Article Summary

In-home aged care helps older Australians live safely and independently at home. An aged care assessment through My Aged Care determines eligibility for programs like Support at Home, with services tailored to individual needs, goals and routines
When someone you care about starts needing extra help at home, it’s natural to have questions — about what support is available, how the system works, and where to begin. This article walks through the questions families ask most often about in-home aged care, helping you understand your options and feel more confident about the next steps.

Thinking about in-home aged care can raise many questions, especially when you’re supporting a parent, partner or loved one who wishes to remain living independently in their own home and local community.

This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions from families, including how to access support, what services are available, and how to take the next step.

How do we get help at home?

In Australia, government-funded in-home aged care is available through different programs depending on a person’s needs. These include the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the Support at Home program, among others, depending on your level of support required and other factors.

To access government-funded aged care, you’ll usually need an assessment arranged through My Aged Care as the main initial pathway to receiving a partial or full subsidy towards the cost of your care. 

This assessment helps determine the level of support that will best help you or your loved one stay safe, well, and independent in their own home and local community.

Learn more about aged care assessments and how to apply

What home support services are available?

In-home aged care can be tailored around your routines, preferences and goals. 

Services may include support to:

  • prepare meals or shop for groceries
  • shower, dress, or manage personal care
  • manage medications
  • maintain mobility and confidence around the home
  • keep your home safe through cleaning, home maintenance and mobility support
  • stay connected through transport, social visits or community activities

Many people start with just a small amount of support and increase it over time as their needs change.

Explore aged care services with Just Better Care

What is the Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s main program for in-home aged care. 

The program replaced Home Care Packages and is designed to make it easier for older Australians to access coordinated support, equipment and home modifications.

Support at Home is suitable for people who need ongoing help with everyday tasks or have more complex care needs.

Find out how Support at Home works

What’s the difference between CHSP and Support at Home?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is generally for people with lower-level support needs — for example, help with a few household tasks.

Support at Home is designed for people who need more coordinated or ongoing support.

CHSP is expected to transition into the Support at Home program no earlier than 1 July 2027.

Do we need an assessment?

Yes. To access government-funded aged care, you’ll usually need an assessment organised through My Aged Care. 

For Support at Home, this assessment helps determine eligibility and the types of services that will best support your independence.

Assessments often take place in your home, and you can prepare by noting any health conditions, medications, and daily tasks that have become more difficult.

What happens in an aged care assessment?

How much does in-home aged care cost?

Costs depend on your funding program, your assessed needs, and your income. 

Under Support at Home, some services may require a co-contribution, while others may be fully subsidised.

Understanding costs and contributions

Can we get private (self-funded) in-home care?

Yes. You can choose to access private (self-funded) in-home aged care at any time — whether or not you’re receiving government-funded support.

Private care can be a good option if:

  • You’re waiting for an aged care assessment or approval
  • You want to start support straight away
  • You’d like extra services beyond what your funding covers
  • You prefer complete flexibility over when and how care is delivered

Private care does not require a My Aged Care assessment and can be arranged quickly, based on your preferences and needs.

Learn more about private in-home aged care options

What are the benefits of private in-home care?

Many families choose private care because it offers greater choice, flexibility and control. Benefits can include:

  • Faster access — support can often start immediately
  • Flexible scheduling — choose the days, times and duration that suit you
  • Tailored support — care is designed around your routines, lifestyle and goals
  • No waiting lists or funding limits
  • Ability to complement government-funded care, not replace it

Some people use private care short-term, while others choose it as an ongoing solution to support independence and quality of life at home.

Learn more about the benefits of Private In-Home Care

How do we talk about home care with a loved one?

Many families worry about how to raise the topic of home care. It’s common for people to fear that accepting help means losing independence.

Helpful approaches include:

  • starting the conversation early, before a crisis
  • asking what would make life at home easier
  • focusing on goals like staying at home and keeping routines
  • suggesting a small trial of support

You can read more guidance here:  How to talk about home care with your family

Related links

Not sure where to start?

Your local Just Better Care team can help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps.

 Get Started with In-Home Aged Care