5 Tips for Talking About Getting Support At Home

It can feel overwhelming to discuss getting extra help so your loved one can live safely and independently at home. This post offers tips to help you approach the topic with care and understanding, making it easier to navigate this important step together.

Starting early care support when it is least needed can help maintain healthy aging before your loved ones need to be hospitalised or move into aged care or a nursing home.

1. Have a Conversation About Getting Help at Home

Start with an open and gentle discussion with your loved one and any family members involved in their care.

A good time to bring this up is if they mention difficulties with specific tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or getting to appointments.

Reassure them that seeking support doesn't mean they'll have to move into an aged care home. Many government-funded options can help them live independently at home for longer.

If your loved one is over 65 years old (or over 50 if they identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person), they may be eligible for these services.

2. Listen and Observe

Take the time to truly listen to your loved one's concerns and observe any challenges they might not openly share.

They may feel reluctant to talk about tasks they find hard, like carrying a vacuum upstairs or managing transport to medical appointments.

Keep the focus on their needs, ensuring they feel heard and included in decisions.

By listening closely, you may uncover ways to support them that they hadn't considered.

3. Discuss the Types of Help and Care Options Available

Once your loved one is open to exploring support, explain the services they could access and how the system works.

Help at Home: Assistance with daily tasks like cleaning, gardening, and preparing meals.

Short-Term Care: Temporary support, such as rehabilitation or respite care.

Aged Care Homes: For those needing ongoing, full-time care (optional to discuss if not relevant).

Government subsidies for these services are available through two main programs:

Home Care Packages are for people with complex needs who require a tailored package of services. From 1 July 2025, they will be replaced by the Support At Home program.

Commonwealth Home Support Program: For those needing low-level, day-to-day assistance.

Costs vary depending on each person's financial situation, but subsidies can help make care more affordable.

To get started, encourage them to use the My Aged Care eligibility checker to see if they qualify, or you can work through this together. The online checker takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. This step can also be done over the phone by calling the My Aged care helpline.

If eligible, the next step is to apply for an at-home assessment.

What Are Home Care Packages?

Home Care Packages are for older Australians and people with more complex needs who require a combination of services to continue living independently at home.

These packages are based on a person's needs, including personal care, meal preparation, help with household tasks, transport, or even nursing.

Four funding levels are available, covering basic care needs (Level 1) through high-level care needs (Level 4). Each level provides a specific budget.

The support services are delivered through approved providers.

Importantly, your loved one will have the flexibility to choose their provider and the services they receive.

From 1 July 2025, the Home Care Packages program will be replaced by the Support at Home Program.

The new program will combine existing services into one simpler system.

This change is designed to make it easier for older Australians to receive the care they need, with a focus on tailored support. For more details about the upcoming changes, visit the My Aged Care website.

What Is The Commonwealth Home Support Program?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is an entry-level program designed for older Australians needing low-level support with daily living tasks.

It's ideal for those who need help with a few specific activities but are otherwise managing well at home.

Services available through the CHSP include cleaning, gardening, meal preparation, transport, social support, and home maintenance.

For example, a person might get help mowing the lawn, taking them to medical appointments, or getting groceries.

Many older Australians use this program as a first step to receiving support at home.

From 1 July 2027, the CHSP will also be replaced by the Support at Home Program, which aims to bring greater flexibility and consistency to home-based care services.

The My Aged Care website provides more details about this transition and how it may affect current and future participants.

4. Support Them During the Assessment

After you have applied for an assessment, you will be contacted by an assessor for an at home visit.

The assessment visit helps determine eligibility and the level of support your loved one needs. Offer to be there during the assessment for support and to help explain any questions.

The assessment is in person and at home to ensure their needs are thoroughly understood. They may need to fill out an ‘Application For Care’ form and at the visit, the assessor will have a conversation with them about the type of help they need day to day.

The assessor will be able to answer questions and will talk through the support plan which is a document that sets out the types of care and services that can best support your loved one.

It's essential to reassure them that this is not a commitment to services but a step towards understanding what help is available.

5. Support Them After the Assessment

The assessment outcome might take some time to arrive, so encourage patience and stay involved in the process.

A letter is sent with details of the outcome and next steps within 2 to 6 weeks.

If approved, a suitable program or package will be assigned, providing a set amount of funding for care services.

Finding Aged Care Providers

It's best to start researching and reaching out to approved aged care providers early in the process when applying for aged care support. By exploring your options in advance, you’ll have more time to find an aged care provider that meets your loved one’s needs.

Help them through the next steps, such as choosing an approved service provider and booking appointments.

Need help?

If you’d like to find out more about getting help at home for you or your loved one, call our friendly Aged Care Team on 1800 275 223, we’re here to help you.

Our local quality aged care services provide support, dignity, and enhance quality of life, empowering older people to age independently and live well at home for as long as possible.

Having the extra support can make a big difference in maintaining independence at home.

Remember to start with a gentle conversation, listen to your loved one's needs, and guide them through the process with patience and understanding.

Sources:

My Aged Care Helpline: 1800 200 422

My Aged Care Website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au

My Aged Care Assessment Outcome: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment-outcome-home-care-packages

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.