the assessment, you will receive approval for a specific service. My Aged Care also provides a service finder to help locate approved providers in your area, and a comparison tool to help you make an informed decision based on quality, location, and cost.
Conclusion
Navigating the aged care system is a complex but necessary journey for many older Australians and their families. By understanding the three main types of services—home care, residential care, and flexible care—you can make informed decisions that best suit an individual's unique needs and preferences. Whether the goal is to maintain independence at home, receive round-the-clock support, or recover from an illness, the Australian system offers a range of options designed to promote a healthier, safer, and more connected later life. The key is to start with My Aged Care to ensure all options are explored with the guidance of an assessor.
