How to Care for Elderly Parents at Home: A Practical Guide
Caring for an older loved one at home can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. From figuring out what kind of support is needed, to understanding funding options and choosing the right equipment, there’s a lot to take in.
The good news? You don’t have to know everything on day one. Whether you’re stepping into the role of carer for a parent, partner, or family friend, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics of managing aged care at home.
We’ll cover the key things you need to know, from setting up a safe living space to getting support through programs like My Aged Care. Our goal? To help you feel more confident, less alone, and better equipped to give great care, one step at a time.
What Does a Carer Actually Do at Home?
Caring for an older person at home goes far beyond just helping with tasks. You’re stepping into a role that involves practical support, emotional connection, and plenty of coordination. Here’s a closer look at what that really means and how to find your footing.
You’re there to help with everyday tasks
As a carer, you’ll likely be supporting your loved one with daily routines that have become harder with age. This can include personal care (like showering or dressing), preparing meals, helping with medication, or providing transport to appointments.
According to My Aged Care, these everyday supports play a crucial role in helping older Australians live independently for longer.
You’re also a planner, advocate, and problem-solver
Beyond physical help, carers often take on a behind-the-scenes role—managing appointments, organising paperwork, setting up home modifications, and coordinating with health professionals or support services.
Whether it’s speaking up for someone during a GP visit or filling out aged care forms, you become the go-between who helps make sure everything runs smoothly.
Tip: Start keeping a care notebook or digital log to track appointments, medications, and any changes you notice to make future planning much easier.
You don’t have to do it all on your own
One of the biggest myths in caring? That you have to manage everything yourself. In reality, there’s a whole network of support programs and resources designed to help carers just like you.
Services Australia offers access to financial support (like the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance), respite care options, and aged care guidance, so you can take a break or get extra hands on deck when needed.
Your wellbeing matters too
Caring can be meaningful and fulfilling, but it can also take a toll. Long hours, emotional stress, and physical strain are all common, especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities like work or parenting.
The Better Health Channel emphasises that looking after yourself is part of the job. Whether that means connecting with carer support groups, asking family for help, or taking time out for your own health. It’s not selfish. It’s sustainable.
You’re not expected to be perfect
You’re learning as you go and that’s completely okay. Some days will feel smooth, others might feel chaotic. What matters is that you’re showing up with care, kindness, and a willingness to figure things out along the way.
Give yourself permission to ask questions, make mistakes, and lean on support when you need it. Because being a carer doesn’t mean doing it all. It just means doing your best.
How Do You Create a Safe Home for an Older Adult?
Creating a safe, accessible home is one of the most important steps in managing aged care at home. It doesn’t mean turning the place upside down. It just means making small, thoughtful changes to reduce risks, support independence, and help your loved one feel comfortable and confident.
Here’s how to get started.
1. Start with a home safety check
A walk-through of the home is a great first step. Look out for trip hazards, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or any furniture that could get in the way of mobility aids.
According to the National Institute on Aging, common risks for older adults include slippery floors, loose rugs, steep stairs, and uneven surfaces, especially in bathrooms and entryways.
Tip: Don’t try to change everything at once. Start with high-traffic areas like the hallway, bathroom, and bedroom.
2. Make bathrooms a priority
Falls often happen in the bathroom, where water, tile floors, and tight spaces make things tricky. Installing simple aids like grab rails, non-slip mats, raised toilet seats, and shower chairs can make a big difference.
The Australian Carers Guide recommends placing grab bars near the toilet and in the shower, and ensuring towel rails aren't being used for balance (they’re not strong enough!).
3. Improve lighting and visibility
Poor lighting increases the risk of tripping or bumping into furniture. Make sure hallways, staircases, and bathrooms are well-lit, and consider adding motion-sensor night lights for those late-night bathroom trips.
As Respect Aged Care points out, good lighting helps with visibility for reading medications, using the phone, or managing devices like remotes and blood pressure monitors.
4. Rearrange for easier movement
Older adults often benefit from a more open layout. Consider removing rugs or excess furniture, widening walking paths, and keeping everyday items at waist height to reduce bending or stretching.
The Melbourne Geriatricians Group also recommends placing a sturdy chair with armrests in common areas to help with safe sitting and standing.
5. Consider mobility and equipment needs
If your loved one uses a walking aid or is at risk of falls, think about how easy it is to move through the home. Are doorways wide enough? Are thresholds flat? Can mobility aids be parked without blocking the path?
This is also a good time to look into equipment that can support independence—like shower stools, bed rails, or pressure relief cushions—depending on their needs.
6. Don’t forget about comfort and dignity
Safety is important, but so is feeling at home. Try to balance necessary changes with personal touches—like keeping familiar furniture, framed photos, or a favourite blanket in easy reach.
Creating a home that feels both safe and like home helps older adults maintain confidence, comfort, and a sense of control.
How Do You Navigate Aged Care Funding & Support Services?
One of the biggest challenges for new carers is figuring out what financial support and services are available, and how to actually access them. The good news? There’s help out there, and most of it is designed to support older Australians living at home, not just those in facilities.
Here’s a breakdown of the main programs and pathways you should know about.
Start with My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central hub for aged care support. If your loved one hasn’t already registered, this is your first stop. After a quick screening call, they’ll organise a free in-home assessment to figure out what kind of help is needed—like cleaning, meal prep, nursing, or home modifications.
Once approved, your loved one may be eligible for subsidised services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP).
- CHSP is ideal for people who need a little help here and there
- HCP offers a higher level of support with more flexibility in how funds are used
You can learn more about Home Care Package funding here.
Understand what’s available through Services Australia
Beyond care services, Services Australia offers financial assistance for eligible older Australians. This includes:
- Age Pension
- Concession cards for cheaper medicines and transport
- Carer Allowance or Carer Payment if you’re providing ongoing care
These supports can go a long way in easing the financial burden of at-home care.
Look into housing and home equity options
If staying in the family home is becoming difficult—either financially or practically—there are programs to help. Housing Victoria offers information and services to support older people at risk of homelessness or facing housing insecurity.
In some cases, older homeowners may also consider the Home Equity Access Scheme, which allows eligible Australians to access part of the value of their home as a loan to help cover care or living costs.
What about residential care funding?
While this blog focuses on in-home care, it’s worth knowing that the government also funds aged care homes for people who need more intensive support.
The Department of Health and Aged Care provides subsidies to residential aged care providers to keep these services accessible, but most families still contribute toward costs based on income and assets.
Even if your loved one isn’t ready for residential care, knowing your options early can help you plan ahead.
Don’t try to navigate it all alone
The aged care system can feel like a maze, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, visit your local Services Australia office, or speak with a GP or aged care assessor to better understand which programs suit your loved one’s needs.
Support is there. Sometimes you just need someone to help connect the dots.
What Equipment Do You Need for Aged Care at Home?
You don’t need to turn your house into a hospital, but a few smart pieces of equipment can make daily care safer, easier, and more comfortable for everyone involved. Whether you're supporting a loved one with mobility, hygiene, or simple daily routines, here are some essentials worth considering:
1. Mobility Aids for Safer Movement
Mobility aids help older adults move more confidently, reduce the risk of falls, and preserve independence when getting around the house or going out.
Aspire Flex 6 Adjustable Seat Walker
- Why you’ll love it: This 6-wheeled walker offers ultra-smooth handling, ergonomic brakes, and a built-in seat for rest stops—ideal for shopping trips or long walks.
- Best for: Independent users who want freedom to move around safely indoors and outdoors.
Hero Medical Side Quick-Fold Walking Frame
- Why you’ll love it: A lightweight, no-fuss frame that provides stable support and folds down easily for transport or storage.
- Best for: Seniors needing basic indoor support or recovering from surgery at home.
2. Bathroom Aids for Hygiene & Dignity
The bathroom is a high-risk zone for slips and falls. A few safety additions can make a world of difference in daily hygiene routines.
- Why you’ll love it: This height-adjustable shower stool offers seated support for safer, more comfortable showers—no need to rush or worry about slipping.
- Best for: Older adults with balance issues, fatigue, or post-surgery recovery.
Hero Medical Toilet Pan Surround
- Why you’ll love it: Provides strong, stable hand support for sitting down and getting up from the toilet. Made from rust-free aluminium so it’s ideal for long-term use.
- Best for: People with limited strength, poor balance, or arthritis in the knees and hips.
- Why you’ll love it: Ultra-absorbent and slip-resistant, this mat catches spills and reduces the risk of falls—especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or near beds.
- Best for: Seniors with continence needs or anyone at risk of slipping on wet floors.
3. Bedroom & Daily Support Aids
For older adults spending more time resting or recovering, small tools in the bedroom can restore confidence and support safer movement.
- Why you’ll love it: Offers stable support for getting in and out of bed. The handle helps with repositioning during the night, improving both safety and independence.
- Best for: People with limited mobility or carers supporting transfers from bed to chair.
Royale Medical Free Standing Self Help Pole
- Why you’ll love it: Allows users to reposition or sit up in bed independently using the overhead handle—no need for wall mounting or complex installations.
- Best for: Seniors who want to maintain independence with repositioning, especially overnight.
Aspire Overbed Table – Laminate Flat Top
- Why you’ll love it: Rolls easily over most beds or chairs and provides a stable surface for meals, reading, or medication. Simple, practical, and easy to clean.
- Best for: People on bed rest, or those who spend extended periods in a recliner or chair.
4. Carer Support & Transfer Tools
Manual handling can be tough on carers and risky for care recipients if not done correctly. These tools support safer, smoother transfers.
- Why you’ll love it: Padded for comfort and fully adjustable, this belt gives carers more control during transfers and assisted walking—without the strain.
- Best for: Assisting with bed-to-chair transfers, short walks, or toileting support.
Equip the Home, Empower the Person
Caring for someone at home isn’t easy, but the right equipment can take a lot of pressure off both the carer and the person receiving care. Simple additions like a sturdy bed rail, a non-slip mat, or a comfortable walking aid can make everyday routines safer, more comfortable, and far less stressful.
Remember, you don’t need to figure it all out at once. Start with the essentials that match your loved one’s current needs, and build from there. If you're unsure what to choose, we're here to help.
Visit Our Epping Showroom
Want to see and test these products in person? Come and visit our friendly team at the Platinum Health Epping showroom. We’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help you find practical solutions that work for your home and care needs.
Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Road, Epping VIC
Open weekdays, 9am–5pm
From walking aids to transfer tools and bathroom safety gear, we’ll help you make the right choices with confidence and care.
