How to Talk About Home Care With Your Family?

Talking to a loved one about getting help at home can feel challenging. Many older people worry that accepting support means losing independence, while families often fear saying the wrong thing or causing distress, but are faced with the reality that their loved one can no longer cope without some level of assistance from a specialised in home care provider such as Just Better Care

With the right approach, this conversation can be respectful, reassuring and empowering — helping everyone feel confident about exploring in-home aged care options together.

Start the conversation early

Where possible, it helps to talk about support before there’s a crisis. Starting early allows time to explore options calmly, understand what’s available, and make decisions together, rather than feeling rushed after a fall, illness or sudden change.

Many families find it useful to first learn more about how in-home aged care works, so they feel prepared and informed.

 Read answers to common questions about in-home aged care

Notice the small signs that help may be needed

The need for extra support isn’t always obvious. Many people work hard to keep things looking “normal”, even when tasks are becoming more difficult.

Some gentle signs that help at home could make a difference include:

• housework or laundry being left undone
• meals being skipped or relying heavily on takeaway
• difficulty managing the garden or home maintenance
• forgetting appointments or medications
• minor falls, bruises or near-misses around the home

These signs aren’t about loss of ability — they’re about recognising when the right support could improve safety and quality of life.

Understand why your loved one may feel hesitant

It’s common for older people to resist in-home aged care, even when they need it. This can be due to:

• not wanting to feel like a burden
• worry about losing control or independence
• embarrassment or discomfort asking for help

Acknowledging these feelings — rather than dismissing them — helps build trust and keeps the conversation respectful.

Ask questions instead of making statements

Rather than telling someone they need care, try starting with open-ended questions that invite their perspective. For example:

• “How are things feeling at home lately?”
• “Are there any tasks that feel harder than they used to?”
• “What would make your day-to-day life easier right now?”

This approach keeps your loved one involved in the decision-making and reinforces that their preferences matter.

Reframe help as support for independence

Many people feel more comfortable when they understand that in-home aged care is designed to support independence — not replace it.

You might explain how help at home can:

• make it easier to stay living at home longer
• reduce the risk of falls or injury
• free up energy for hobbies, friends and family
• support routines that are important to them

Even a small amount of help — such as assistance with shopping, cleaning or transport — can make a meaningful difference.

 Learn what types of support are available at home

Suggest a small step or trial

If your loved one feels unsure, starting small can help. This might involve trialling help with one specific task.

Reassure them that support can change over time — it doesn’t have to be permanent or “all at once”.

Private In-Home Care would be ideal for this first introduction step

Be patient and keep the conversation open

These discussions often take time. If your loved one isn’t ready straight away, that’s okay. Let them know you’re there to support them, and that the conversation can continue when they're ready.

As needs change, revisiting the topic can help ensure the right level of support is in place.

Understanding next steps

If your family decides to explore in-home aged care, the next step is usually to learn about eligibility, assessments, and available programs (such as Support at Home or CHSP).

 Find answers to common questions about accessing in-home aged care