5 home care essentials
Exploring help at home can be daunting. What am I entitled to? Who’s there to help me? Where do I start?
If you or someone you care about wants to maintain their independence, but needs more help at home, you’re likely to start considering home care options.
The aged care system is tricky to navigate, and it can take time to access services. Take out some of the guesswork with these five pointers.
1. Unpack the process
Aged care processes, not to mention the amount of paperwork, can be overwhelming. Finding where to start is sometimes one of the hardest steps.
Life Care CEO Grace Scaffidi says the process can be stressful for the whole family.
“It’s a complex and lengthy process and the system is hard to navigate,” Grace says.
“A common question we get is, ‘I don’t even know where to start, what do I do?’ – we’re there to support people through the assessment process.”
The process includes applying for a Home Care Package through My Aged Care and arranging an eligibility assessment with ACAT.
Applicants are then placed on a wait list (sometimes for months at a time) before a support package is allocated. When the package has been allocated, the applicant can use it to access support through a registered provider.
“Finding a provider that can offer advice and guidance through this process can take a lot of stress and pressure off the whole family,” Grace says.
“We can help unpack the process, so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming and also help arrange support while you’re waiting to access your Home Care Package.”
2. Start your application
While some services are available while you wait for My Aged Care funding, the process can take up to a year, so don’t wait for a crisis before thinking about the support you or your loved one needs.
“Home Care Packages are designed to give you choice and flexibility in the way your care and services are provided but it can be a long process,” Grace says.
“Start the process as soon as you or your loved one needs more help at home, not when you’ve reached breaking point.”
3. Consider your support network
When it comes to big life decisions, it’s valuable to have a trusted support network and someone who can help you navigate the process.
“Having family involved in care planning can be really positive; they know you better than anyone and can offer insight into your preferences and history that you might overlook,” Grace says.
The challenge arises when helpfulness crosses the line into overreach, which can happen with even the best of intentions.
“Your children’s desire to protect you can sometimes lead them to make decisions for you, rather than with you,” Grace says.
“My advice to people supporting their loved ones is to keep in mind you’re there to help make decisions with, not for the person.”
4. Access tailored support
No one size fits all and there are different support arrangements to suit individual needs.
“It’s all about getting to know the person and their unique requirements, tailoring supports and services to help them achieve their personal goals,” Grace says.
That might be anything from cleaning and gardening services to exercise programs and clinical services, personal care and allied health including physio, occupational therapy and podiatry.
“There are so many different types of support you can access, and we work together with you to ensure your independence and dignity are always respected.”
5. Find the right care team
Accessing help at home is a personal experience, that’s why it’s important to have a team providing trusted and consistent support.
“The focus on a personalised, relationship-based service is crucial and we don’t just do things over the phone,” Grace says. “We have regular meetings so you can build a relationship with your care team.
“Our holistic service means you’re dealing with Life Care people across the whole journey, supporting you to achieve your goals to live a life on your terms.”
Home Care Packages are being replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025. Find out more on the Life Care website.
Looking to access support at home?
Life Care tailors support to meet individual needs.