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Home Care vs. Residential Aged Care: Which is Right for You?

FOCUS Connect • 21 March 2025

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    I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

    FOCUS Connect offers services in Macarthur to our Cald Community, services under My Aged Care Funding as an approved provider and NDIS services as a registered NDIS Provider. To find out more visit our website here. 


We hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

FOCUS Connect offers services in Macarthur to to support individuals and families, including those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities and services under My Aged Care Funding as an approved My Aged Care provider. To find out more visit our website here

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As we or our loved ones age, deciding between home care and residential aged care becomes an important consideration. Understanding each option’s differences, benefits, and challenges can help families make the best choice for their circumstances.



Why Do Older Australians Want to Stay in Their Homes Longer?

Many seniors prefer to age in place, remaining in their homes for as long as possible. Here’s why:


✅ Familiarity & Comfort: Home is filled with memories, personal belongings, and a sense of security. 

✅ Independence: Staying at home allows seniors to maintain control over their routines and daily lives. 

✅ Emotional Well-Being: Moving to a facility can be stressful, while staying home promotes mental and emotional stability. 

✅ Community & Social Connections: Seniors can remain close to family, friends, and local support networks. 

✅ Cost-Effective: Home care can be more affordable than residential care, particularly with government-funded programs like My Aged Care and Support at Home. 

✅ Personalised Care: Home care services are tailored to individual needs, allowing for flexible and evolving support.


At FOCUS Connect, we understand the importance of staying in your own home. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer tailored home support services to help seniors remain independent and safe in their familiar surroundings.



What is Home Care?

homes. Services can range from basic assistance, such as cleaning and meal preparation, to more advanced care, like nursing and mobility support. The upcoming Support at Home program (July 2025) will make home care services more flexible and personalised.

A nurse is sitting at a table with an elderly man looking at a piece of paper.

Benefits of Home Care

✅ Independence & Comfort: Seniors can stay in familiar surroundings, maintaining their routine and lifestyle. 

✅ Personalised Care: Services are tailored to individual needs, whether a few hours a week or daily support. 

✅ Cost-Effective: Home care can be more affordable than residential aged care, depending on care needs. 

✅ Emotional Well-Being: Being at home can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression associated with relocation. 

✅ Government Support: Programs like My Aged Care and the new Support at Home initiative provide financial assistance.



Challenges of Home Care:

🔹 Limited Social Interaction: Seniors may feel isolated if they don’t have a strong support network. 

🔹 Family Responsibilities: Loved ones may need to coordinate care or provide additional support. 

🔹 Access to 24/7 Care: Home care may not always be sufficient if high-level care is required.



Why Many CALD Seniors Prefer Home Care

Older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds often prefer home care as it allows them to maintain their language, traditions, food preferences, and cultural practices in a familiar environment.


✅ Language & Communication: They can receive care from support workers who speak their language.
✅ Familiar Foods & Traditions: Home care allows them to continue eating traditional meals and celebrating cultural events.
✅ Religious & Community Connection: They can remain active in their religious and cultural communities.


At FOCUS Connect, we provide multicultural home care services, ensuring culturally appropriate care that respects traditions, beliefs, and language needs.

A family is posing for a picture while sitting on a couch.

What is Residential Aged Care?

Residential aged care (nursing homes or aged care facilities) provides 24/7 care and supervision for seniors who require ongoing medical support and assistance with daily activities.


Benefits of Residential Aged Care:

✅ Comprehensive Medical Support: Access to nurses, allied health professionals, and emergency care. 

✅ Social Engagement: Opportunities for group activities, outings, and social connections. 

✅ No Family Burden: Relieves family members from the responsibilities of caregiving. 

✅ Safe & Secure Environment: Facilities are designed for mobility, safety, and medical needs.

An elderly woman wearing glasses is smiling in a restaurant.

Challenges of Residential Aged Care:

🔹 Loss of Independence: Moving into a facility can feel restrictive for some seniors. 

🔹 Higher Costs: Residential aged care often includes accommodation and care fees, depending on financial status. 

🔹 Emotional Adjustment: Transitioning from home to a facility can be challenging for some individuals. 

🔹 Risk of Health Decline: Some seniors may experience a decline in health after transitioning to residential care due to factors like:

  • Emotional Stress & Anxiety: Leaving home and adjusting to a new environment can cause depression and anxiety.
  • Reduced Physical Activity: Muscle strength and mobility can decline if movement is not encouraged.
  • Less Personalised Care: Facility-based care may not always provide the same level of individual attention as home care.
  • Increased Risk of Infection: Communal living can expose seniors to more illnesses.



How to Prevent Health Decline in Residential Aged Care:

✅ Choosing the Right Facility: Look for places with strong community engagement, physical activity programs, and personalised care. 

✅ Regular Family Visits: Staying connected with loved ones supports emotional well-being.

✅ Encouraging Activity: Keeping seniors mentally and physically engaged can slow decline. 

✅ Exploring Home Care First: Many seniors prefer home care as long as possible to maintain independence. Programs like Support at Home (starting 2025) provide more options for in-home support.


Is It Difficult to Access Residential Aged Care in Sydney?

Accessing residential aged care in Sydney can be challenging due to high demand, wait times, and financial considerations. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Government-Funded Aged Care Facilities

  • An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) approval through My Aged Care is required to access subsidised care.
  • Fees are regulated and based on income/assets.
  • They may have long waitlists, especially for culturally specific homes or high-demand locations.


2. Private Aged Care Facilities

  • Do not require an ACAT assessment and operate on a fee-for-service model.
  • Residents pay the full cost of accommodation and care.
  • Often offer luxury amenities, premium accommodation, and personalised services.
  • Costs can be significantly higher than government-subsidised care.


3. Which Option is Best?

  • If affordability is a concern, government-funded aged care (with an ACAT assessment) may be the best option.
  • If immediate placement is needed or a higher standard of living is preferred, private facilities may be worth considering.



How to Decide: Home Care or Residential Care?

The best choice depends on care needs, financial situation, and personal preferences. Here are some key questions to consider:


Is staying at home still safe? Home care may be the best option if a senior struggles with daily activities but is still independent.


How much support is needed? If medical needs increase, residential aged care may offer more comprehensive care.


What is the financial situation? Government funding can help with home and residential care, but costs vary.


What does the senior prefer? Some seniors value independence and prefer to stay at home as long as possible, while others may benefit from the structured support of a facility.



How FOCUS Connect Can Help

At FOCUS Connect, we provide support and care across Western and Northern Sydney through My Aged Care.

FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Home Care Package and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.

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Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?

If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.

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