There often comes a time when a little extra help around the home would make life easier, whether for you or for someone you care about. Knowing where to start can feel confusing, but the aged care system is there to support older Australians to live well, and taking the first step is more straightforward than many people expect.
Support at home, or care in a residence
It helps to understand the two broad kinds of support. The first is help that comes to you at home, such as assistance with cleaning, gardening, meals, personal care or getting to appointments, so you can keep living independently in your own place. Government funded help at home is now provided through the Support at Home program, which began on 1 November 2025 and replaced the former Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programmes. The second is residential aged care, for those who need more support than can easily be provided at home. Many people begin with a small amount of help at home and adjust over time as their needs change.
How to take the first step
The starting point for government funded support is My Aged Care. You can visit the My Aged Care website at myagedcare.gov.au or phone 1800 200 422, and they will arrange a friendly assessment to understand your situation and what might help. There is no need to have it all worked out beforehand. The assessment is simply a conversation about how you are managing and where some support could make a difference.
The kinds of help available
Everyday support can cover more than many people realise. It might include someone to help with the heavier cleaning, a hand with the garden, help preparing meals, support with showering or dressing, or transport to the shops and appointments. Even a modest amount of help with the tasks that have become harder can make a real difference to your comfort and confidence at home.
Involving family, without the rush
Decisions about care are easier when they are shared. Talking things through with family or a trusted friend can help you weigh up your options calmly, and it means you are not carrying it all on your own. There is rarely any need to rush. Take the time you need, ask plenty of questions, and remember that support can be adjusted as circumstances change.
What to expect along the way
It is natural to wonder about cost and paperwork, and here too there is help at hand. Government funded aged care is designed to be affordable, and what you contribute is generally based on your circumstances, so it is worth having that conversation rather than assuming support is out of reach. If the process ever feels confusing, you do not have to manage it alone. Free advocacy and support services can help you understand your options, prepare for an assessment, and speak up on your behalf if needed. Your GP can also be a helpful ally in pointing you in the right direction. The main thing to remember is that asking questions early keeps your choices open.
A word of thanks
August brings Aged Care Employee Day, a moment to recognise the many people who care for older Australians with warmth and skill. Whether it is a support worker who brightens a weekly visit or a nurse who goes the extra mile, these are the people who help so many of us live well. If support would help you or someone you love, reaching out is nothing to feel uneasy about. It is simply making good use of services that exist for exactly this reason.
Important Note
This article is general information only. Aged care services and programmes can change. Please contact My Aged Care or your GP to discuss your own situation.