Help to remain living at home if you have a chronic disease or serious illness
Key facts
- You may need help in the home if you have a chronic illness or are older and frail.
- Planning home care can help you get the right support for your needs.
- Home modifications, medical equipment and emergency call systems can help you feel safer and more independent at home.
- Government subsidies are available for some home care services and equipment.
What is home-based care?
Home-based care supports anyone who needs help to continue living at home. This includes older people and people with a chronic illness, such as:
Everyone's needs are different. The type of home-based care that you need will depend on your situation.
What options for home-based care should I consider?
There are many options for home-based care.
Support from a carer
Support from a home carer may benefit you. Your carer could be:
- a partner or relative
- a volunteer
- a paid carer
A carer may be able to help you with self-care tasks, like:
- bathing
- going to the toilet
- dressing
They can also help with household tasks such as:
- cleaning
- shopping
- gardening
Meal support
If you're unable to shop or cook, food and meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels are available.
Clinical support
Clinical care may include home visits from a:
Nurses can change dressings or help manage incontinence (doing a wee or poo when you don't mean to).
Ask about the best way to meet with your healthcare practitioner. They might be able to visit you at home. You might also be able to attend appointments using telehealth.
Subsidised transport services are also available to take you to health appointments.
Home modifications
Home modifications can allow you to stay independent at home. Modifications to your home can also help prevent injuries.
For example, if you are a person who uses a wheelchair, you may need to:
- widen doorways
- lower light switches
- lower kitchen benchtops
- install ramps
- install a stair lift
Medical equipment at home
You might be eligible for special equipment to manage your condition.
For example, if you have:
- kidney failure, you may be able to have dialysis at home
- a chronic lung condition, you may be able to have home oxygen therapy
- trouble walking, you might benefit from a walking frame or wheelchair
Disability Gateway has more information on financial support for aids and equipment.
Emergency call systems
You can use an emergency call system to raise the alarm if you need help. This may suit you if you live alone or are at risk of falls.
The system is linked to your telephone. There are different emergency call systems. For example, a transmitter worn around your neck, can turn on the call system if you need help.
Find out more about different types of emergency call services. You can also visit the National Equipment Database website or call them on 1300 885 886.
If you have a life-threatening medical condition you may be able to register as a priority customer with your phone company. Being a priority customer means that if your home phone service has a problem, it will be fixed urgently. Telstra is the only company required to provide priority assistance. Other companies may choose to provide this service.
If you get care at home, it's a good idea to give a key to a trusted neighbour or relative. That way, if you need help but can't get to the door, emergency services will be able to get in.
Planning your home-based care
If you need help and want to remain at home, plan for home-based care. The right support can help you stay independent.
This is also important if you have a condition such as dementia that will get worse over time.
Advance care planning can help you get the treatment you need when you can't manage your own health.
Planning for unexpected power outages
If you use medical equipment that needs electricity, then you should plan for a power cut.
The first step is to register as a 'life support customer' with your electricity provider. Once registered, they will tell you in advance of any planned power outages.
You will also need to have a plan in place for unexpected power cuts.
To avoid problems with power cuts, keep backup medical equipment fully charged at all times.
Also keep a list of emergency numbers so you can get help if your power goes out, include:
- someone who lives nearby
- your doctor
- your local hospital
Find out more about energy and essential medical equipment from the Australian Energy Regulator.
Who provides funding for home-based care?
Some home care services are subsidised through the government. Other services are available through private providers.
Home care services subsidies
You may be eligible to get government subsidies towards home care services.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to support people with disabilities who are under 65 years of age. You can call 1800 800 110 for more information.
The Support at Home program will be available from November 2025. This will replace the Home Care Packages program. The Support at Home program will provide support to older Australians, including help with:
- care planning
- personal care
- nursing care
- food services
- allied health support services
- home modifications and assistive technology
- end-of-life care
The Commonwealth Home Support Program offers a range of supports for independent living at home, for:
- people aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people)
- people aged 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people) who are on a low income, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Some state governments also have subsidised home help schemes. These include:
- Queensland — Community and home care services
- South Australia — In-home care
- Tasmania — Home and Community Care Program and Care@Home
Medical equipment and supplies subsidies
You might be eligible to get government subsidies for medical equipment and supplies.
The Essential Medical Equipment Payment offers a small yearly payment. This payment helps with the energy costs:
- to run essential medical equipment
- for heating or cooling for medical needs
The Continence Aids Payment Scheme offers a yearly payment for people with life-long and severe incontinence.
Resources and support
If you live on your own and would like help, there are organisations that can support you.
- If you are an older person, visit My Aged Care or call them on 1800 200 422.
- If you have an eye condition, visit Vision Australia or call 1300 847 466.
- If you have cancer, visit the Cancer Council for information on services and support.
If you are struggling with your mental health, you can find information and support through:
- Beyond Blue — for people feeling depressed or anxious, call 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
- Black Dog Institute — online help for people affected by mood disorders.
- Lifeline — for anyone having a personal crisis, call 13 11 14 or chat online.
- Open Arms — online mental health support for veterans, ADF personnel and their family members.
- Medicare Mental Health — for advice and to get connected to local mental health services, you can call 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2025
