Aged care options in Australia can feel overwhelming at first. There are different programs, eligibility rules, and funding arrangements to get your head around. This guide cuts through the complexity and explains what is available, who qualifies and how to get started. 

Summary

Australia’s main government-funded aged care options include the Support at Home program, the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and residential aged care. Most older Australians who want to stay at home can access funded support through My Aged Care. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to find out what you are eligible for. 

Why understanding your aged care options matters 

Many older people and their families put off looking into aged care because it feels complicated. Getting the right support in place early means you can stay at home longer, maintain your independence and keep doing the things you enjoy. The sooner you understand your options, the more choice you have. 

If you are reading this for a parent or someone you care for, this guide will help you have more informed conversations about what support is available and how to access it. 

The two main government-funded home care programs 

The Support at Home program 

The Support at Home program launched on 1 November 2025 (https://holdsworth.org.au/support-at-home-reforms/). It replaced the previous Home Care Packages program and brought together several funding streams into one more flexible system. 

Support at Home is designed to help older Australians live independently at home for as long as possible. It funds a wide range of services, including personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health and home modifications. 

Under Support at Home, you receive a budget that can be used for the services you need. The amount you receive depends on your assessed needs.  

For answers to common questions about the new program, Support at Home: frequently asked questions is a helpful starting point. 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program 

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides entry-level support for older people who need a small amount of help to stay at home. It covers services such as meals, transport, social support, domestic assistance and some personal care. 

If you were already receiving CHSP services before 1 November 2025, you can continue to receive them until at least 2027. 

CHSP is often the first point of contact for people who are just starting to think about home care. Services are typically provided by local community organisations, including providers like Holdsworth in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. 

What services can you access through Support at Home? 

Support at Home covers a broad range of services. What you can access depends on your assessed needs and your funding level. Services generally fall into these categories: 

  • Personal care: help with showering, dressing, grooming and mobility 
  • Domestic assistance: cleaning, laundry and home maintenance 
  • Nursing and clinical care: wound care, medication management, and health monitoring 
  • Allied health: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry and more 
  • Social support: help getting out to appointments, activities and community events 
  • Transport: assistance getting to medical appointments or social activities 
  • Home modifications: safety modifications such as grab rails and ramps 

For a full breakdown of what is available, Support at Home: services you can access explains each category in plain English. 

How to access Support at Home 

Step one: Contact My Aged Care 

The starting point for all government-funded aged care in Australia is My Aged Care. You can contact them by calling 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au. My Aged Care can register you in the system and arrange an assessment. 

Step two: Have an assessment 

Once you are registered, you will have an assessment to work out what support you need. For home care, this is usually carried out by a trained assessor who can visit you at home or speak with you by phone. 

The assessment looks at your daily living needs, health and goals. The assessor is there to understand what would help you most. 

Step three: Receive your support plan 

After your assessment, if the assessor determines you require support, you will receive a support plan outlining the services you are eligible for and the funding available to you. You then choose a provider to deliver your services. 

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, how to access Support at Home services takes you through each stage in detail. 

Recent changes to aged care in Australia 

Australia’s aged care system has gone through significant changes in recent years. The Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages program from 1 November 2025, and a new Aged Care Act came into effect that places the rights of older people at the centre of the system. 

These changes are designed to give older people more control over their care, better quality services, and clearer protections. 

For a plain-English summary of the reforms, Support at Home reforms explained covers what changed and what it means for you. For information about your rights under the new legislation, a new rights-based Aged Care Act: what it means for you is worth reading. 

 

What about residential aged care? 

Residential aged care, sometimes called a nursing home or aged care facility, is for people who need a higher level of support than can be provided at home. 

Moving into residential care is a significant decision and is not the right choice for everyone. Many people who think they may need residential care can, with the right support in place, continue to live at home comfortably and safely. 

If residential care is something you or your family are considering, My Aged Care can provide information about approved providers and the assessment process. A financial adviser with experience in aged care can also help you understand the costs involved. 

 

How much does home care cost? 

Government-funded home care is subsidised, which means the government covers most of the cost. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of your services depending on your income and assets. 

For Support at Home, the contribution you pay is determined through a means assessment.  

For a detailed explanation of costs and funding arrangements, what you need to know about aged care government funding in 2026 breaks down how the system works in practical terms. 

For general guidance on aged care finances, the MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au offers independent, free information on managing costs in retirement. 

 

How government-funded home care supports your wellbeing 

Aged care is not just about practical tasks. The right support can make a real difference to your mental health, social connection and overall quality of life. 

Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that older Australians who receive appropriate support at home report better wellbeing outcomes and are able to stay independent for longer (AIHW, 2024). 

A good provider will work with you to understand not just what you need help with, but what matters most to you. That might be staying connected to your community, continuing a hobby or simply feeling confident and safe at home. 

 

When to get help 

If you are not sure where to start, My Aged Care is the right first call. You can reach them on 1800 200 422 or at myagedcare.gov.au. They can explain your options, register you in the system, and arrange an assessment. 

If you would like to speak with someone locally about what aged care services look like in practice, Holdsworth serves older adults across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and can help you understand what support might suit your situation. 

For independent financial guidance on aged care costs, speak with an accredited aged care financial adviser or visit moneysmart.gov.au. 

Australia’s aged care system offers practical support for older people who want to stay at home and live well. The key is knowing what is available and taking the first step to find out what you are eligible for. Whether you are just starting to think about aged care or are ready to take action, help is available and closer than you might think. 

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. Fill in the form ‘Free aged Care Consultation’ or call us on 1300 882 962. 


Frequently asked questions 

What is the difference between Support at Home and CHSP? 

Support at Home is a more comprehensive program for people with moderate to higher care needs. It replaced the Home Care Packages program from 1 November 2025. CHSP provides entry-level support for people who need a small amount of help. 

How do I know if I am eligible for government-funded home care? 

To find out if you are eligible, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. Eligibility is based on an assessment of your care needs. 

How long does it take to access Support at Home services? 

Timeframes vary. After contacting My Aged Care, an assessment is usually arranged within weeks. Once approved, you can begin working with a provider to set up your services. Starting the process early means you have support in place before you need it urgently. 

Can I choose my own aged care provider? 

Yes. You have the right to choose the provider that delivers your services. You can also change providers if your circumstances change or you are not happy with the service you receive. 

What if my needs change over time? 

Your support plan can be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change. Contact My Aged Care or your provider if you feel your current level of support is no longer meeting your needs. You can request a reassessment at any time.

To find out what support is available in your area, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. You can also call Holdsworth on 1300 882 962.