Domestic assistance isn't just about cleaning.
Our care workers are clinically trained, qualified professionals that help you with everything from medication reminders to shopping and meal preparation.
Our team's training ensures they know how to respectfully work with all clients as well as identify areas of opportunity or risk that might improve a client's quality of life.
Option for ongoing home monitoring and care assessments that keep you worrying less about injuring yourself through trips and falls
Additional clinical expertise (if needed) through the reach of our St Vincent's hospital network
Consistent & qualified care with a history of care and support over 165 years
St Vincent's is able to offer competitive pricing for hospital & aged care backed clinical expertise because of our not-for-profit mission.
For over 160 years, St Vincent's has been supporting the most vulnerable in our community.
If you're unsure about being able to afford home care services, get in touch and see how we can help you.
A: Understanding how to fund domestic assistance can often feel confusing due to multiple options, eligibility criteria, and wait times.
To simplify things, we've outlined the three main funding pathways below, along with clear advantages, potential disadvantages, average wait times, and steps to access each one.
Private funding enables you to pay directly for domestic assistance, allowing immediate implementation tailored exactly to your requirements.
Advantages
Potential Disadvantages
Can be more expensive without government subsidies
All costs must be covered entirely out-of-pocket
Average Wait Time
Immediate (no wait time)
Steps to Access Private Funding
Identify your cleaning and maintenance needs
Contact your preferred home care provider
Obtain a quote and arrange cleaning directly
Pay out-of-pocket for immediate completion
Home Care Packages provide government-funded assistance to older Australians requiring higher levels of care to safely continue living at home.
Advantages
Government subsidies significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
Comprehensive and coordinated support
Potential Disadvantages
Longer wait times due to assessment and queue processes
Types of cleaning in a Home Care Package can be limited and focus more on safety above all else
Average Wait Time
3–12+ months, depending on assessed needs and package availability
Steps to Access Home Care Package Funding:
Contact My Aged Care to request an assessment
Complete an in-home assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
Receive your assessment outcome and assigned package level (Level 1–4)
Enter the national priority queue to await funding
Once funding is allocated, engage your preferred home care provider
CHSP provides entry-level government-funded support for essential home modifications to assist older Australians with minimal to moderate needs.
Advantages
Faster access compared to Home Care Packages
Ideal for those needing light touch cleaning around the home
Potential Disadvantages
Limited scope of services and funding
Generally only covers basic home care services
Funding limitations may require out-of-pocket contributions to get the level of cleaning and care you want
Average Wait Time
2–6 weeks from assessment to service commencement
Steps to Access CHSP Funding
Contact My Aged Care for initial screening
Undergo a brief home assessment to confirm eligibility
Receive approval and referrals to local CHSP providers
Contact your referred provider to organise domestic assistance
For personalised assistance or further guidance, please contact our team directly on 1800 778 767.
A: The frequency of services depends on your individual needs and care plan. Some people require assistance daily or weekly, while others may only need occasional support for specific tasks.
It also depends on how much money you're willing to spend and whether you have adequate funding from the government.
Your eligibility may be assessed through government programs like Home Care Packages (HCP) or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
A:
Contact My Aged Care (Australia’s government portal for aged care services) to check eligibility
Undergo an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment for higher-level support needs.
Speak with a home care provider to discuss private service options if government funding isn’t available
