What is Home Care? A Simple Guide for Families
When it comes to supporting a loved one as they age, navigating your options can feel overwhelming. One term you’ll hear often is home care, but what does that really mean?
At My Guardian, we believe in making things simple and empowering you with the knowledge to make the best choices for your family. So here’s a clear, comprehensive guide to what home care is, how it works, and how it can help your loved one live with dignity, independence, and safety in the place they call home.
What is Home Care?
Home care is professional support provided to people in their own home. It’s designed to help with daily tasks, personal care, health support, and social connection so individuals can continue to live independently and safely.
Whether it’s a little help around the house or more complex medical support, home care is flexible and tailored to your loved one’s needs.
Who is Home Care For?
Home care can benefit a wide range of people, including:
- Older Australians wanting to age at home rather than enter residential aged care
- Those recovering from illness or surgery
- Families needing respite care for their loved ones
Understanding Home Care Packages (HCP)
Home Care Packages are government-subsidised programs that provide coordinated care and services to help older Australians remain in their homes longer. There are four levels of Home Care Packages designed to match the varying needs of individuals.
Levels of Home Care Packages:
- Level 1 – Basic care needs (approx. $10,698.15/year)
- Level 2 – Low-level care needs (approx. $18,812.10/year)
- Level 3 – Intermediate care needs (approx. $40,945.70/year)
- Level 4 – High-level care needs (approx. $62,075.55/year)
Each level provides a specific amount of funding, which can be used for services such as:
- Personal care
- Help with domestic tasks
- Transport and mobility support
- Meal preparation
- Allied health services
- Equipment and home modifications
Home Care Package Eligibility
To be eligible for a Home Care Package, you must:
- Be aged 65 or older (50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Have care needs that can be met through services at home
- Be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), who will determine your level of need
After assessment, you are placed in a national queue until a package becomes available. Once assigned, you can choose a home care provider like My Guardian to deliver and manage your care.
Benefits of a Home Care Package
- Stay at home longer with the support you need
- Tailored care: services are chosen based on your goals and needs
- Flexible budgeting: funding can be used across various services
- Case management support: guidance from a care partner to get the most out of your package
- Independence and safety: live confidently in familiar surroundings
Key Changes to Home Care Packages in 2025
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will roll out the new Support at Home Program, replacing the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Programs.
Key Changes Include:
- More funding levels: Moving from 4 to 8 levels to better match individual needs (up to $78,000/year)
- Quarterly budgets: Funding will be released every 3 months for more manageable planning
- Faster access: Wait times targeted to reduce to 3 months by July 2027
- Preventative support focus: Upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications
- Improved care management: Providers must deliver dedicated care partner services
- New short-term support options: Including expanded restorative care and an End-of-Life Pathway
- Greater transparency: Defined service lists, capped pricing (from 2026), and clear contribution structures
These changes aim to simplify the system, increase access, and deliver more personalised care at home. At My Guardian, we’re already preparing to transition seamlessly into this new model and support our clients every step of the way.
Types of Home Care Services
Home care can include a wide variety of support, such as:
- Personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting)
- Help with meals (preparation, feeding support, nutrition guidance)
- Household tasks (cleaning, laundry, shopping)
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Social support and companionship
- Home modifications and assistive equipment
- Allied health and clinical services
- Overnight or 24/7 care
Every person is different, so a quality home care provider like My Guardian will tailor a support plan based on your needs.
How Is Home Care Funded?
There are two key funding options for home care:
- Home Care Packages (HCP) – for older Australians with ongoing support needs
- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) – for entry-level support
My Guardian is a registered aged care provider, which means we can guide you through your funding options and ensure you get the best value and support.
Benefits of Home Care
- Live safely at home with the support you need
- Stay connected to community, family, and routines
- Enjoy more control over your care plan and services
- Reduce stress on family carers
- Avoid early entry into residential aged care
Home care is not just a service. It’s a way to preserve freedom, dignity, and comfort.
How to Choose a Home Care Provider
When choosing a home care service provider, look for:
- Registered and experienced support workers
- Transparent pricing and flexible plans
- 24/7 customer support
- Services that cover all aspects of aged care
- A team that truly listens and cares
At My Guardian, we’ve supported over 8,000 Australian families with elderly care at home and more. We make sure the right help is always within reach, so your loved one never feels alone in their journey.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
At My Guardian, we believe that home is more than just a place, it’s where life continues with purpose, dignity, and joy. Whether your loved one needs a little help each week or daily support, our team is here to provide the aged care,disability care, and home care services that truly make a difference.
As a trusted aged care provider and disability care service provider, we deliver:
- Reliable in-home aged care
- Expert NDIS support
- Specialist SIL/SDA accommodation
- Tailored support that fits your lifestyle and culture
And with the Support at Home program rolling out, we’re ready to guide you through every step from assessments to funding, and everything in between.
Supporting an ageing loved one at home is a beautiful, meaningful decision and it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right home care agency by your side, you can confidently provide the care your family deserves.
Need help navigating the options? We’re here to help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our friendly team today. We’ll walk you through your options, funding pathways, and tailor a plan that fits your life and your goals.
Click the button below to get in touch.
