Personal Care at Home

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.