Home Care Options for Older Australians in Regional Victoria

Staying at home as you get older is something most Australians want — and with the right support, it is absolutely possible. But understanding what help is available, and how to access it, can feel like a maze.

This guide breaks down the main home care options for older Australians in regional Victoria, in plain language.

A Home Care Package is a coordinated package of services to help you live independently at home. There are four levels, ranging from basic support (Level 1) to high-level care needs (Level 4).

What can it fund?

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
• Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, meal preparation)
• Social support and community access
• Transport to appointments
• Allied health services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
• Home modifications and assistive technology
• Nursing and clinical care (higher levels)

How do you access it?

You need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). You can self-refer by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visiting myagedcare.gov.au.

Once assessed and approved, you will be placed in a national queue. Wait times vary depending on your level and circumstances.

Choosing a provider

Once your package is assigned, you choose a provider to manage it. You can change providers if you are not happy — your funding follows you.

The CHSP is designed for people who need a lower level of support to stay independent at home. It is entry-level care, often used while waiting for a Home Care Package.

What does it cover?

• Domestic assistance
• Personal care
• Social support
• Meals (including delivered meals)
• Transport
• Home maintenance and modifications
• Respite care

How do you access it?

Also through My Aged Care — call 1800 200 422 for a referral. A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will assess your needs.

CHSP is generally faster to access than Home Care Packages, making it a good option if you need support now.

If you do not qualify for government funding, or you want additional services on top of your package, private home care is available. You pay for services directly, without government subsidy.

This can be a good option for:

• People who do not yet meet the threshold for government funding
• Those who want more flexibility or specific services
• Families who want to top up existing government-funded care

This guide focuses on home-based care — staying in your own home. If your needs have increased to the point where home care is no longer safe or practical, residential aged care (nursing homes) may be the next step. An ACAT assessment will help determine what level of care is appropriate.

Accessing aged care services in regional and rural areas comes with its own challenges. Services can be less available, and distances are greater. Here is what we recommend:

Start early. Do not wait until you are in crisis. Getting assessed and on the waiting list for a Home Care Package takes time — the earlier you start, the better.

Ask about local providers. Not all providers service rural areas. When choosing a provider, make sure they actually operate in your area and can reliably deliver services to you.

Consider transport. If you live in a small town or on a property, make sure your provider can get to you — and that transport to appointments is included in your plan.

Talk to your GP. Your local doctor is a great starting point. They can refer you to My Aged Care and help you understand what level of support you might need.

At Country Care Support Services, we provide home care across Buloke, Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Swan Hill, Northern Grampians, and Central Goldfields. We understand what it means to live and work in regional Victoria — because we do too.

If you would like to talk through your options or find out how we can help, please get in touch.

Phone: 0491 288 978 Email: info@countrycaresupportservices.com.au