Questions to Ask When Choosing a Care Home
Choosing care for yourself or a loved one is a significant decision. Whether you’re exploring support at home or considering residential options, asking the right questions ensures you feel informed and confident.
This guide answers common home health care questions, important in home care questions, and outlines key questions to ask when choosing a care home, helping you make decisions with clarity and peace of mind.
If you’re new to the aged care system, you may also find it helpful to start with our overview of understanding aged care.
Understanding Support at Home
What is Support at Home?
Home care provides personalised support services that allow older people to remain living safely and independently in their own home. Support can range from basic assistance with daily tasks to higher-level clinical care.
What’s the difference between Support at Home and aged care?
“Aged care” is a broad term that includes both residential aged care and support delivered at home.
Home care allows individuals to stay in their own residence while receiving care. Residential aged care involves moving into a community setting with 24-hour assistance.
Who can receive Support at Home?
Generally, people aged 65 years and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) who need assistance with daily living tasks may be eligible for government-funded home care.
An assessment through My Aged Care determines eligibility and appropriate support levels.
Costs and Funding
Understanding costs is one of the most common home health care questions families ask.
How much does Support at Home cost?
Costs depend on the level of care required, government subsidies and individual financial circumstances. Some services may be partially or fully subsidised.
For detailed information, visit our guide to Support at Home funding.
What is a Support at Home Program?
A Home Care program is government funding allocated to eligible individuals to provide coordinated support services at home. There are four levels of packages, depending on care needs.
What government funding options are available?
The Australian Government provides support through:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Support at Home Programs (Levels 1–8)
Eligibility is determined through formal assessment.
What is the difference between CHSP and Support at Home programs?
CHSP is designed for entry-level support, offering individual services as needed.
Home Care Packages provide more comprehensive and coordinated care for people with higher or ongoing support needs.
Services and Support
What services are included in Support at Home?
Home care services may include:
- Personal care and hygiene assistance
- Nursing and clinical care
- Domestic support and cleaning
- Meal preparation
- Transport assistance
- Allied health services
- Social support
Services are tailored to individual goals and assessed needs.
Can home care help with medical needs?
Yes. Depending on your approved program level, home care may include nursing services and support for managing chronic conditions.
How often can carers visit?
Visit frequency depends on care needs and program level. Some individuals receive weekly support, while others may require daily visits.
Choosing a Provider
Choosing the right provider is one of the most important steps. These are essential in home care questions to consider.
What should I look for in a home care provider?
Consider:
- Experience in aged care
- Transparency around costs
- Clear communication
- Person-centred care philosophy
- Flexibility of services
How do I compare providers?
When comparing providers:
- Review service inclusions
- Ask about care coordination
- Understand management fees
- Check response times and availability
- Ask for references or testimonials
What qualifications should carers have?
Carers should have relevant training in aged care or community services. Registered nurses, allied health professionals and qualified support workers may form part of the care team.
What questions should I ask before choosing a provider?
Important questions to ask when choosing a care home or home care provider include:
- How will my care plan be developed?
- Who will coordinate my services?
- What happens if my needs change?
- How are complaints handled?
- Are there additional fees beyond my package funding?
Care Planning and Customisation
Can care plans be adjusted over time?
Yes. Care plans are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needs evolve.
How are care needs assessed?
Care needs are assessed through My Aged Care and may involve RAS or ACAT assessments.
Learn more about the process in our guide to Support at Home assessments.
Who decides what services are provided?
Services are determined based on assessment outcomes and personal preferences. The individual and their chosen provider collaborate to create a tailored plan.
Quality, Safety and Rights
How do I know if a provider meets quality standards?
Approved providers must meet the Aged Care Quality Standards set by the Australian Government. You can ask providers about accreditation and compliance processes.
What are my rights as a care recipient?
Care recipients have the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- Receive safe and high-quality care
- Make decisions about their care
- Voice concerns or complaints
What should I do if I’m unhappy with my care?
Speak directly with your provider first. If concerns are not resolved, you may contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for support.
Getting Started
How do I apply for Support at Home?
The process begins with contacting My Aged Care to request an assessment.
Our step-by-step guide to getting started with home care outlines exactly what to expect.
How long does approval take?
Timeframes vary depending on assessment demand and package availability. Some individuals may experience waiting periods for higher-level packages.
What happens after approval?
Once approved, you can choose an aged care provider and begin developing your personalised care plan. Funding is assigned to your package level and services are coordinated accordingly.
Contact and Support
Who can I talk to for advice?
If you have additional home health care questions or need support navigating the system, speaking with an experienced aged care provider can help clarify your options.
How can Southern Cross Care help?
At Southern Cross Care, we guide individuals and families through every stage, from understanding eligibility to coordinating personalised support.
If you have home care questions or want help determining the right next step, our team is here to assist.
Contact Southern Cross Care today to begin your journey with clarity and confidence.
What happens after approval?
Once approved, you can choose an aged care provider and begin developing your personalised care plan. Funding is assigned to your package level and services are coordinated accordingly.