Private home care refers to support that is arranged directly with a care worker or care provider rather than through a government-funded aged care program. It allows individuals and families to organise help at home in a way that suits their needs, routines and preferences.
Private home care can provide flexible assistance with everyday tasks, personal support and companionship while allowing people to continue living independently in their own home.
Key points
Private home care typically means:
- arranging support directly rather than through a government program
- choosing the type of help and the hours of support needed
- flexible support that can be adjusted over time
- assistance provided in the person’s own home or community
What types of support can private home care include?
Private home care can include a wide range of assistance depending on the person’s needs.
Examples include:
- personal care
- domestic support
- meal preparation
- companionship
- transport
- help with daily routines
- support with appointments or activities
The level of support can vary from occasional help to regular ongoing assistance.
Why do people choose private home care?
Families may choose private home care for several reasons.
For some people, it allows support to be arranged more quickly. Others prefer the flexibility of organising help that fits their routines and preferences.
Private home care can also be useful for people who:
- want to begin with a small amount of support
- are waiting for government-funded care
- prefer to organise support independently
- want greater flexibility in how support is arranged
How is private home care different from government-funded care?
Government-funded aged care programs provide support through structured funding arrangements.
Private home care is arranged directly by the individual or their family and is not dependent on government eligibility or waiting lists.
Both options provide support at home, but the way care is organised may differ.
Is private home care only for older people?
No. While many people use private home care to support older family members, it can also be used by people who need assistance due to disability, recovery from illness, or changes in mobility.
The type of support arranged will depend on the person’s circumstances.
How do families decide what support is needed?
A helpful starting point is to consider:
- which daily tasks are becoming difficult
- how often support may be helpful
- whether assistance is mainly needed at home or in the community
- what type of support would make daily life easier
Understanding these factors can help families organise support that suits their situation.
Can private home care change over time?
Yes. Support arrangements are often adjusted as needs change.
Some people begin with occasional assistance and increase support if required, while others arrange regular ongoing support from the beginning.
Flexible arrangements can make it easier to adapt support as circumstances evolve.
Frequently asked questions
What is private home care?
Private home care is support arranged directly with a care worker or provider rather than through a government-funded aged care program.
What types of support can private home care include?
Private home care can include personal care, domestic help, companionship, transport and assistance with daily routines.
Is private home care only for older people?
No. Private home care can also support people with disability, illness or reduced mobility.
Why do families choose private home care?
Families often choose private home care because it offers flexibility and allows support to be arranged directly.
Can private home care be adjusted over time?
Yes. The level of support can usually be increased or reduced as needs change.
Find Disability Support Workers
Read: What Is In-Home Aged Care?
Read: What Is the Difference Between Home Care and Aged Care?
Read: How Much Does Home Care Cost in Australia?
Read: How to Arrange Care for an Elderly Parent
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