Aged Care in Australia: What types of care
are available for me or my family?
As we grow older, many of us want to remain in our own homes - close to family, friends, and the community we know and love. Home is familiar, comforting, and a place where we feel most at ease. When thinking about aged care in Australia, knowing your options can help you or your loved one make confident and informed decisions. Whether you are looking for care for yourself or a family member, it’s important to find support that keeps independence, dignity, and quality of life at the centre.
There are several types of aged care services available - from lower-level support at home to full-time residential care. Each are designed to suit different needs and lifestyles.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP is an entry level care program, for older Austalians who only need a lower level of support. It’s a great starting point if you’re not ready for a Home Care Package but would benefit from a little extra help, such as cleaning, transport, meals, minor home modifications, or social activities.
This is for people who are:
- 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
- 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), on a low income and homeless, or at risk of being homeless.
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition into the Support at Home model in 2027, aligning with the broader reforms to make in-home care simpler and more effective.
Home Care Package (HCP)
The Home Care Package program provides support to older people with more complex needs to help them to stay at home. It uses a consumer directed care approach to make sure the support suits a person’s needs and goals. PlanCare provides services under this program and specialises in both self-managed and fully-managed care, giving you more choice and control over who delivers your support.
Find out if you can get a Home Care Package and how to start here.
From 1st November 2025, the Home Care Package program will be replaced by the Support at Home program, a key part of Australia’s aged care reforms.
Support at Home (SAH)
Support at Home (SAH) is the Australian Government’s new program designed to help older Australians live independently and comfortably in their own homes. Originally scheduled to start on 1st July 2025, it has now been postponed to 1st November 2025.
From this date, it will replace and simplify existing programs like Home Care Packages into a single, easy-to-use system.
This means more flexibility and personalised support - whether you need help with cleaning, shopping, or extra care - so you can continue living life your way, right where you feel most at home.
Want to read more? Get your
FREE Support at Home guide
This Guide provides a clear overview of the key changes coming to the Support at Home system. Whether you’re a client, family member, or care provider, it explains how the new program works and what it means for accessing aged care services at home.
Residential Aged Care
Residential aged care is delivered in aged care homes for older people who can no longer live at home. Aged care homes provide accommodation, 24-hour personal care, and access to nursing and general health services. They can also provide respite care, short-term planned care, and emergency residential aged care.
Flexible Care Services
Flexible care is for people who need support that isn’t offered in residential and home care. The types of flexible care vary depending on the person’s needs. They all help with day-to-day tasks, and to restore or maintain independence.
These can be delivered through the following programs:
- the Transition Care Programme
- the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme
- the Multi-Purpose Services Program
- the Innovative Care Programme
- the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
- Residential respite care
Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA)
The DSOA program assists older people with a disability with support tailored to their needs, including assistance with self-care, counselling, hearing services, and exercise physiology.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Whilst participants in the NDIS must be under 65, if a person enters the NDIS prior to turning 65 years old they will remain on the NDIS until they voluntarily exit the scheme or pass away. For clients who are not yet 65, but satisfy the criteria for entering the NDIS, this is generally a better option as the funding is uncapped and thus generally much higher per person dependant on their needs than a Home Care Package.
What’s the right care for me?
Everyone is different, so it’s important to find care that suits your needs and lifestyle. Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:
- Do you want to stay living at home?
- How much help do you need each week?
- Do you have any health needs or need help with daily tasks?
- Would you enjoy more social support or community activities?
- Do you want to choose who supports you?
At PlanCare, we’re experts in both self-managed and full-managed Home Care Packages as well as the NDIS. We give you the tools, advice, and support you need to stay independent and make confident choices about your care.
Have questions or want to find out more? Give us a call on 1800 024 000 and speak with one of our friendly team members today.
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