Planning for home care can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating home care funding options and government programs. The good news? There are several pathways to make home care services affordable and accessible. Here’s what you need to know about funding home care in Australia, including the Support at Home program, practical tips for preparing for aged care, and how Prestige Inhome Care can help you every step of the way.
Government-Funded Support at Home
The Australian Government’s Support at Home Program (replacing Home Care Packages in November 2025 and Commonwealth Home Support Program in 2027) provides financial assistance for older Australians who want to remain living independently at home. This program offers funding for services such as:
- Personal Care (Showering, dressing)
- Domestic Assistance (cleaning, meal preparation)
- Allied Health and Nursing
- Home Modifications and Equipment
Eligibility:
Support at Home is for Australians over 65 years. You’ll need an eligibility assessment through My Aged Care. The assessment is detailed and determines your care needs, your independence goals, your financial status and ability to contribute to your services, and the appropriate funding level for you. The process can take time, so starting early is key.
Other Home Care Funding Options
While government funding helps many families, it’s not the only solution. In fact, privately funded care is often the preferred choice for those who want more control, flexibility, and premium services. Here are your main options:
Private Home Care Services: Available immediately, with full flexibility and tailored support. At Prestige Inhome Care, we offer a full suite of services to help you maintain your independence at home, including support from hourly visits to 24/7 live-in care.
Self-Funded Care: Families can pay out-of-pocket for tailored services, often with flexible arrangements.
Health Insurance: Some policies may cover limited home care or rehabilitation services.
Community Grants & Local Programs: Check for state or local subsidies that may apply in your area.
Benefits of Privately Funded Home Care
Privately funded care isn’t just a stopgap while waiting for government approval. It’s a long-term solution for families who value choice and quality. Privately funded care offers unique advantages that government programs often cannot match:
1. Immediate Access to Care
No waiting lists or lengthy approval processes – private care can start almost immediately.
2. Full Flexibility and Control
Choose your care hours, services, and even your preferred caregivers for continuity and comfort. Prestige’s private care is highly flexible and fully personalised to give you choice and control.
3. Tailored, Premium Services
Private care often includes highly personalised plans, advanced clinical support, and lifestyle assistance beyond standard government packages.
4. No Eligibility Restrictions
Private care is available to anyone, regardless of age or health status.
5. Greater Privacy and Dignity
Providers like Prestige Inhome Care offer discreet, one-on-one support in the comfort of your home – maintaining independence and dignity.
6. Bridge While Waiting for Government Funding
Families can use private care as an interim solution while waiting for My Aged Care approval, ensuring safety and comfort during the transition.
Tips for Preparing for Aged Care
Funding is only part of the equation. Preparation can make the transition smoother and reduce stress for families:
1. Get Paperwork and Assessments Completed Early
Having key documents—medical history, identification, and eligibility information—ready can significantly reduce delays. Missing or incomplete information often causes bottlenecks, so accuracy matters.
2. Engage with a Trusted Home Care Provider Early
You don’t need to wait for funding approval to start planning. Prestige Inhome Care can help map out your needs, prepare documentation, and guide next steps.
Call Prestige now for assistance in navigating your aged care options. We’ll help make the process faster and less stressful.
3. Consider Short-Term Private Care While Waiting
If immediate support is needed, interim private care ensures safety and comfort until government-funded services commence. Prestige offers fully flexible and highly personalised private care options, so you never have to wait for help.
When you receive notice that your government funding has been allocated, we’ll help you transition your services smoothly, without any pause in your support schedule.
Take Control of Your Home Care Journey
The aged care system can feel slow and complex, but proactive planning gives families more control. Start early, explore all aged care funding options, and partner with experienced providers like Prestige Inhome Care to make the journey as smooth as possible.
To take the first step toward quality home care – call Prestige Inhome Care today on 1300 10 30 10 for a free consultation.
Or learn more about how Prestige Inhome Care can support your aged care journey by visiting www.prestigeinhomecare.com.au .