Getting Help for Your Ageing Parent: How to Access In-Home Care Services in Australia

Blog 2 in the series: Navigating Elderly Home Care – A Family’s Guide

So you’ve started noticing some changes in Mum or Dad — maybe they’re struggling with daily tasks, skipping meals, or doing a few things that feel a little risky (hello, drying undies over the oven door 😬). You’ve had the conversations. You know it’s time to step in.

Now comes the big question: where do we even start?

It can feel overwhelming. But the good news is, there is a clear pathway to accessing help at home — and plenty of support along the way.

In this blog, I’ll Walk you through:

• How the aged care system works in Australia

• What kind of help your parent may be eligible for

• The role Occupational Therapists (OTs) can play in making care safer and more sustainable

• What to do if you’re unsure where to begin

Step 1: Start with My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central point for accessing subsidised aged care services. Whether your parent needs a bit of help with shopping and cleaning, or more regular support for personal care, this is where the journey begins.

You can contact them via: 🌐 www.myagedcare.gov.au📞 Phone: 1800 200 422

When you call, be prepared to answer questions about your parent’s:

• General health and medical conditions

• Daily routines and any recent changes

• Safety concerns or risks at home

• Support they already receive (if any)

Note: In most cases you will need your parents’ consent to make a referral to MAC, so discuss this with them first

Step 2: Book an ACAT Assessment

If My Aged Care determines your parent may be eligible for services, they’ll arrange an ACAT assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team).

This is a free, in-home assessment conducted by a qualified health professional — often a nurse, social worker or occupational therapist — who will:

• Ask about daily activities and support needs

• Assess mobility, safety, memory and function

• Look at the home environment

• Help determine which services your parent qualifies for
  

There’s nothing to prepare or study — the aim is simply to get an accurate picture of how your parent is coping at home.

What Support Might Be Available?

There are two main government-funded programs your parent might be referred to after their assessment:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) ✔ For people who just need a little help to stay at home ✔ Entry-level support ✔ Services include:

• House cleaning and laundry

• Meal preparation or delivery

• Shopping assistance

• Transport to appointments

• Personal care

• Minor home modifications
  

2. Home Care Packages (HCP) ✔ For people who need ongoing, coordinated care ✔ Four levels of funding depending on care needs ✔ Services include:

• Allied health (like OT, Physio or Podiatry)

• Personal care and nursing

• Equipment and home modifications

• Social support

• Case management

• Respite for carers
  

Packages are flexible and families can choose their preferred provider.

How an Occupational Therapist Can Help

This is where we come in.

As an OT practice with a combined 60+ years of experience in aged care across Australia and the UK, we work with families every day to ensure care at home is both safe and sustainable.

Here’s how OTs can support your parent’s journey:

• Conduct home safety assessments

• Recommend modifications or equipment (like rails, shower chairs and transfer equipment)

• Prescribe assistive technology to support independence

• Support clients with reduced memory and cognition

• Help prevent falls and reduce injury risks

• Support care planning alongside providers

• Ease the physical and emotional load on carers
  

And yes — many of these services can be funded through CHSP or HCP.

Worried About Resistance from Your Parent?

It’s incredibly common for older adults to resist help, even when it’s clearly needed. Many fear losing independence or having strangers in the home.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Involving a neutral professional (like an OT or assessor) can reduce conflict

• Framing help as a way to stay at home longer is often better received

• Starting with small supports (e.g. cleaner, shopping help) builds trust over time

• You don’t have to push for everything at once
  

This process is a journey — not a sprint.

What to Do If You're Feeling Stuck

You don’t need to wait for a crisis before seeking help. If you’re unsure where to begin:

• Call My Aged Care and ask about an assessment

• Speak to your parent’s GP or health provider for a referral

• Contact us directly — we can help guide you through the process, or begin with an OT assessment
  

You're Not Alone — We're Here to Help

Navigating care for an ageing parent isn’t easy. But support is available — and you don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

👉 Visit www.otplus.net.au and complete our Referral Form📞 Or give us a call to talk through your situation💬 Already receiving a Home Care Package? Ask your provider to refer to OT Plus directly for home safety or equipment support.

Coming Up Next: Creating a Safer Home Environment

In our next blog, we’ll dive into home safety modifications, room-by-room checklists, and technology that can support your parent to live safely and confidently at home.