Elderly home care helps older Australians live safely and comfortably in their own homes. The right care can prevent falls, support health, ease daily tasks, and keep people connected to their communities.
This guide covers the main types of home care services, when to start, how funding works, and how to choose a provider who feels like the right fit.
What Is Elderly Home Care?
Elderly home care (also called in-home aged care or home care for the elderly) is support delivered where you live.
Elderly home care can be:
- Short-term (such as after hospital or injury)
- Ongoing (to help with daily life, health, and independence)
- Flexible (a little help weekly, or daily care if needed)
Good home care isn’t about taking over — it’s about helping you keep control of your routine and lifestyle.
Types of Home Care Services
Most people use a mix of services depending on their needs.
1. Personal Care Support
Support with daily routines that can become harder over time, tasks may include:
- showering, dressing, grooming
- mobility, transfers, walking support
- continence and toileting assistance
- meal-time and hydration support
2. Home Help Services (also referred to as Domestic Assistance or Help around the home)
Keeping the home safe and comfortable with tasks such as:
- cleaning, laundry, tidying
- meal preparation and nutrition support
- shopping assistance
- gardening and light home maintenance
3. Nursing and Clinical Care
If you need medical support at home, a provider, such as Just Better Care, can organise in-home nursing support for tasks such as:
- medication management and prompts
- wound dressing and skin care
- monitoring chronic conditions
- post-hospital recovery support
4. Dementia Care at Home
Dementia-trained Support Workers and other healthcare professionals at Just Better Care support safety, routine, and wellbeing through:
- structured daily support and memory prompts
- assistance with meals, hygiene, and mobility
- reassurance, communication, and behaviour support
- respite for family carers
5. Respite Care
Respite care gives families a break while ensuring the older person is supported. It may be a few hours, overnight, or regular weekly support.
6. Social and Community Connection
Ensuring that the elderly person remains active and engaged in their local community and in the activities they enjoy, with a range of community participation support services, including:
- transport to appointments and outings
- help staying involved in hobbies and community groups
When Is It Time to Start Home Care?
People often wait until things become urgent. Starting earlier is usually safer and less stressful.
Consider home care if you notice:
- difficulty keeping up with cleaning, meals, or errands
- falls, near-falls, or reduced mobility
- forgetting medications or appointments
- weight loss, fatigue, or low confidence
- loneliness or isolation
- carer stress in the family
Even 2–3 hours a week can make a big difference.
How Elderly Home Care Is Funded
There are two common pathways:
Government-funded aged care
- Entry-level support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Ongoing funding through the new Support at Home program
You do not choose which program you receive; this will be based on your Aged Care Assessment. Find out more about the Aged Care Assessment with My Aged Care
Private home care
- You pay directly for services
- Useful if you want to start quickly or add extra hours
A reliable provider will explain what you’re eligible for and help you combine options if needed.
Home Care vs Residential Aged Care
Many Australians prefer to remain at home as long as it’s safe. Here’s the main difference:
- Home care helps you stay in your home, with one-to-one support that adapts as needs change.
- Residential care is provided in a shared setting and is suitable for people who need constant supervision.
For many families, home care is the first and best step — it keeps familiar routines and preserves independence.
How to Choose the Right Home Care Provider?
When comparing providers (including large franchise networks), ask these practical questions:
- Will I get consistent carers?
- How quickly can services change if my needs change?
- Are fees transparent, fair, and explained up front?
- Do you provide clinical oversight if my health declines?
- Do you know my local area and community services?
You’re choosing people who will be part of your daily life — trust and comfort matter.
Why Families Choose
Just Better Care?
Just Better Care focuses on local, relationship-based support. That means:
- Team members are matched to suit your needs and personality
- Flexible home care services from weekly help to daily care
- Experienced teams, including nursing and care management
- Independence-first planning so support builds confidence, not dependence
- Local knowledge across metro and regional Australia
We build care around your life — not a standard roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of in-home care do people usually need?
It depends on your situation. Some start with a few hours a week; others need daily support. We tailor care to your goals and safety needs.
Can home care help after a hospital stay?
Yes. Post-hospital support is one of the most valuable uses of in-home care — helping with mobility, meds, meals, and recovery.
Is home care only for personal care?
No. It can include home help, nursing, transport, social visits, dementia care, and respite.
Can I change providers later?
Yes. If your provider isn’t the right fit, you can usually move to another service without losing continuity of care.
Next Step
If you’re exploring elderly home care for yourself or someone you love, Just Better Care can help you understand your options and start support quickly. Contact your local team to discuss your elderly home care needs
