Staying Put, Staying Strong: What You Need to Know About Support at Home

At our 10 February information session, the guest speaker shared practical, empowering advice on how older people can stay living safely in their own homes for as long as possible—and unpacked the latest changes to home aged care in NSW.

Eight Smart Tips for Staying at Home

The talk highlighted eight key takeaways every older person (and their family) should know:

1. Keep your body strong – maintain leg, arm and core strength to support balance and mobility.
2. Keep your brain active – stay socially connected, keep learning, and avoid isolation.
3. Don’t wait until you’re desperate – government-funded support currently takes an average of 274 days to be allocated. Everyone is now issued an Interim Package (around 60% of approved funding) while waiting.
4. Choose your Registered Provider carefully – some providers have conflicts of interest or preferred service pathways that may not suit you.
5. Understand your legal protections – know how an Enduring Power of Attorney and an Enduring Guardian work.
6. Choose the right decision-makers – appoint people you trust to act in your best interests.
7. Stand up for yourself – ask questions, seek clarity, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your needs.
8. Know your rights – no one can force you into a nursing home against your will except the Guardianship Tribunal.

Big Changes: Support at Home

In November 2025, the Australian Government passed the largest home aged care reform in a generation. The new program, now called Support at Home, is designed to make it easier for older people to remain healthy, active and connected in their own communities.

Key features include:

• Restorative Care Pathway – multidisciplinary allied health services focused on maintaining and improving independence.
• Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) – funding for equipment, products and home modifications based on assessed needs.
• End-of-Life Pathway – dedicated funding to support people to remain at home during the final three months of life, if they choose.

Want to Know More?

For full details on Support at Home, including costs and financial implications—whether you’re a fully funded retiree, part-pensioner or pensioner—visit the Aged Care Support at Home website.

This session offered reassurance, clarity and confidence: with the right information and support, staying at home is not just possible—it’s your right.