Helping you choose the right support at the right time

Deciding how to receive care as you or a loved one grows older is one of the most important conversations a family can have. For many Australians, the choice comes down to two options: home care, where support is brought to you at home, or residential aged care, where you move into a facility that provides care around the clock.

What is home care?

Home care is a flexible service that lets you stay in the home you love while receiving tailored support. Qualified workers visit on a schedule that suits you, from a few hours a week to daily visits, and services adjust as your needs change. Common services include personal care such as showering and dressing, domestic help with cleaning and meals, nursing and allied health, transport to appointments, and social support to keep you connected.

What is residential aged care?

Residential aged care, often called a nursing home, is a full-time living arrangement in an accredited facility. Trained staff are on site 24 hours a day, meals are provided, and clinical care is always close at hand. It suits people with higher or more complex needs, those who feel unsafe living alone, or whose family carers can no longer provide the support required.

Getting an aged care assessment

Before any government-funded care can begin, you need an aged care assessment. This is carried out by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), known as ACAS in Victoria, and is the gateway to both home care and residential aged care. The assessment is free, takes place in your own home, and is arranged through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or at myagedcare.gov.au. It is worth getting assessed earlier rather than later, as approval puts the option in place for when you need it.

Government support for home care

Home care is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government through the Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. There are eight classification levels, with funding from around $10,700 to approximately $78,000 a year, set during your ACAT assessment and released as quarterly budgets.

Most people contribute something towards their care, based on income and assets through Services Australia. Clinical services like nursing and allied health are fully government funded with no participant contribution. From October 2026, personal care such as showering and dressing will also be fully funded. Everyday living services like cleaning and gardening are where most co-contributions apply.

How do you choose?

The decision usually comes down to the level of care needed. Home care suits people who can live safely at home with scheduled support. Residential care becomes the right option when needs move beyond what visits can safely cover, being overnight supervision, advanced dementia, complex medical needs, or when the home is no longer safe. The goal in either case is the same: to live well, with dignity and the right support beside you.