MOST of us want to stay in our own homes as we get older.
The good news is that help is available to make this possible.
Support at Home is a government-funded program that replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025.
It can help with everyday things like cleaning, physiotherapy, getting to the doctor, or getting out to bowls or a coffee with friends.
And from 1 October this year, personal care such as showering and dressing is fully funded, so eligible people pay nothing for it.
The first step is to register with My Aged Care.
An assessor will then chat with you about what help you need.
Our tip is to be honest and describe your hardest days, not your best ones.
Planning ahead really matters.
Across Australia, approximately 100,000 older people have been approved for help and are waiting for funding, including around 32,000 in NSW.
Government figures show it typically takes about 10 months from applying to starting services.
Registering early, before you urgently need help, can make a big difference.
As a local, not-for-profit provider, Harbourside Port Stephens has supported our community for more than 40 years, and we’re happy to help you through the process.
To learn more about Support at Home, listen to the first episode of our new podcast series, Aged Care Conversations by Harbourside.
Watch or listen at harboursideportstephens.com.au/podcast. It’s also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
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