Watching a parent or grandparent begin to need more support at home is one of the most emotionally complex experiences a family can navigate. You want them to be safe. You want them to be comfortable. And most of all, you want them to feel like themselves, in their own home, surrounded by the things and people they love.
The good news is that quality, government-funded home care is available for older Australians living in Sydney, Wollongong, and Perth. This guide walks you through what is available, how to access it, and what to look for in a provider you can truly trust.
What Is In-Home Aged Care?
The Australian Government is transitioning aged care services into the new Support at Home program, which is progressively replacing existing in-home aged care programs, including the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. These reforms are designed to improve access to services, products, equipment, and home modifications that help older people remain living independently at home for longer.
For eligible families in Sydney, Wollongong, and Perth, this means government-funded support may be available, with more flexible care options depending on individual needs and assessment outcomes.
What Services Can an Elderly Parent Access at Home?

The range of in-home services available under the Support at Home program is broad and designed to cover the full spectrum of an older person’s daily needs.
Personal Care
Covers bathing, grooming, dressing, and mobility assistance. These daily tasks become harder with age but are deeply personal and important to dignity and confidence.
Domestic Assistance
Covers cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping, so the household continues to run smoothly even when physical capacity changes.
Companionship and Social Connection
Addresses one of the most significant but often overlooked aspects of ageing. Regular visits from a consistent, caring support worker can make an enormous difference to an older person’s emotional wellbeing.
Transport and Errands
Help older people continue attending medical appointments, community activities, and social events, maintaining their independence and connection to the world outside their front door.
Nursing and Clinical Support
Covers medication management, wound care, chronic condition monitoring, and other health needs that can be managed at home with the right professional support.
Respite Care
Gives family caregivers a well-deserved break, knowing their loved one is safe and well cared for in their absence.
How Is In-Home Care Funded?
Support at Home includes different funding classifications based on an older person’s assessed care needs. Funding levels vary depending on eligibility, individual circumstances, and the level of support approved through My Aged Care.
Older Australians may be asked to contribute towards some services, depending on the type of support being delivered and what they can afford. Some clinical services may be fully government funded, depending on eligibility and program rules.
To access government-funded support, your parent will need an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. This assessment determines the level of support needed and the appropriate funding classification. Once approved, they can choose a provider and begin receiving services.
What to Look for in a Home Care Provider
Choosing the right provider for your parent is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here are the qualities that matter most.
- Consistency of carers. For older people, especially those living with dementia, anxiety, or other complex conditions, familiar faces are essential to feeling safe and settled.
- Genuine compassion. The best aged care providers build real relationships and take time to understand your parent as a whole person.
- Qualified and trained staff. Look for providers with nurses and carers trained in dementia, Parkinson’s disease, wound management, and mental health.
- Transparent pricing. Ask upfront what services cost, what the co-contribution structure looks like, and whether there are any additional charges.
- Local knowledge. A provider with genuine experience supporting families in Sydney, Wollongong, or Perth will understand the local community and its specific needs.
Why Families in Sydney, Wollongong, and Perth Choose Astute Living Care
At Astute Living Care, aged care is personal. We believe every older person deserves to feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for in their own home, and every family deserves to feel confident that their loved one is in good hands.
Our team includes registered nurses, aged care carers, and mental health and community support workers who bring warmth, professionalism, and genuine commitment to every visit. Through our partnership with Trilogy Care, we help families navigate the Support at Home program, manage quarterly budgets transparently, and build care plans that truly reflect each person’s goals, lifestyle, and health needs.
We work with families across Sydney, Wollongong, and Perth, and we are proud of the trust those families place in us every day.

Ready to Start the Conversation?
If you are looking for home care support for an elderly parent in Sydney, Wollongong, or Perth, we are here to help. Start with a free 30-minute consultation and we will walk you through everything, from eligibility and funding to choosing the right services and getting started.
- Call 1300 764 253
- Email info@astutelivingcare.com.au
- Book online at astutelivingcare.com.au/aged-care-services-in-sydney-wollongong-perth/
If you’re seeking a provider who understands the balance between risk, urgency, and dignity, connect with Astute Living Care to discuss how we support participants — and the teams around them.
👉 Contact Astute Living Care
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Disclaimer: This article is intended as general information only. Aged care eligibility, funding rules, and processes can change. Always refer to the official My Aged Care website at myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422 for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, My Aged Care, Support at Home Program documentation.
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