What Is Ageing in Place?
Most Australians want to stay in their own home for as long as possible as they age. It’s comfortable, familiar, and keeps you connected to your community. This is known as ageing in place.
What is ageing in place and how can you plan for it?
What does it mean to age in place?
Ageing in place means continuing to live independently in your own home as you grow older, even when faced with health challenges, disability, or reduced mobility. It’s about adapting your environment and support, so you can stay safe in the home and community you love.
Practical ways to age in place
- Home modifications for safety and mobility such as installing grab rails or removing trip hazards
- Help with cleaning, shopping or meal preparation
- Social support and transport to stay connected
Planning ahead means you can keep doing what matters most on your own terms.
Why support for ageing in place matters
Getting support in the home isn’t just about comfort, it can help prevent premature entry into residential aged care. A study from researchers at Macquarie University found that every hour of help at home received per week is associated with a 6% lower risk of entry into residential care. The more hours of care services a person receives, the lower the risk of residential care entry.
What aged care support is available to help you age in place?
There are several types of support available to help you age in place, depending on your care needs and personal preferences. Understanding the options can help you find the right fit to age in place confidently.
1. Commonwealth Home Support program (CHSP)
CHSP is the entry-level tier of the aged care system, offering a few hours of weekly support. It isn’t income-tested, but a small co-contribution is required.
CHSP and the Support at Home program both help with everyday tasks to support ageing in place. The difference lies in the level and duration of support.
CHSP is best for: Those who only need one or two services a week.
Learn more: About CHSP
There will be some changes to the Commonwealth Home Support Program from 1 July 2027. As part of Australia’s aged care reforms, CHSP will transfer to Support at Home program.
2. Support at Home program
Support at Home is Australia’s new approach to in-home aged care, replacing the previous Home Care Package program. It’s designed to be simpler and more flexible, with additional funding “buckets” that can be tailored to your needs as they change. This means you can access the right mix of services to help you age in place.
Key features of Support at Home:
- Eight funding levels (up from four in HCP), providing more tailored support
- Funding for preventive and restorative care, so you can recover from setbacks and maintain independence
- A single, unified assessment process using the new Integrated Assessment Tool
- Three clear service categories: Clinical Care, Independence Support, and Everyday Living
Read more about the aged care reforms and key features of the Support at Home program.
Preventive and restorative supports:
Staying independent often means preventing problems before they start or bouncing back after illness or injury. Support at Home includes funding for restorative care, such as short-term therapy, reablement, or home modifications, to help you regain skills and confidence.
At Five Good Friends, we have developed Programs for Living Well to help you maximise independence while staying healthy and connected at home.
These evidence-based programs focus on preventative health — building daily habits and routines that support confidence, strength, and wellbeing. Five Good Friends' Program for Living Well are fully funded under the Support at Home Clinical Supports category and align with the latest Aged Care Standards, ensuring quality support that meets government guidelines.
Support at Home funding is best for: Seniors with moderate to high care needs who want to stay at home with a tailored, longer-term care plan.
3. Privately funded care
If you're ineligible or waiting for government-funded care, private services are a flexible option to help you age in place.
Privately funded home care services aren’t regulated or subsidised by the Australian Government and you have to self-fund the cost of services for all your care needs. Many government-funded home care providers, such as Five Good Friends, also offer privately funded services.
Privately funded care is best for: Those seeking immediate support or fully customisable and self-funded care.
4. Emergency or transitional help
If you can’t wait for help, there are some options including:
- Post-hospital transition care: Call My Aged Care – 1800 200 422
- Emergency respite (e.g., when a carer is unwell): Call Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737
- You can also access private home care immediately
How to Apply for Home Care Funding in Australia
Your first step is to check eligibility via My Aged Care. It involves a two-part assessment process that starts with a simple eligibility check that you can do online or over the phone. This is followed by an in-person assessment with an assessor from My Aged Care, that generally takes place in your home.
Once your funding level is approved, a provider like Five Good Friends will help tailor a care plan to keep you safe, independent, and connected.
Final thoughts: Plan now to age in place
To truly age in place, you need a plan that adapts with you. Australia’s aged care system is shifting to make this easier, but early planning is key. Whether you need a cleaner once a week or a full care team, help is available.
Five Good Friends helps older Australians live independently at home through care tailored to your needs and goals. Our Programs for Living Well are evidence-based and fully aligned with the new Aged Care Standards.
Our friendly team are here to support you with information, guidance, and services that help you stay where you feel most at home – your home. Contact us today.
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