Aged care refers to the services and support available to older people, whether they are living at home or in a residential aged care facility. It can include assistance with daily living, personal care healthcare, social support and specialised care as needs change over time.
For older Australians who wish to remain independent at home, government-funded aged care programs can provide valuable support.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) currently provides entry-level support for people who need occasional assistance with everyday tasks, such as cleaning, meal preparation, transport to appointments, social support and home maintenance. CHSP is continuing during the transition to aged care reforms and remains an important source of support.
For people with more complex or ongoing care needs, the Support at Home program (which replaced the Home Care Packages program from 1 November 2025), provides coordinated services designed to support older people maintain their health, wellbeing and independence while continuing to live in their own home.
What is aged care?
Aged care provides support and services for older people to maintain their safety, wellbeing and independence when everyday tasks become more difficult. Depending on an individual’s needs or circumstances, services may include support at home, short-term care, or residential aged care.
Support can range from occasional assistance with household tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation to personal care services, including help with showering, dressing and mobility. For people with more complex needs, aged care services may also include nursing care, dementia support, and allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy and dietetics.
Receiving aged care support does not mean ‘giving up your independence’ – it’s more about getting the right support needed to continue living independently, and as safely as possible in your chosen environment.
Who is aged care for?
Aged care support is designed for people aged 65 and over, or 55 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose daily needs have changed as a result of ageing, illness, frailty, memory changes, or a recent hospital stay.
In addition, aged care services provide support for family caregivers who need respite, or additional assistance.
When to consider aged care?
People often start looking into aged care when they notice one or more of these signs:
- Everyday tasks are getting harder.
- A parent or partner is forgetting medication or appointments.
- There have been falls or safety concerns at home.
- Carers are feeling overwhelmed.
- More help is needed after surgery, illness, or hospital discharge.
Types of aged care support
These are some of the a few main types of aged care support in Victoria
Aged care help at home
Support at Home service (formerly known as the Home Care Package) can help you achieve this by providing help with cleaning, meal preparation, personal care, nursing, transport to appointments, shopping and social support.
- Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provides entry-level help for basic daily tasks.
- Support at Home Program (formerly known as the Home Care Package) offers structured ongoing and higher-level packaged support for older adults who want to remain living in their own home. Support at Home services can help you achieve this by providing nursing, personal care, meal preparation, cleaning, transport to appointments, shopping assistance and social support.
Short-term aged care
Short-term care can help after a hospital stay when someone needs extra support before returning home, while recovering from illness or injury, or while longer-term care arrangements are being made.
It is also available for respite care or transition care, providing temporary assistance that benefits both older people and their carers.
Carers looking for additional support can also access Better Health Network’s Carer Respite Program to connect with other carers and services, which offers information, respite support and opportunities for social connection and peer support, helping carers look after their own wellbeing while continuing in their caring role.
Residential aged care
Residential aged care is for people who need more support than the Support at Home program can provide. It offers a safe, supportive living environment with accommodation, meals, personal care, nursing support and assistance with daily living.
For those with higher or more complex care needs, it provides the comfort, security and ongoing support needed to maintain quality of life and wellbeing.
How the process works?
Most people start with My Aged Care, which is the entry point for aged care services in Australia. Aged care usually begins with an assessment to understand what kind of help a person needs and what services they may be eligible for.
A simple way to think about it is:
- Ask for help through My Aged Care.
- Complete an assessment.
- Find out what level of support is recommended.
- Choose the right services or provider.
It is a good idea to start early, because some services can take time to arrange and assessments may not happen immediately.
Aged care costs and funding
Aged care costs can be confusing, especially when families first start looking. Some support is subsidised by the government, while other services may involve fees or contributions depending on the type of care and a person’s financial situation.
If someone is looking at residential aged care, they may come across terms like:
- RAD, which means Refundable Accommodation Deposit.
- DAP, which means Daily Accommodation Payment.
These terms are often unfamiliar at first, so it helps to get them explained in plain language before making decisions.
Quality aged care
Quality aged care should support a person’s dignity, safety, independence, and privacy. Standards are in place to help ensure older people receive respectful, high-quality care.
Families should feel comfortable asking questions about the care provided, staff qualifications, communication, and how concerns are addressed. A good provider will explain information clearly and help families make informed decisions.
Aged care across Melbourne
In Melbourne and Victoria, aged care services are delivered by a mix of home care providers, community organisations, nursing services, and residential care homes. The right option depends on the person’s needs, where they live, how much support they need, and whether they want to stay at home or move into care.
For families, the key thing is to match the service to the person, not just the label. Some people only need a little help each week, while others need regular support or full-time care.
How can Better Health Network help?
We provide a range of aged care and allied health services to support people to live independently, stay connected, and maintain their wellbeing. Many clients are referred through My Aged Care following an aged care assessment, while others may access services directly.
As a Support at Home provider, Better Health Network can assist eligible older Australians to access and manage the support they need to continue living safely and independently at home. We offer care management alongside a broad range of in-house allied health and wellbeing services, making it easier to coordinate your care and receive support from a trusted provider.
Depending on individual needs and eligibility, services may include dementia support, social support groups, nursing care, personal care, allied health services, and other forms of aged care assistance. Our team is here to help you understand your options, navigate the aged care system, and connect you with the services that best meet your needs.
Ready to access the support you need?
Whether you’re just getting started with My Aged Care or looking for support at home, our team is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, explain your options, and connect you with the services that best meet your needs.
Call 132 246 (132 BHN) to speak with our team today.
Aged care – FAQs
How do I know if someone needs aged care?
If daily life is becoming unsafe, stressful, or too difficult to manage alone, it may be time to explore aged care options. Support may also be available for family members and carers who need a break, additional assistance, or respite from caring for someone at home.
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central entry point and the starting point for accessing subsidised aged care services. It offers a free website and helpline to assist older people, their families, and carers find information, check their eligibility, and arrange an aged care assessment.
What is the difference between home care and residential care?
Home care assists people to continue living independently at home by providing support for everyday tasks, health care, and social connection. This can include assistance with showering, cleaning, meal preparation, transport, nursing care, and other services tailored to individual needs.
Residential care provides ongoing care and accommodation in an aged care home/facility.
How much does aged care cost?
Aged care costs depend on the type of services a person receives, their chosen provider, and their financial circumstances.
Can I get support before the situation becomes urgent?
Yes. In fact, it is often better to start early because assessments and service arrangements can take time.