In-home services for seniors

Nursing Care

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Learn more about Nursing Care at Home with St Vincent's Care

Our nursing services | Hospital connections & expertise | Cost & funding

What is home nursing at St Vincent's?

Home nursing involves everything from basic assistance with daily activities to advanced medical care for clients with chronic conditions or post-surgical needs.

But it's the combination of specialist training, connections to St Vincent's hospitals and over 160 years of caring heritage that makes St Vincent's nursing care special.

illustration of st vincent's worker helping client in garden


Why use nursing care at home with St Vincent's?

  • Ongoing home monitoring and care assessments that keep you worrying less about injuring yourself through trips and falls

  • Additional clinical expertise through the reach of our St Vincent's hospital network

  • Regular home health checks by our Registered Nurses that aim to delay any unnecessary hospital trips

  • Consistent & qualified care with a history of care and support over 165 years

illustration of st vincent's worker helping client in garden

Outstanding care is the St Vincent’s way

A heritage of care

Over 160 years of developing our caring expertise across hospitals, aged care and in-home care

Familiar faces

Consistent staff that get to know you over a period of days, weeks, months and years (and help you more because of it) 

People first, not profit

A not-for-profit mission aimed at getting the best outcome for your health and lifestyle (not squeezing money out of you for shareholders) 

St Vincent's nursing staff requirements

✔ AHPRA Registered

 Meets legislative requirements to work

​✔ Bachelor or diploma qualified

For Registered Nurses (RNs) or Enrolled Nurses (ENs)

​✔ Wears ID for easy identification

How our home care nurses can help you

Medication management & administering

Clinical welfare checks

Mobility assistance

Nutritional support & plans

Catheter and ostomy care

Assistance with showering

Diabetes, heart disease and COPD management support

Wound care & monitoring

Dementia & Alzheimer's support

Telehealth and video call support

Blood pressure monitoring

St Vincent's Home Nursing Services Explained

Our carers and nurses ensure medications are safely managed and administer regular health assessments, enabling your loved one to stay healthy and closely monitored at home.

What's included:

  • Medication administration:
    Safe dispensing and monitoring of pills, liquids, inhalers, injections, and topical medications.
  • Prescription management:
    Organising prescriptions, medication deliveries, refills, and safe storage.
  • Medication education:
    Educating clients and families on medication purposes, possible side effects, and safe usage.
  • Clinical assessments:
    Routine health checks, including monitoring vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration).
  • Health monitoring:
    Early detection of health changes, preventing complications.
  • Professional collaboration:
    Effective communication with doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare providers to ensure integrated care.

We provide compassionate assistance with mobility and personal hygiene, helping your loved one maintain dignity, independence, and safety at home.

What's included:

  • Mobility assistance:
    Support with safe transfers and movement around the home, including use of mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and hoists.
  • Personal hygiene:
    Assistance with bathing, showering, dressing, grooming, and daily hygiene routines.
  • Fall prevention:
    Regular risk assessments and implementing preventive measures to minimise falls.
  • Skin health:
    Frequent monitoring for pressure sores, skin integrity, and providing preventive skincare.
  • Continence management:
    Respectful, discreet support for toileting and incontinence.
  • Personal routine maintenance:
    Assistance with clothing selection, grooming, shaving, and oral hygiene.
  • Collaboration with therapists:
    Coordinating with physiotherapists and occupational therapists for personalised care strategies.

Our skilled carers and nurses provide specialised care and dietary support for managing chronic diseases, improving quality of life and overall wellbeing at home.

What's included:

  • Cardiac care:
    Management of heart conditions such as cardiac failure, including medication adherence, symptom monitoring, and blood pressure management.
  • Diabetes management:
    Regular blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, dietary guidance, and education on diabetes self-care.
  • Cancer support:
    Compassionate nursing care during cancer treatment and recovery, including medication management, symptom relief, nutritional support, and emotional care.
  • Stroke care:
    Personalised support during stroke recovery, including rehabilitation, mobility assistance, speech and swallowing support, and personal care.
  • Respiratory disease support:
    Comprehensive management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, including medication assistance, breathing exercises, symptom monitoring, and oxygen therapy management.
  • Chronic wound care:
    Expert care of chronic wounds such as leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and pressure sores, including regular assessment, dressings, and infection prevention.
  • Arthritis and osteoporosis care:
    Assistance with mobility, pain management, medication adherence, and lifestyle strategies to improve comfort and reduce symptoms.
  • Nutritional planning:
    Individualised meal plans designed with dietitians to address specific dietary requirements related to chronic health conditions.
  • Education and support:
    Ongoing guidance and practical training for families to confidently manage chronic illnesses.
  • Professional coordination:
    Collaboration with healthcare professionals such as GPs, specialists, dietitians, and allied health providers to maintain holistic care.

Our experienced nurses provide specialised clinical care for wounds, ostomies, catheters, tracheostomies, feeding tubes, and other advanced medical needs, ensuring comfort, dignity, and effective healing at home.

What's included:

  • Detailed clinical assessments:
    Regular evaluation of wounds, pain, skin integrity, and overall health to guide effective treatment.
  • Personalised care plans:
    Tailored nursing care plans developed with input from healthcare providers, specialists, and family members.
  • Acute and chronic wound care:
    Skilled treatment of surgical wounds, chronic ulcers, skin grafts, incisions, and skin tears.
  • Compression therapy:
    Application and management of compression bandages and stockings to promote healing of ulcers and chronic wounds.
  • Ostomy and stoma care:
    Management and support for colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy, including pouch care, hygiene, and skin protection.
  • Catheter management:
    Routine hygiene care, bag changes, infection monitoring, and education on catheter care.
  • Tracheostomy management:
    Skilled care for tracheostomy tubes, ensuring hygiene, clear airway management, and prevention of complications.
  • Tube feeding (PEG & nasogastric):
    Support with tube feeding, nutrition administration, hygiene, and monitoring.
  • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT):
    Skilled management and regular monitoring of NPWT to enhance wound healing.
  • Consumables and product education:
    Assistance with ordering supplies, education on proper use of medical products, and storage advice.
  • Integrated healthcare collaboration:
    Close cooperation with medical professionals, including specialists, GPs, dietitians, stomal therapists, and wound care clinics.

Our carers provide sensitive, specialised care for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, ensuring they remain safe, calm, and comfortable at home.

What's included:

  • Structured routines:
    Predictable daily schedules to reduce anxiety and confusion.
  • Memory and cognitive stimulation:
    Activities, reminders, and supportive interactions to engage cognitive function.
  • Behaviour management:
    Gentle, compassionate approaches to managing challenging behaviours and emotional distress.
  • Safety management:
    Assessing and adapting home environments to minimise risks and increase comfort.
  • Social engagement:
    Facilitating meaningful social interactions and community connections.
  • Family education:
    Providing ongoing guidance and practical training for families caring for loved ones with dementia.
  • Regular health and wellbeing assessments:
    Monitoring emotional and physical wellbeing to adjust care plans as needed.

Our carers assist clients in accessing virtual healthcare services and maintaining meaningful connections with family and friends through user-friendly technological support.

What's included:

  • Telehealth appointments:
    Help in setting up, connecting, and managing online consultations with healthcare professionals.
  • Technical assistance:
    Troubleshooting technology and connectivity issues, ensuring smooth communication.
  • Device setup and training:
    Providing education and practical support in using smartphones, tablets, or computers confidently.
  • Family communication support:
    Facilitating virtual contact with loved ones, promoting emotional wellbeing and reducing isolation.
  • Privacy and comfort assurance:
    Ensuring a secure and private environment during virtual interactions.
  • Scheduling assistance:
    Organising appointments, providing reminders, and ensuring timely connections.

Regular monitoring of vital health indicators, including blood pressure, helps in proactive management and prevention of health issues at home.

What's included:

  • Routine blood pressure monitoring:
    Frequent, documented checks to track trends and detect abnormalities.
  • Health indicator tracking:
    Monitoring additional vital signs like heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and overall wellbeing.
  • Medication adherence support:
    Assistance and reminders to maintain consistent medication routines.
  • Lifestyle education:
    Guidance on dietary, exercise, and stress-management strategies to support overall health.
  • Follow-up coordination:
    Arranging timely healthcare follow-ups in response to changes or concerns.
  • Self-monitoring support:
    Encouraging and teaching clients to self-manage health indicators when appropriate

St Vincent's has specialist hospital support & expertise

Because of the St Vincent's network of hospitals and healthcare, we have access to world-class clinical support and expertise. 


  • Oncologists for cancer treatment and management in the home 

  • Urologists for kidney, bladder & prostate treatment and exercises 

  • Occupational Therapists for organising mobility equipment & supports and creating strategies for preventing falls 

  • Vascular specialists for wound care & pain management 

  • Cardiologists for heart health and ongoing heart condition management 

  • ...and many, many more. 


st vincent's staff member hugging an older lady

Real-life examples of St Vincent's Hospital connections in action

Russell was a long-standing patient of St Vincent’s Melbourne’s District Nursing Team receiving support for his home Catheter management. Because of Russell’s increased clinical needs, he was assessed for a home care package. But because of Russell’s on-going catheter care, Russell’s family was unable to find a suitable home care provider that could support him properly. 


Because of the established connected care pathways at St Vincent’s, our home care team was able to transfers Russell’s care without any impact to his catheter management or nursing team while also ensuring additional services were adde to support his healthy ageing in the community. 

Betty was a St Vincent’s home care client based in Toowoomba, who transferred to Melbourne to be closer to some of her family. 

Sadly, after her move, Betty suffered a stroke which landed her in a St Vincent’s hospital. After making a recovery in hospital, Betty then stepped down to hospital transition care and finally returned to her St Vincent’s home care package service.  

Throughout her journey Betty’s care was seamless, involving timely coordination of care as well as continuity of staff & services across multiple St Vincent’s programs.

This ensured that Betty was able to receive the right services, at the right time in the right location all within St Vincent's Health Australia ecosystem to support her recovery and experience. 

St Vincent's Home Care Fees & Costs

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.

daughter chatting with dad

Our most common nursing care questions

A: When it comes to getting the care you need at home, whether it's nursing, allied health, or general support there are three main ways to fund it.

Each option has different advantages, access times, and eligibility requirements.

Let’s walk through them clearly.

1. Support at Home (Government-Funded In-Home Care)

Support at Home is the new national aged care program replacing Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025. It’s designed to provide coordinated, flexible help for older people needing support to live safely and well at home.

Why this might suit you

  • Subsidised by the government, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Provides nursing, personal care, domestic help, allied health and more — all under one care plan.
  • You can choose your provider and help design your support plan.

Typical access time

  • After assessment, you may wait several weeks to months, depending on your classification and funding availability.
  • There is a priority system for those with higher or more urgent needs.

How to access

  1. Call My Aged Care to request an aged care assessment.
  2. Complete an in-home assessment to determine your support classification.
  3. Wait for funding to be allocated based on your needs.
  4. Choose a provider and create your Support at Home care plan.
  5. Begin receiving services as per your individual budget.

Key things to know

  • You’ll receive a personalised budget (not a lump sum) to manage your services.
  • You’ll typically work with one main provider who coordinates your support.
  • Income-tested fees may apply, depending on your financial situation.

2. Private Nursing and Support Services

If you prefer to skip the government system, you can pay for support directly out of pocket — no waiting, no paperwork.

Why this might suit you

  • Immediate access — no wait for assessments or approvals.
  • Freedom to choose any provider you like.
  • Care is fully customisable, from wound care to medication support to companionship.

Typical access time

  • Immediate, as soon as you book with a provider.

How to access

  1. Contact your preferred nursing or home support provider.
  2. Explain what kind of help you need — nursing, therapy, cleaning, etc.
  3. Request a quote and confirm the cost.
  4. Book your services at a convenient time.
  5. Pay the provider directly.

Key things to know

  • Some private health funds may cover part of the cost — ask your insurer.
  • This option is ideal for short-term, urgent, or gap-filling care needs.

3. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP is a government-funded program offering entry-level support for older adults who need just a little help to stay independent at home.

Why this might suit you

  • Faster access than Support at Home in many regions.
  • Offers basic help like meals, transport, nursing visits, and home maintenance.
  • Great for people with low-level needs.

Typical access time

  • Usually 2–6 weeks from initial assessment to starting services.

How to access

  1. Call My Aged Care for a basic eligibility screening.
  2. Complete a light-touch home assessment.
  3. Receive referrals to local CHSP providers.
  4. Book services directly with those providers.

Key things to know

  • Not meant for complex or long-term care needs.
  • You may need to contribute a small co-payment per service.
  • CHSP is not suitable for ongoing nursing care that requires coordination.

Bonus Tips for Funding

  • Waiting times vary by region — always ask your assessor or provider what’s realistic locally.
  • You can combine options — some people pay privately while waiting for Support at Home funding.
  • Keep receipts and service agreements — especially if you’re self-managing or planning to claim from insurance.
  • Speak up if something’s not right — every funded provider must follow quality and safety standards under the Aged Care Quality Standards.

For personalised assistance or further guidance, please contact our team directly on 1800 778 767.

A: There's a few different scenarios that someone might find themselves needing nursing care. 

1. Post-Hospitalization Recovery
After surgery or a hospital stay, seniors often require wound care, medication management, and rehabilitation support to recover safely at home.

2. Chronic Illness Management
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and kidney disease require ongoing monitoring, medication administration, and lifestyle management to prevent complications.

3. Mobility Challenges & Fall Prevention
Seniors experiencing difficulty walking, balancing, or recovering from a fall or fracture may need mobility assistance, physical therapy, and fall prevention strategies.

4. Dementia & Cognitive Decline
Those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia require specialized behavioral support, medication reminders, and safety supervision to prevent wandering and manage daily tasks.

5. Palliative & End-of-Life Care
For seniors with terminal illnesses, palliative care ensures pain management, comfort, and emotional support, allowing them to remain at home with dignity.

6. Medication & Medical Equipment Support
When seniors require IV therapy, catheter or ostomy care, feeding tube support, or oxygen therapy, a nurse provides the necessary medical expertise to administer treatment safely.

7. Mental Health & Emotional Support
Nurses assist seniors dealing with depression, anxiety, and loneliness, offering therapeutic strategies, companionship, and referrals to mental health professionals.
 

A: When it comes to nursing care, there's two different kinds of nurses that could be involved as a part of your care in the home.

1. Registered Nurses (RNs) 2. Enrolled Nurses (ENs). 

Also involved in care is your in-home support workers who assist with most non-medical tasks.

A: The key differences between support workers and nurses is their responsbilities, qualifications and cost as a part of your care plan.
 

  Registered Nurse (RN) Support Worker
Qualifications Bachelor of Nursing degree (or equivalent) Certificate III or IV in Individual Support (or equivalent)
Registration Registered with the national nursing board No formal registration required, but must meet industry standards
Scope of Practice Provides comprehensive clinical care, including wound care, medication administration, and chronic disease management Assists with personal care, household tasks, companionship, and basic mobility support
Supervision Works independently and supervises Enrolled Nurses and personal care assistants Works under the supervision of nurses or home care coordinators
Clinical Responsibilities Conducts health assessments, creates care plans, oversees palliative and dementia care Provides non-medical support, such as dressing assistance, meal preparation, and companionship
Specialized Skills Can specialize in areas like palliative care, wound care, and chronic disease management Focuses on social, emotional, and physical assistance rather than medical care
Cost (per hour) Higher cost due to advanced training and responsibilities Lower cost, focused on personal care and companionship

A: While it might make sense to have nurses help with everything, it wouldn't be practical for you (or your budget).

Nursing services are usually reserved for people that need specialist clinical support.

Get in touch with our home care team

Home care enquiries phone number

1800 960 223



Home care enquiries contact form