Navigating aged care can feel like trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a sudden change in circumstances, knowing where to turn makes all the difference.
Many people don’t know where to start and sometimes miss avenues that were available as they were completely unaware. It is a complex system with different access points.
To help simplify, here is a snapshot of different options available to help you, or a loved one, stay safe, supported, and independent at home.
Community Transition Care
If you are over 65 years (50 years for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and a patient in hospital, medically stable and ready to discharge home, you may be eligible for transition care. It provides short-term support such as personal care to help you further recover at home for up to 12 weeks.
Timing is everything as you must be assessed while still in hospital. Speak to your discharge planner ahead of discharge, who can provide further information on your eligibility for this program.
People often go from this program to CHSP or Support at Home if assessed as needing ongoing care and support.
DVA Community Nursing & Veterans Home Care
These are dedicated veteran care and support programs.
DVA Community Nursing services include wound care, hygiene/showering, dressing, medication and palliative care. There is no cost to you for services. Your GP can assess and provide a written referral.
DVA Veterans Home Care (VHC) provides in-home services to assist you to maintain independence and live at home through the provision of domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, and home and garden maintenance.
Assessment is through the VHC assessment agency on 1300 550 450, and there are co-payments for select services.
DVA can provide further details on these specialised veterans programs.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP is entry-level care at home, providing help with personal care, meals, shopping, transport, domestic assistance, social support and allied health.
It can provide ongoing or short-term support, such as therapy after an injury, for those aged over 65 years.
Eligibility is based on assessed needs, so My Aged Care (1800 200 422) is your first point of call to request an assessment.
You pay a nominal, non-means-tested contribution directly to your chosen provider.
This program supports over 800,000 people Australia-wide and has now been extended through to June 2029, great news as it is a much-needed stand-alone program.
Support at Home Program (former Home Care Packages Program)
The Support at Home Program is designed to support people over 65 who have complex needs or require more help to remain living in their home.
It provides a coordinated approach and support services, equipment and home modifications.
Ongoing support includes services in the following categories:
- Clinical care (and personal care from 1/10/26)
- Independence (e.g. respite, transport)
- Everyday living (e.g. cleaning, gardening, meals)
The program also includes three short-term pathways: End of Life, Restorative Care, and Assistive Technology and Home Modifications.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an in-home assessment.
It is income and asset tested, so you will pay a contribution towards the cost of services.
Further Information
For CHSP, Support at Home or Residential Aged Care, you can qualify at a younger age if you meet specific circumstances.
My Aged Care is the primary contact for information: www.myagedcare.com.au, phone: 1800 200 422
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
- Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Services Australia has Aged Care Specialist Officers at some service centres who can provide information on aged care programs, appointments: 1800 227 475.
This article by Julia McCarthy appeared in the October 2026 edition of Village Voice.