How to begin talking about Support at Home

Discussing the need for home care with a spouse or parent can leave many people unsure of how to approach the topic. Afterall, delaying seeking help at home is common for ageing seniors, and raising the issue can be difficult and may even lead to resistance.

However, the home care funding system takes a long time, so having the discussion earlier and getting support in place sooner can help ensuring you get the help you need to extend years of independent living, and improve wellbeing and life at home.

In this article, we share practical guidance to help you get started with confidence—equipped with clear information and supportive advice.

1. Try to understand what’s behind the delay

People often enter the home care system during a health crisis, as a result of having delayed seeking care in the first place. For most, a health crisis is the first trigger to take seriously, the need for accepting help at home.

Facing the realities of ageing or declining health can be a factor, while some may wish to avoid causing worry to family by being too open and honest about struggles. Optimism bias and concerns about the financial implications of needing care can also influence someone's reluctance to seek help. By first understanding the reasons, you can better determine how to approach the conversation.

2. Focus on their concerns first, not you

Adjusting to changes in health and independence can be challenging, and accepting new support isn’t always easy. To help open the conversation, consider picking up on anything your loved one mentions about what tehy are fidning more difficult or any areas where they recognise a little extra help might be welcome. This approach lays the foundation for building trust and introducing support gradually—whether that means arranging some light domestic assistance or gardening. Allowing time to get comfortable with these changes often makes it easier to discuss expanded care options down the track.

3. Focus on the facts about the home care system

The truth about the Home Care system is that it takes a long time to get funding in place. From the time of first registering with My Aged Care and applying for an assessment through to being approved and finally having your funds released, it can easily take 12 months (and longer!).

By sharing this information, it can be a low-pressure way to suggest you’d like to start the process before there’s any serious health issues or concerns. 

4. Talk about the potential benefits of home care

Many people are surpised by the range of serives available through Support at Home funding and the extensive type of supports  available to improve life at home. Beyond the usual services like personal care and domestic assistance, funding can cover home and bathroom modifications, or provide technology such as tablets or smart home devices to help stay connected to loved ones.

Many people choose to use their home care funding for activities that enhance their daily lives, such as transport to social outings to help reduce feelings of isolation. Others may prefer support with meal preparation or companion gardening, giving them the chance to rekindle favorite pastimes with a little extra assistance. Allied health services, like physiotherapy or massage, are also available, alongside a wide range of supports including respite care for carers who need a helping hand.

5. Ask trusted professionals for help

At times, it may be more comfortable for a loved one to speak with a trusted health professional rather than a family member. If you notice ongoing resistance to discussing Support at Home, consider reaching out to your family GP or another reliable healthcare provider to share your concerns.

These professionals can help open up the conversation with your loved one and may recommend exploring home care options together. Long-standing relationships with GPs or health professionals can be especially valuable in providing reassurance and guiding these important discussions.

6. Enusre they still feel in control

It’s completely natural to worry that accepting home care might mean losing some say in your daily life. In reality, Support At Home places participants in the driver’s seat. As a consumer-directed scheme, you choose your preferred Home Care provider, and together you shape a care plan around what matters most to youand your health goals.

Home Care planning at Age Up is a collaborative process with your dedicated Care Partner, giving you the freedom to decide which services are going to help you achieve your goals. Learning more about how home care operates can help ease concerns about independence, while also shining a light on the positive impact and greater control these services can bring to everyday living.

7. Keep talking about home care

Conversations about home care are most effective when approached as an ongoing dialogue rather than a single discussion. Gradually revisiting the topic, sharing real-life examples of how others have benefited, and highlighting the enhanced quality of life that focussed support can provide all help foster understanding and openness. By keeping the conversation active over time, you create more comfortable opportunities for your loved one to consider home care and participate in decision-making when the time feels right.