You may want help with showering or dressing while continuing other parts of your routine yourself. Talk with your provider about what feels difficult, where you would welcome assistance and what you prefer to do independently. My Aged Care explains what personal care can include.
Let your support worker know what helps you feel comfortable. This might include the order of your morning routine, how you like to choose your clothes, cultural preferences or the way you communicate. Discuss how the worker will explain each task and ask for your consent before helping. You can also choose whether you would like a family member involved and what their role should be.
If you need help getting ready before an appointment, talk through the timing with your provider. Allow enough time for the tasks you want help with and for you to move at a comfortable pace. Agree on an arrival time and who to contact if the worker is running late.
Tell your provider about equipment you use and any instructions from your health professionals. If you need help moving or getting in and out of bed, ask the provider to confirm the equipment, staff and skills needed before visits begin. Our assistive technology and home modifications guide has more information about equipment support.
Personal care can include help with taking your own medication. Medication administered by a nurse is a separate service. If you need medication support, agree on the exact assistance and who is authorised to provide it.
For personal care delivered from 1 October 2026, you do not pay a participant contribution when personal care is approved in your support plan and you have enough Support at Home funds. The service still uses your budget. Contributions may apply to services delivered before that date. The government funding update explains the change.
Ask your provider how the planned visits will use your budget. Our pricing guide can help you compare written quotes.
Agree on how your worker will enter your home, the tasks they will help with and who to call if you have a question or concern. Keep a copy of the plan where you can easily find it. After the first few visits, let your provider know whether the timing and support feel right. Your plan can be reviewed as your needs or preferences change.
Contact us to discuss your personal care needs. Let us know your suburb and preferred visit times so we can talk through current availability.
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Discuss your support needs with Choice
Information reviewed: 26 October 2026.
Yes. Tell your provider what you want help with and what you prefer to keep doing yourself. Your agreed plan should reflect your needs, privacy, routine and preferences. You can ask to review it if something changes.
Personal care can include help with taking your own medication. Medication administered by a nurse is a separate service. Before support begins, agree on the assistance you need and who is authorised to provide it. My Aged Care explains personal care inclusions and exclusions.
You do not pay a contribution for personal care delivered from 1 October 2026 if it is approved in your support plan and you have enough Support at Home funds. The service still uses your budget. Contributions may apply to care delivered before that date. Read the official change.
Explain the help you need, any equipment you use and the times that suit you. Ask whether the provider has staff with the right skills and availability. This helps you work out whether the service is a good fit before agreeing to care.
Talk through access to your home, the order of your routine and how long the visit will take. Let the worker know how you prefer to communicate and ask who to call about delays or concerns. After the first visits, share anything you would like to change.
