Staying independent at home is what most older people want, and with the right support in place, it is achievable for far longer than many people expect. There are practical steps you can take today, from simple changes around the house to accessing government-funded services, that make a real difference to your safety, confidence and quality of life. 

Summary

To stay independent at home for longer, focus on four key areas: keeping your home safe, staying physically active, maintaining social connections, and accessing the right support when you need it. The Support at Home program can fund a wide range of services to help you live well at home. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out what you are eligible for.

Why staying at home matters 

For most older Australians, home is where they feel most comfortable, most themselves, and most in control. It is where memories live, routines are established, and community connections are maintained. 

The benefits of remaining at home go beyond comfort. Research consistently shows that older adults who remain in their own homes tend to maintain better physical and mental health than those who move into residential care prematurely. 

For a deeper look at why home-based care makes such a difference, the benefits of ageing at home explores the evidence in plain English. 

Keeping your home safe 

Identifying and removing hazards 

The home environment itself is one of the biggest factors in staying independent safely. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation among older Australians (AIHW, 2024). Many falls happen at home and are preventable with straightforward changes. 

Start by walking through each room and looking for hazards: 

  • Remove loose rugs or secure them with non-slip backing 
  • Clear clutter from walkways and hallways 
  • Make sure all areas are well lit, including at night 
  • Move frequently used items to within easy reach 
  • Check that cords and cables are tucked away safely 

For a comprehensive guide to reducing fall risks throughout your home, how to prevent falls at home covers each room in practical detail. 

Home modifications that make a real difference 

Some modifications go beyond tidying and require a small amount of installation. These can make a significant difference to your safety and confidence at home: 

  • Grab rails in the bathroom, beside the toilet, and along hallways 
  • A shower chair or bath seat to reduce the risk of slipping 
  • Non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen 
  • Better lighting in stairways and entry areas 
  • A ramp or handrail at the front entrance if steps are a concern 

An occupational therapist can assess your home and recommend the right modifications for your specific needs. This service can be funded through the Support at Home program. 

 

Staying physically active 

Why movement matters for independence 

Staying physically active is one of the most powerful things you can do to maintain your independence. Regular movement helps maintain strength, balance, and flexibility, all of which reduce your risk of falls and help you manage daily tasks more easily. 

You do not need to do intense exercise to benefit. Even gentle, regular movement makes a meaningful difference. The World Health Organization recommends that older adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (WHO, 2024). 

Low-impact exercises you can do at home 

If getting out to a class is not always possible, there are plenty of exercises you can do safely at home. Staying active at home: low-impact exercises for every fitness level provides a practical guide with exercises specifically designed for older adults. 

Some good options to start with include: 

  • Chair-based exercises for strength and flexibility 
  • Gentle walking around the home or garden 
  • Balance exercises such as standing on one foot near a wall for support 
  • Stretching routines to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness 

Getting support to stay active 

If you are unsure where to start with exercise, or if you have a health condition that affects your mobility, a physiotherapist can design a safe, personalised program for you. Physiotherapy is one of the allied health services available through the Support at Home program and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). 

For more on what allied health services you can access with funded support, What allied health services can I access through Support at Home? explains your options clearly. 

For guidance on maintaining mobility more broadly, Tips for maintaining mobility and independence at home article covers practical strategies you can build into everyday life. 

 

Personal safety and emergency preparedness 

Personal alarms 

A personal alarm is a small device you wear on your wrist or around your neck. If you have a fall or feel unwell, you press the button and it connects you to a monitoring centre or alerts a nominated person. 

Personal alarms provide enormous peace of mind, both for the person wearing them and for their family. They are particularly valuable for people who live alone. 

For a thorough overview of the options available, personal alarms for seniors covers how they work, what to look for, and how to access one. 

Having a plan for emergencies 

It is worth having a simple plan in place for emergencies. This means: 

  • Keeping a list of emergency contacts near the phone or on the fridge 
  • Making sure at least one trusted person has a spare key to your home 
  • Knowing the location of your nearest hospital and GP 
  • Having a few days of essential medications on hand at all times 

Let a trusted neighbour, friend or family member know your routine so they can check in if they do not hear from you. 

Staying socially connected 

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with increased risks of depression, cognitive decline and poorer physical health outcomes in older adults (AIHW, 2024). 

Staying connected to friends, family, community groups and activities is as important as any physical health measure you can take. If getting out is becoming more difficult, transport support through the Support at Home program can help. 

 

Getting the right support at home 

The Support at Home program 

The Support at Home program, launched on 1 November 2025, is the Australian Government’s main funding program for older adults who want to live independently at home. It can fund a wide range of services including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health, home modifications, transport and social support. 

The amount of funding you receive depends on your assessed needs. To find out whether you are eligible and how to apply, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program 

CHSP provides entry-level support including help with cleaning, meals, transport and social activities. 

Choosing the right provider 

Once you are approved for funded support, you choose the provider that delivers your services. A good provider will work with you to build a support plan that reflects your goals, preferences, and routines, not just your care needs. 

Holdsworth has supported older adults across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs for over 85 years. If you would like to find out how Holdsworth can support your independence at home, call 1300 882 962. 

When to get help 

If daily tasks are becoming harder, if you have had a fall or near miss, or if you are feeling less confident at home than you used to, it is worth exploring your options now rather than waiting for a crisis. 

Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to find out what support is available to you. Your GP can also provide a referral and help coordinate any allied health assessments you may need. 

If you would like to speak with someone locally about home care options in the Eastern Suburbs, call Holdsworth on 1300 882 962.  

Staying independent at home is not about doing everything yourself. It is about having the right support in place so that you can keep living life on your own terms. Small changes to your home environment, staying active, keeping connected and knowing what funded support is available can all add up to a significant difference in your confidence and quality of life. 

Not sure where to start with aged care? Holdsworth offers a free aged care consultation to help you understand your options and find the right support. 

 

FAQ 

What is the best way to stay independent at home as I get older? 

Focus on four key areas: making your home safer, staying physically active, maintaining social connections and accessing the right support when you need it. Government-funded support can help with all of these. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find out what you are eligible for. 

What home modifications help older adults stay independent? 

Grab rails in the bathroom and hallways, non-slip mats, better lighting and a shower chair are among the most effective modifications. An occupational therapist can assess your home and recommend modifications suited to your specific needs. 

How do I access the Support at Home program? 

Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. They will register you and arrange an assessment. Once approved, you work with a provider of your choice to set up your services. 

What exercises are safe for older adults to do at home? 

Chair-based strength exercises, gentle walking, balance exercises and stretching are all safe options for most older adults. A physiotherapist can design a personalised program if you have specific health concerns or mobility limitations.  

How can a personal alarm help me stay independent at home? 

A personal alarm lets you call for help quickly if you have a fall or feel unwell. Many older adults find that wearing one gives them the confidence to move around their home more freely, knowing help is close at hand if needed.