If Mum or Dad is finding it harder to manage everyday tasks, you may be wondering whether government-funded support can help them stay at home. While many people still use the term Home Care Package, the current program is Support at Home, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025.
For families exploring In-Home Aged Care Services in Bonnyrigg, the first step is understanding whether your parent is eligible for an aged care assessment and what level of support they may need.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for In-Home Aged Care Services?
Generally, older Australians need an aged care assessment to determine whether they are eligible for government-funded support. For most people, eligibility for an assessment starts at age 65, while different age criteria apply to some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The assessment looks at your parent’s care needs and circumstances. If approved for Support at Home, they receive a support plan outlining the services they can access.
What Can In-Home Aged Care Services Include?
Support can be tailored around assessed needs and may include personal care, domestic assistance, transport, social support and other approved services available through the Support at Home service list.
For families comparing In-Home Aged Care Services in Elizabeth Hills, it is worth looking beyond the service list. Consider whether the provider communicates clearly, respects your parent’s routines and can provide person-centred care that fits their everyday life.
How Can In-Home Aged Care Services in Greenfield Park Support Independence?
The purpose of in-home aged care is not simply to send someone into the home to complete tasks. Good support can help older people remain connected to their routines, community and preferred way of living.
In-Home Aged Care Services in Greenfield Park may be suitable for families looking for assistance that supports daily living, personal routines and staying safely at home, subject to assessment and approved funding.
How Does the Support at Home Program Work?
After an assessment, eligible participants receive a support plan and classification based on their assessed needs. Support at Home has eight ongoing funding classifications, along with separate short-term pathways for areas such as restorative care, assistive technology and home modifications.
If your parent already had a Home Care Package, their arrangements transitioned into Support at Home rather than requiring them to start from scratch.
How Can Families Choose the Right Provider?
Choosing a provider is about more than finding available services. Ask about care planning, staff continuity, communication, pricing, scheduling and how the provider involves your parent in decisions.
A reliable provider should make the process easier to understand and provide support around the person’s individual needs rather than treating every client the same.
Helping Mum or Dad Stay at Home
If your parent needs more support with everyday tasks, taking the next step early can make the process easier. Inspired Group Services can help families understand available aged care options and discuss support suited to their parent’s needs. Call 1300 648 138 or email info@inspiredgroupservices.com.au to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Home Care Package still available?
The Home Care Packages Program was replaced by Support at Home on 1 November 2025.
2. Who can access Support at Home?
Eligibility depends on age, circumstances and assessed aged care needs.
3. How do I apply for an assessment?
You can apply through My Aged Care online or contact My Aged Care by phone. A health professional can also refer someone for an assessment.
4. Can Mum or Dad receive help with cleaning?
Approved services can include domestic assistance where this is appropriate to assessed needs.
5. Can aged care include personal care?
Yes. Personal care is included within the Support at Home service system when approved and funded.
6. Does everyone pay the same amount for services?
No. Participant contributions can depend on the type of service and individual circumstances.
7. Can an older person choose their provider?
Once approved and funding is available, participants can choose a registered provider that meets their needs.
8. Can support help someone remain at home?
Yes. Support at Home is designed to help older people remain living at home for longer.
9. What if Mum or Dad’s needs change?
Their needs can be reassessed, and their support arrangements may change according to the assessment outcome.
10. Where can families get more information?
My Aged Care can explain assessment, eligibility, available services and the process for accessing aged care support.
