Support at Home is Australia’s aged care support system for older people who need assistance to continue living independently at home. Independent workers on Careseekers may support older Australians receiving Support at Home services.
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home is an Australian Government aged care program that funds support services for older Australians who want to remain living at home.
Support at Home replaced the Home Care Package program.
The program is designed to help older people access services that support:
- independence
- safety
- daily living
- social connection
- health and wellbeing
What Types of Support Can Be Provided Under Support at Home?
The types of supports provided under Support at Home can vary depending on the person’s care needs and approved services.
Independent support workers may provide:
- personal care
- domestic assistance
- social support
- community access
- meal preparation
- transport assistance
- companionship
- mobility support
The exact services approved for each client may differ.
Can Independent Support Workers Support Support at Home Clients?
Yes. Independent support workers on Careseekers may support older Australians receiving Support at Home services.
Support arrangements can vary depending on:
- how the client’s care is managed
- the aged care provider involved
- the services being delivered
- funding approvals
Careseekers is not a registered aged care provider.
Do Support at Home Clients Choose Their Own Support Workers?
Some older Australians prefer greater choice and flexibility when arranging support services.
Depending on their arrangements, clients may choose to work with independent support workers through platforms like Careseekers.
Clients often look for workers who are:
- reliable
- professional
- compassionate
- experienced
- a good personal fit
What Training or Checks Do Support Workers Need?
All Careseekers independent support workers must complete onboarding requirements before supporting clients.
This includes:
- Police Checks
- NDIS Worker Screening Checks
- identity verification
- references
- mandatory training modules
Workers must also complete training related to:
- infection control
- SIRS
- aged care standards
- abuse and neglect prevention
What Is SIRS?
SIRS stands for the Serious Incident Response Scheme.
Workers supporting aged care clients should understand how to recognise and report serious incidents appropriately.
Examples of incidents may include:
- abuse
- neglect
- inappropriate conduct
- unexplained injuries
Careseekers workers complete Introduction to SIRS training as part of onboarding.
What Should Support Workers Know Before Supporting Aged Care Clients?
Support workers supporting older Australians should understand:
- professional boundaries
- communication expectations
- infection control practices
- incident reporting responsibilities
- safe support practices
Workers should also ensure they only provide supports they are trained and authorised to deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Support at Home?
Support at Home is Australia’s aged care support program that helps older Australians receive services while continuing to live at home.
Has Support at Home Replaced Home Care Packages?
Yes. Support at Home replaced the Home Care Package program.
Can Independent Support Workers Work With Support at Home Clients?
Yes. Independent support workers on Careseekers may support older Australians receiving Support at Home services.
Is Support at Home the Same as the NDIS?
No. Support at Home and the NDIS are separate systems with different funding structures, rules and processes.
Do Support Workers Need Special Training for Aged Care Clients?
Careseekers workers complete onboarding and training modules that include aged care-related topics such as infection control, SIRS and aged care standards.
What Is SIRS in Aged Care?
SIRS stands for the Serious Incident Response Scheme and relates to the reporting and management of serious incidents in aged care services.
Can Support at Home Clients Choose Independent Support Workers?
Depending on their arrangements, some clients may choose to work with independent support workers through platforms like Careseekers.
Read: Understanding Support at Home for Care and Support Workers
Read: Introduction to SIRS for Support Workers
Read: Understanding Aged Care Standards and Code of Conduct
Read: How to Become an Independent Support Worker in Australia
Read: How Independent Support Workers Get Paid On Careseekers
Read: Do Support Workers Need an ABN?
Register To Become An Independent Care & Support Worker On Careseekers
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