Clinical care (like nursing and physiotherapy) is fully funded by the government regardless of income. Independence and Everyday Living services (like personal care, transport, cleaning and meals) may involve a means-tested co-contribution based on your income and assets. From 1 October 2026, personal care will also become fully government-funded. We’ll walk you through exactly what applies to your situation at no cost.

The advantages of choosing private home care are:

Comfort and Familiarity: Private home care allows the patient to remain in their own home, surrounded by familiar surroundings, personal belongings, and the comfort of family and friends. This familiarity can contribute significantly to the well-being and mental health of the individual.

Customized Care Plans: Private home care offers flexibility in terms of care options, allowing for personalized and customized care plans tailored to the individual’s specific needs. This ensures that the care provided is precisely suited to the requirements and preferences of the patient.

Cost-effectiveness: Private home care is often more cost-effective compared to nursing home care. It eliminates the need for ongoing fees associated with nursing homes and may offer a more affordable alternative, especially for families looking to manage costs without compromising on quality care.

The amount of funding you will receive from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is not predetermined or fixed. Instead, it is determined through an individualized planning process that takes into account your personal needs, goals, and circumstances.

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s aged care program that helps older Australians live independently at home. It replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025. Support is provided through eight funding classifications based on your assessed needs, covering clinical Supports (Instead of care), help with everyday independence (like social support and transport), and everyday living support (like general hourse cleaning and meal prep). If you already had a Home Care Package, you’ve been automatically moved onto Support at Home at an equivalent funding level — no reassessment needed.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a government initiative aimed at providing entry-level support to older individuals aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) to help them continue living independently in their own homes and communities.

CHSP currently runs alongside Support at Home for entry-level, lower-needs support, and is expected to be integrated into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2029.

You can find more information about eligibility here.