When it comes to aged care in Australia, understanding your options can help you or your loved one make informed, confident decisions. Whether you’re exploring aged care for yourself or supporting a family member, it’s important to find a solution that maintains dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Fortunately, Australia offers several types of aged care services — and many older Australians are choosing to receive care at home, where they feel most comfortable.
Why home care is becoming the preferred choice
If your goal is to stay independent while ageing in place, home care is often the best option. Government-subsidised programs such as the Home Care Packages (HCP) program, and soon the Support at Home program, provide coordinated support so you can continue living in your own home for as long as possible.
Home care can help you with:
- Personal care, such as showering or dressing
- Domestic tasks like cleaning, cooking or laundry
- Transportation and help with shopping or attending appointments
- Social support and companionship
- Access to allied health services and nursing
- Home modifications or assistive technology
- Care planning and ongoing care management
You can receive these services through a registered provider, or through a self-managed home care model, which gives you more flexibility and control over who delivers your services and when.
At Trilogy Care, we specialise in self-managed aged care — allowing clients to choose their own workers, set their own schedules, and manage their care in a way that suits their lifestyle. It’s a model built on empowerment, choice and transparency.
Support at Home: the next chapter for aged care
From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will replace the Home Care Packages program with a new model called Support at Home. This change aims to simplify the system and make services more consistent across the country.
Under Support at Home, care will be delivered through quarterly budgets, and all services will fall into clear categories:
- Clinical care – nursing, allied health, and health-related services
- Independence support – personal care, social activities, transport and more
- Everyday living support – help with cleaning, meals, home maintenance
If you’re already receiving home care, you’ll either be a grandfathered client (with your current funding and fees carried over) or a hybrid client (if you joined after 12 September 2024). In either case, your care will continue — but the way it’s managed may look a little different.
The good news? Trilogy Care will be with you at every step, helping you transition smoothly and confidently to the new system.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) offers entry-level support to older Australians who only need occasional or low-intensity help to stay safe and independent at home.
It’s a great starting point if you’re not ready for a Home Care Package but would still benefit from a little extra help.
CHSP services can include:
- Housework, such as cleaning or laundry
- Transport to appointments or social activities
- Meals and food preparation
- Minor home modifications and safety equipment
- Group activities and support for social connection
Unlike HCPs or Support at Home, CHSP services are delivered on a pay-as-you-go basis. You generally pay a small contribution toward the cost, and the government covers the rest.
Many people use CHSP for short-term or occasional support and later transition to more comprehensive funding as their needs change.
Residential aged care
Residential aged care is designed for people who can no longer live safely or comfortably at home. It provides 24/7 care in a facility and may include personal care, meals, accommodation, clinical care, and recreational activities.
This may be the right option if you or your loved one:
- Has complex or high-level care needs
- Requires constant supervision or medical support
- Can no longer manage safely at home, even with support
- Feels isolated or unable to access community services
Residential aged care is regulated by the Australian Government and assessed through the Single Assessment System. While it’s a vital option for some, it represents a major lifestyle change — especially for those who value independence and staying connected to their community.
That’s why many families first explore home care before considering this path.
Choosing the right option for you or your loved one
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to aged care. What matters most is matching the level of support to the individual’s needs, goals, and preferences.
Here are a few questions to help guide your decision:
- Does the person want to remain in their own home?
- How much support is needed each day or week?
- Are there any medical conditions that require specialised care?
- Is the person socially connected, or would they benefit from more structured community support?
- How involved does the person (or their family) want to be in choosing support workers?
For many Australians, home care, especially when self-managed, provides the perfect balance between independence and safety. And with expert support from Trilogy Care, managing your services can be simple, empowering and cost-effective.
We're here to help
Whether you’re just starting to explore aged care options, or you’re ready to make the switch to self-managed care, Trilogy Care is here to support you. We’ll help you understand your funding, create a personalised care plan, and ensure you get the most from your home care budget.
To speak with our friendly team or find out how self-managed aged care works, contact Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190.
