A Complete Guide to In-Home Care Services: What Support Is Available?
2 November 2026
Key Points
In-home care services can help older Australians stay safe, comfortable and independent in their own homes.
Support can range from companionship and help with daily tasks to personal care, nursing, allied health and more intensive support.
In-home care may be funded through Support at Home, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Veterans’ Home Care or private payment.
The right in-home care provider should offer services that match your needs, goals and preferences.
Understanding your options early can make choosing care easier as your needs change.
Summary In-home care services help older Australians remain independent by bringing practical, personal and health support into the home. This guide explains the types of care available, funding options, what to look for in a provider and how in-home care compares with residential aged care.
In-home care services help older Australians receive the support they need while continuing to live in their own homes. For some people, this may mean occasional help with cleaning, shopping or meals. For others, it may include personal care, nursing, allied health or more regular support. Understanding your options can help you choose services that suit your needs now and plan for what you may need in the future.
What are in-home care services?
In-home care is support delivered in your own home to help you stay safe, well and independent. It can include everyday help, personal care, health services, social connection and changes that make your home safer or easier to use. At Kirinari, in-home aged care can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Support at Home program, Veterans’ Home Care or private services.
What types of in-home care services are available?
In-home care support services can range from practical everyday help to more complex health support. Depending on your needs, services may include:
personal care
domestic assistance
shopping and meal support
social support
respite care
transport
nursing and allied health
more intensive support
assistive technology
home modifications
Not everyone needs every service. Your support should reflect your needs, goals and preferences, as well as the funding or payment option you use.
Personal care and everyday support
Personal care can help with daily tasks that may become harder to manage on your own. This may include help with:
showering
dressing
personal hygiene
continence support
medication reminders
mobility and everyday routines
Good personal care should support your dignity and independence. From 1 October 2026, approved personal care services under Support at Home are part of the Clinical Supports contribution category. This means there is no participant contribution for these approved services where Support at Home funding is available.
Domestic assistance and meal support
Domestic assistance helps keep your home safe, clean and comfortable. Services may include:
cleaning
laundry
shopping assistance
meal preparation
light gardening
minor home maintenance
Meal support may also include pre-prepared meals, depending on your care plan and funding. These services can make everyday living easier and help you stay independent at home for longer.
Social support and respite
Staying connected is an important part of wellbeing. Social support may include:
companionship
support to attend appointments or activities
help using technology
staying connected with family, friends and community
support to take part in cultural or social activities
Respite care can provide support when a family member or informal carer needs a break. Depending on the service and funding arrangement, respite may be provided in your home or another suitable setting.
Nursing and allied health
Some people need clinical or therapeutic support at home. In-home health care services may include:
nursing
wound care
medication management
continence support
chronic disease support
occupational therapy
physiotherapy
speech pathology
other allied health services
These services can support your health, mobility and ability to continue living safely at home.
More intensive and 24-hour support
Some people may need more regular or intensive support, including assistance at different times of the day or overnight. Some providers may be able to arrange around-the-clock or 24-hour in-home support where appropriate. However, standard government-funded in-home aged care does not automatically provide 24-hour care. The level of support available depends on your assessed needs, funding and whether your care can be safely and appropriately delivered at home. Your provider can help you understand what support is realistic for your circumstances and whether another care setting should also be considered.
Assistive technology and home modifications
The right equipment or small changes to your home can make everyday activities safer and easier. Support may include:
mobility equipment
personal alarms
shower chairs
bathroom modifications
grab rails
ramps
other approved safety equipment or home modifications
Under the Support at Home program, eligible participants can receive separate funding for approved assistive technology and home modifications.
How can you pay for in-home care?
There are several ways older Australians may access or pay for in-home care.
Support at Home
The Support at Home program provides government-funded in-home aged care based on your assessed needs and Support at Home classification. Depending on the services you receive and your circumstances, participant contributions may apply. Clinical supports are fully funded, while contributions can apply to independence and everyday living services.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or CHSP, provides entry-level support for older people who need some help to remain independent at home. CHSP is currently scheduled to transition into Support at Home no earlier than 1 July 2027.
Veterans’ Home Care
Eligible veterans and war widows or widowers may be able to access approved services through Veterans’ Home Care.
Private in-home care
You can also pay privately for in-home care. Private care may suit people who:
are not eligible for government funding
are waiting for funded services
want extra support beyond their funded care
prefer to arrange services directly
If you’re unsure which pathway suits you, an in-home care provider can help explain your options.
How to choose the right in-home care provider
Choosing an in-home care provider is about more than finding someone who offers the right service. Consider whether the provider:
offers the services you need
understands your goals and preferences
has qualified and experienced workers
clearly explains prices and fees
can adapt support as your needs change
provides reliable communication and care coordination
delivers services in your local area
involves you in decisions about your care
You should feel comfortable asking questions before agreeing to services. A good provider should clearly explain what they can offer, what your care may cost and how your support will be managed.
In-home care vs residential aged care
In-home care and residential aged care both provide support, but in different settings.
In-home care allows you to remain in your own home while receiving support based on your needs. It may suit you if you can continue living safely at home with the right services in place.
Residential aged care provides accommodation and ongoing care in a residential setting. It may be more appropriate when someone can no longer live safely at home or needs support that cannot reasonably be provided there.
There is no single right choice. The best option depends on your needs, preferences, safety, support network and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
What does in-home care include? In-home care can include personal care, domestic assistance, meals, transport, social support, respite, nursing, allied health, assistive technology and home modifications. The services available depend on your needs and funding arrangement.
Who is in-home care for? In-home aged care is for older people who need support to continue living safely and independently at home. This can range from occasional practical help to more regular or complex care.
Is in-home care the same as home health care? Not exactly. Home health care usually refers to clinical services such as nursing or allied health. In-home care is broader and can also include personal care, domestic assistance, meals and social support.
Can I choose my own in-home care provider? Yes. Where your government-funded care allows provider choice, you can choose a registered provider that suits your needs. If you’re paying privately, you can also choose the provider you want to use.
How do I access government-funded in-home care? For most government-funded aged care services, My Aged Care is the starting point. You’ll complete an assessment to understand your needs and determine which services or program may be suitable.
How Kirinari can help
Choosing in-home care can feel like a big decision, especially when you’re comparing services, funding options and providers. At Kirinari, we can help you:
understand the in-home care services available
explore your funding options
build support around your needs and goals
coordinate services as your needs change
stay connected to the people and places that matter to you
continue living safely and independently at home
With more than 30 years of experience, Kirinari supports people across regional communities with personalised in-home aged care.
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