Aged Care Services Central Coast

Age at Home on the Central Coast, on Your Terms

Living at home means more than just having a roof overhead. It’s where habits have settled in, where your belongings are just as you left them, and where the days unfold with a sense of rhythm. For older people on the Central Coast, remaining at home can bring a stronger sense of wellbeing than moving somewhere new.

Support Network builds its services around this idea. We don’t disrupt routines—we work around them. Whether support means help with personal tasks, keeping medication in check, or regular visits for comfort, our focus is always the same: help without taking over.

We place great value on person-centred care. That means everything we do is based on who you are, not just what you need. And once a care plan is in place, the same team returns each time, giving you that important sense of continuity of care—you’ll know who’s coming, and they’ll know how you like things done.

Health needs don’t get left behind either. Our team includes nurses and trained professionals who handle more than daily routines. With registered nursing care and regular visits from allied health providers, care can include support with physical strength, mobility, chronic conditions, or anything in between.

Some people also live with memory changes, and that changes how support is given. In these situations, we take a calm and clear approach. From helping with day-to-day cues to keeping a steady rhythm in the home, our team is mindful of how to support people living with dementia care needs, without making things feel clinical or unfamiliar.

Why Central Coast Families Choose Professional Home Care

When families start to think about care for an older loved one, the decision often sits between two paths: stay at home, or move into a facility. For many across the Central Coast, the choice to stay at home feels right—but they need someone they can trust to help make it work.

That’s where Support Network steps in. We don’t offer a one-size service. Everything is shaped around what works for your situation—whether that’s support just a few hours a week, or something more involved.

For many, cost matters. Compared to aged care facilities, our affordable aged care services give families a way to access proper support without stepping into high fees or long-term contracts. With government funding through Home Care Packages, the costs are often lower than people expect—and easier to manage over time.

Then there’s the people. Families often ask, “Who will be coming into the home?” That’s a fair question. Our care workers are local, experienced, and matched to the individual. We try to keep the same team wherever possible so the person receiving care can build trust and comfort over time.

Care isn’t just practical—it’s also emotional. Families tell us they worry about leaving their loved one alone, even for a short while. That’s why we offer respite care that fits your life. Whether it’s for a few hours while you attend to other things, or longer periods during illness or travel, we can step in and take care of things.

Nursing care is another key part of what we offer, especially as health needs become more complex. Some situations require professional support—wound care, chronic illness management, or medication administration. Instead of moving to a facility for this, people can receive it right where they’re most comfortable—at home.

Our Central Coast Care Philosophy

We don’t approach aged care like a business. We approach it like a responsibility. People invite us into their homes, into their lives, and that’s something we don’t take lightly.

Everything starts with an understanding of what’s required—and that includes the formal part. We work in line with the Aged Care Act, which guides how care should be delivered in Australia. When someone begins the process, they go through an Aged Care Assessment Team—or ACAT—review. That’s how we learn about what support is suitable and how to match services to real needs.

But real care doesn’t stop with rules and assessments. It goes further. We provide emotional care as well. Not just a smile and a greeting, but actual psycho-social support. That means noticing when someone seems withdrawn. Spotting when loneliness sets in. Taking the time to chat, not just to clean or cook.

We also partner with trusted organisations like Dementia Support Australia to make sure we’re following best practices in memory care. If someone is living with dementia, we don’t treat them as a patient—we see them as a person who just needs things done a bit differently.

Then there’s culture. No two people are the same, and that includes the little things that matter. Some people like things done a particular way because that’s how they grew up. Others follow traditions around food, routine, or personal space. We pay attention. That’s what cultural understanding means to us—not just acknowledging difference, but actually respecting it in the way we care.

So, what is our care philosophy? Simply put—it’s care that doesn’t rush. That doesn’t treat people as tasks. That listens more than it speaks. That stays with someone as they grow older, and helps them live well, right where they are.

What We Can Do for You on the Central Coast

Every person’s care needs look a little different, and we’re not here to push a standard list. Instead, we provide a mix of support options that fit the shape of your life. Whether it’s clinical assistance or day-to-day help, everything we offer is meant to keep you steady at home, with less worry and more control.

Here’s what that looks like, in real terms:

Personal & Clinical Care

Getting older brings changes—some physical, some emotional. But none of them should take away your comfort or your dignity. That’s why our support starts with care that respects who you are. Our registered nursing care team brings not just medical skill but calm presence into the home.

We help with personal tasks, like bathing, dressing, mobility—but also respond when more complex care is needed. Whether someone is recovering from illness, managing chronic pain, or reaching the later stages of life, we step in with appropriate nursing care and an understanding that each day matters. Our goal is to support health and wellbeing, right through to end‑of‑life care, with dignity always at the centre.

Domestic Help & Meal Preparation

Sometimes, it’s not the big things but the small, routine ones that start to slip. Cooking, laundry, light cleaning—these things matter more than they seem, because they keep the rhythm of the day intact. Our team helps quietly in the background, offering meal preparation and household assistance that fits your daily pattern.

Your case manager works closely with you and your family to build a plan that makes sense. Nothing is overdone or clinical—it’s just the right kind of help, shaped around how you live. These services are often covered through home care packages, so there’s no need to carry the full cost on your own.

Nursing & Allied-Health Visits

When someone needs physical recovery or support beyond the basics, we bring in the right hands. Our team includes allied health providers—people like occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and others who work on movement, strength, and recovery.

These visits might focus on rehab after a fall, improving balance, or even building confidence after surgery. We don’t push people to work harder than they can, but we do help them feel stronger in their bodies. It’s about doing what’s possible—gradually, carefully—with the right support. You don’t need to travel out for these services. They come to you, right at home.

Dementia & Cognitive Support

Memory changes bring a different kind of challenge—one that affects not just the person but the whole family. Our approach to dementia care is shaped by calm, patience, and consistency. We create a setting that feels predictable and secure.

Structured routines help with clarity. Gentle prompts and cues help with direction. Our team is trained to respond to behavioural symptoms in a way that avoids escalation and supports calm. We draw from the guidance of organisations like Dementia Support Australia but apply those ideas in the real world—quiet mornings, simple activities, soft conversation, and space to feel at ease.

Palliative & End‑of‑Life Care

When the time comes to shift focus toward comfort, we provide palliative care that is gentle, clear, and deeply respectful. People want to remain in their homes, surrounded by what’s known. Our team makes that possible, working in quiet collaboration with families and other health professionals.

We pay attention to physical comfort, yes—but also to the emotional and spiritual care that many people need near the end. Psycho-social support helps reduce fear and ease the burden. And most importantly, we make sure the person feels heard and looked after, without being over-medicalised or moved when it’s not needed.

Day & Overnight Respite

Carers need space too. Looking after someone you love is exhausting, even when done gladly. That’s why we offer respite care in different forms—short breaks during the day, longer overnight stays, and emergency help when needed.

Whether it's for a few hours or a full weekend, our team steps in so carers can step back, rest, and breathe. We make sure there’s continuity of care, so the person receiving support stays relaxed with familiar routines and faces. We also connect family members with support groups, if they want to talk things through with others on the same path.

Social Outings & Transport

Staying connected to the outside world is vital. Too often, people stay at home simply because it’s hard to get out. That’s where we help. From doctor’s appointments to grocery runs, or just a walk in the park, we provide safe transport and a friendly presence.

We also encourage small group activities—coffee catch-ups, gentle movement classes, music sessions. These outings are part of our community-based care. They lift the mood, reduce loneliness, and improve overall rehabilitation outcomes by keeping people active. All of it is shaped around the support plan made with you and your family.

Home Modifications & Safety Checks

Falls and minor accidents can be prevented. We help make your home safer with simple changes—things like grab rails, non-slip mats, wider doorways, and bathroom adjustments. These modifications are often fully or partly covered through government-funded aged care services and your home care package.

But we don’t just make changes—we assess carefully. Our team reviews the space and talks to you about where problems arise. It’s not about turning your home into a hospital. It’s about making it easier to move around, without losing the feel of the space you love.

Funding & Fees Explained for Central Coast Residents

Aged care should never feel out of reach because of cost. On the Central Coast, there are several government-funded options designed to support older Australians living at home. Each option has its own criteria and process—but we help you through it, from start to finish.

Here’s what’s available:

● Home Care Packages (HCP)  Ongoing care at home for people with moderate to complex support needs.

  • Who can apply – Seniors aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) – You must complete an assessment through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

  • What it covers – Personal care, domestic help, registered nursing care, allied health, transport, safety modifications, and more – Four package levels, tailored to how much care you need

  • How Support Network helps – We guide you through the ACAT referral and help prepare for your assessment – Once you’re approved, we set up services, manage your budget, and build a care plan around your needs

● Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)  Entry-level care for those needing basic or occasional support.

  • Who can apply – Same age eligibility as HCP – Requires a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) interview

  • What it includes – Short-term or one-off help: cleaning, meal preparation, transport, minor home tasks

  • How we help – We assist with your My Aged Care registration and RAS booking – If your needs increase later, we help you move from CHSP to HCP

● Private / Self-Funded Care  Available to anyone, anytime, without waiting.

  • What’s possible – Immediate access to support: nursing, cleaning, respite, transport – Great for those waiting for HCP approval or needing additional services

  • How we help – We offer transparent pricing and flexible care without lock-in contracts – You can start quickly while your government funding comes through

● Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC)  Focused, time-limited care for people experiencing a short-term health decline.

  • Who it’s for – Older adults recently experiencing loss of independence – Requires ACAT approval

  • What it includes – Therapy-based support for up to 8 weeks – Help from occupational therapists, physios, and nurses

  • How we help – We coordinate health providers, schedule care, and monitor progress

● The Upcoming Support at Home Program (from 1 November 2025)  This new national reform will replace both Home Care Packages and CHSP, streamlining aged care into a single program.

  • What it means for you – One set of rules, one type of funding, more transparency – Clearer service options and pricing – Greater flexibility to adjust care as your needs change

  • How we’re preparing – We’re already adapting to the Support at Home Program model – If you’re applying now, we’ll make sure your plan transitions smoothly when the change takes effect    – We’ll continue to help you apply, manage funding, and adjust your plan under the new structure

You don’t have to work it all out alone. Our team at Support Network walks with you through every step—advice, applications, approvals, and adjustments. Whatever your care needs or financial situation, we’ll help you find a path that works.

How Our Four‑Step Care Process Works on the Central Coast

Getting aged care started doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Support Network, we’ve shaped the process into four practical steps that walk with you, not ahead of you. No pressure. No jargon. Just a clear path from interest to care.

Step 1 – Learn

You or your family get in touch. We talk through your situation and explain how aged care works—what’s available, how funding fits in, and what might suit you best. There’s no obligation to commit—just space to ask questions and get real answers.

Step 2 – Assess

We help you apply for a formal assessment through the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This is how your eligibility for government-funded services is confirmed. If you need help preparing for the visit or gathering documents, we’re right there with you.

Step 3 – Choose

Once you’ve been approved, we build a support plan around what matters to you. You choose what services you need, how often they happen, and what kind of help feels right. It’s your plan—not ours.

Step 4 – Manage

From here, your expert care team steps in. We organise services, monitor progress, and stay flexible as your needs shift. You’re never handed off—we stay part of your care community, so support continues to make sense as life changes.

Quality & Safety You Can Trust on the Central Coast

When someone allows us into their home, they’re trusting us with more than tasks. They’re trusting us with wellbeing, dignity, and peace of mind. That’s not something we take lightly.

Every part of our work is guided by the Aged Care Act, and we meet the regulation for quality of care standards set by the Department of Health and Aged Care. We don’t just meet minimums—we aim to exceed them, because safety isn’t something to compromise.

Our team includes qualified professionals—especially in roles involving registered nursing care—and every staff member goes through a security check and screening process before entering someone’s home. It’s not just about paperwork—it’s about knowing the person providing care is safe, reliable, and accountable.

We also keep our team trained and updated. When regulations change, so do we. When new needs arise, we adjust. You won’t be left wondering if the care is good enough—you’ll see the difference in how it’s done.

Smart Care Technology at Home on the Central Coast

Technology shouldn’t replace people—but it can help make care better. At Support Network, we use smart care technology to improve how support is delivered at home. That might look like small changes, but they can make a big difference.

Devices like fall detectors or personal alarms bring peace of mind, especially for people living alone or at higher risk. Telehealth consultations reduce the need to travel for appointments and allow health professionals to check in more frequently.

All of this fits into your support plan, never forced in or added without reason. Tech is only used when it adds real value—more safety, better communication, or quicker responses when something’s not right.

We believe the best care happens when human support and thoughtful tools work together. That’s the balance we aim for.

Ready to Arrange Care on the Central Coast?

If you’re thinking about aged care—whether for yourself or someone close—you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

Start by talking to us. Your case manager will help you register, apply, and begin building a plan. Our expert care team is ready to step in gently, with no pressure and full respect for your pace.

Whether it’s respite services, regular help, or just information, we’re here to support you. Let’s take the next step—together.