Aged Care Services Melbourne

Through government support such as the Home Care Packages Program and the upcoming Support at Home program, eligible individuals in Melbourne can access a wide range of assistance tailored to their needs. Whether it’s help with meals, health care visits, or simply getting around safely, in-home care brings support to you without turning life upside down.

If you're not sure where to begin, Support Network is here to walk you through it. We’ll help you understand your options, work through eligibility, and connect you to the right services. You can also find helpful guidance through Services Australia and other public channels, but if you'd prefer to speak with someone who understands the process inside out we're ready when you are.

Age at Home in Melbourne, on Your Terms

There’s something deeply grounding about waking up in a place that feels familiar. The sound of the kettle. The chair that’s worn just right. The neighbours you’ve shared years with. That sense of continuity matters, and it plays a big role in both physical and emotional well-being as we grow older.

In Melbourne, more older adults are choosing to age at home supported by community-based senior care that respects the way they want to live. And rightly so. Maintaining that everyday comfort can do wonders for mental health, especially for vulnerable seniors who might be feeling the pressures of isolation, memory loss, or changes in routine.

There’s solid reasoning behind this approach too. According to the Aging Roadmap, remaining at home with the right support is linked to a better quality of life. It allows seniors to stay in touch with their community members, keep familiar routines, and stay connected to what matters to them be it their garden, their pet, or their family just around the corner.

But it’s not just about the emotional side. Face-to-face services offered in-home mean less stress around transport or mobility issues. It also helps families, who can feel more involved without needing to uproot their lives. For many, it's a practical path that considers not only the ageing individual’s wellbeing but also the financial situation of the entire family.

In-home aged care in Melbourne isn’t just a service. It’s a way of saying: “You still belong here. You still get to choose.” It brings the focus back to the person, not the process. And that’s what real support should feel like.

Why Melbourne Families Choose Professional Home Care

Making care decisions for a loved one isn’t easy. Most families want the same thing: a way to keep their loved ones safe, healthy, and comfortable without taking them away from the life they know. For many in Melbourne, professional home care has become that middle ground.

Unlike residential aged care, which often involves a full move and a shift in routine, in-home services allow older individuals to stay in control. Their meals, their hobbies, their quiet afternoons in the sun all of that stays intact. The only difference is, they now have help when they need it.

Families also gain peace of mind knowing that the person they care about isn’t alone. Whether it’s support with mobility, managing medications, or simply having a reliable companion pop in each day, the small things add up. Local service providers work closely with families and health professionals to ensure that support is not only effective but also flexible enough to change as needs evolve.

There’s also the added trust that comes from working with experienced organisations, like Care For Family, and other Melbourne-based providers. These teams understand the balance between support and autonomy. They’re trained, they’re professional, and they’re backed by public sector organisations that keep quality and accountability in check.

In the end, families choose in-home care not because it’s a last resort but because it’s a thoughtful one. It keeps loved ones where they’re most at ease at home.

Our Melbourne Care Philosophy

Care, when done right, should never feel like a transaction. It should feel like a relationship. That belief sits at the heart of our philosophy.

We work with community partners across Melbourne to deliver in-home aged care that reflects not just individual needs, but also the values that shape how people want to live. That means listening, adjusting, and staying connected. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all support. Instead, we believe in small, consistent actions that build trust over time.

Being a not-for-profit means we’re guided by what’s best for those we support, not by what’s easiest or cheapest. We see the whole person, not just the care plan. Our carers are more than staff. They’re companions, listeners, and lifelines for those who may not have anyone else nearby.

We’re also proactive about staying aligned with reforms, including the national reform plan and upcoming changes introduced by the Australian Government. Compliance isn’t a checkbox for us, it's a commitment. We follow every regulation for quality of care standards, and we go beyond the basics to ensure the kind of support we’d want for our own family.

In partnership with the Commonwealth Government and local councils, we make sure our services evolve with the changing needs of older adults in Melbourne. Whether that’s offering new programs, expanding support hours, or simply keeping up with what works best we’re in it for the long haul.

When it comes to aged care, philosophy isn’t just what we say. It’s how we show up.

What We Can Do for You in Melbourne

Every person’s needs are different. That’s why Support Network offers a wide range of aged care services across Melbourne, designed to meet individuals where they are physically, emotionally, and medically. We don’t assume what you need. We listen, we observe, and we act where it counts. Here’s how we support older adults in living safely and comfortably at home.

Personal & Clinical Care

Good care starts with the basics, but it doesn’t stop there. We offer daily support through our team of trained registered nurses and care workers, focused on tasks that protect health and restore dignity. That includes medication management, regular check-ins, help with bathing or dressing, and personalised personal care routines that respect your preferences. Every step is taken with care, caution, and compassion. This is more than just in-home nursing; it's the presence of someone who knows what to look for and how to respond. From pressure care to hygiene to building daily confidence, it’s support that actually supports.

Domestic Help & Meal Preparation

Sometimes, what people really need is just a hand with the everyday. The laundry piling up. The garden maintenance that can no longer be done safely. The meals that take too much energy to prepare. We help with meals and food preparation, light cleaning, and general help around the house, so individuals can focus on what matters most: feeling well. Our services are flexible and you can request support once a week or every day. It’s up to you. It’s your home. We’re just here to keep it running.

Nursing & Allied-Health Visits

Our nursing team coordinates directly with your GP and other healthcare providers to ensure consistency in care. This includes everything from wound care and chronic condition monitoring to longer-term recovery support. But we don’t stop at nursing; we also connect clients with allied health therapies, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical rehabilitation services. Whether it’s helping someone regain mobility or improving communication after a stroke, our network of health professionals is equipped to provide meaningful outcomes in the comfort of your own space.

Dementia & Cognitive Support

When memory changes become part of the daily routine, families often feel overwhelmed and individuals can feel frustrated, confused, or afraid. We offer structured dementia care and Alzheimer’s Disease Care that focuses on stability and emotional safety. Our carers are trained to support vulnerable seniors with empathy and consistency. We don’t just assist, we also create environments that feel familiar and safe. This isn’t just about managing symptoms. It’s about helping people still feel like themselves, even when their memory begins to shift.

Palliative & End-of-Life Care

No one should have to face the end of life alone or in discomfort. At Support Network, we offer 24/7 access to trained registered nurses who provide medical and emotional care during this sensitive stage. Our focus is always on maintaining quality of life, managing pain, relieving anxiety, and helping families prepare and cope. We come to you, quietly and compassionately, ready to support the whole family. End-of-life care is not just about health. It’s about dignity, closure, and peace.

Day & Overnight Respite

Even the most devoted family caregivers need rest. Whether you need a few hours away or a full overnight break, we offer flexible day/overnight respite options that keep your loved one safe and supported. Our respite care services are designed for continuity, so your loved one is not meeting a new face each time. We provide access to the same caregiver resources our full-time clients receive, so you can step away without worry. Sometimes, stepping back is the best way to show up better.

Social Outings & Transport

Life doesn’t stop at the front door. We help clients stay connected with their community through social outings, group activities, and friendly check-ins. Whether it’s getting to a weekly card game, attending exercise classes, or simply joining a shared lunch, staying active makes a real difference. Our calendar is full of low-pressure events, and we also provide transport for medical appointments, family visits, or grocery trips. We know the value of human connection and we work to keep those bonds strong. Even pet care gets attention, because we know how much companionship matters.

Home Modifications & Safety Checks

Our team also helps keep homes safer and more accessible. We assist with small-scale home modifications like rail installations, lighting improvements, and safer bathroom setups. Our safety checks cover things like fall hazards, smoke alarms, and access routes. We also help spot warning signs of scam activity, especially for clients who live alone or manage their own finances. A well-organised space can prevent accidents before they happen and support confidence in everyday movement.

Funding & Fees Explained for Melbourne Residents

Understanding aged care costs doesn’t need to be confusing. Here’s how we help you make sense of the options available in Melbourne:

• Government-funded home care packages
• • These are assigned based on assessed needs, from basic support to high-level care.
  • Funded under the Aged Care Act, with four levels available depending on your situation.
  • Cover services like:
  • • Personal and clinical care
    • Help around the home
    • Nursing and allied-health visits
    • Respite and dementia care
  • You don’t pay upfront for the services you’re allocated a budget through your assigned package level.
  • Contributions depend on your financial situation, and assessments are handled by Services Australia.
• Support at Home program (upcoming change)
• • Set to replace the current system to make things more straightforward.
  • Will bring together different funding streams into a single, flexible program.
  • Designed to:
  • • Offer more tailored care
    • Include short-term and urgent supports
    • Address gaps in the current package model
  • If you're already receiving a home care package, you’ll be transitioned without disruption.
• Additional assistance programs
• • Some people may be eligible for further support based on their personal or financial circumstances.
  • These can include:
  • • Subsidies or aid from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
    • Low-income supports
    • Emergency aid through public sector organisations
    • Indirect support for younger caregivers (like the Youth Allowance or Child Care Subsidy)
  • We help identify which supports apply to you and how to access them without delay.
• How your plan is put together
• • It starts with an aged care assessment arranged through Services Australia.
  • From there, you’ll receive a care level and can begin shaping your support with our team.
  • We help match the services to your real, day-to-day needs, nothing added that you don’t want.
  • You’ll see:
  • • What the government covers
    • What, if anything, you may need to contribute
    • What services fit within your available budget
• Accessing and managing support
• • If you're more comfortable online, we’ll show you how to manage everything through government services portals.
  • Prefer speaking to someone in person? We offer face-to-face services in Melbourne to help with paperwork, plan reviews, or just explaining it all clearly.
  • Either way, you stay in control. Our job is simply to make it easier.

How Our Four-Step Care Process Works in Melbourne

Starting aged care support might feel like a big step, but we’ve broken it down to make it manageable. We guide you through each stage with clear information, regular check-ins, and help when things feel overwhelming. Our process is built to take the pressure off, not add to it.

Step 1: Learn what’s available

• We begin by giving you the facts of what in-home aged care really looks like, what it includes, and how government support can help.
• You don’t need to know the system before you call us. We explain the basics: who qualifies, what services might suit, and where to go for more general information.
• Our team can meet you over the phone or through face-to-face services right here in Melbourne.

Step 2: Get assessed

• The assessment process is how the Australian Government figures out the level of care you're eligible to receive.
• This usually happens through a face-to-face meeting with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
• We help prepare you for this, what to expect, what documents to bring, and how to express your needs clearly.

Step 3: Choose what works for you

• Once assessed, you’ll be assigned a level of care or temporary short-term care support.
• This is where choice comes in. We show you what fits within your budget and your daily routine.
• From help around the house to nursing visits or social transport your support plan reflects what matters to you.

Step 4: Manage it together

• Once services begin, we keep things running smoothly.
• If something isn’t working, we adjust. If your needs change, we review.
• We manage the paperwork, schedule updates, and stay on top of your goals so you can focus on feeling supported, not stuck in systems.

Quality & Safety You Can Trust in Melbourne

When care is brought into your home, trust is everything. That’s why we focus on quality, safety, and clear standards without compromise. You have the right to know who’s coming through the door and what safeguards are in place to protect you and your family.

• Our services follow the Aged Care Act and the national regulation for quality of care standards, including Standard 3: personal and clinical care.
• Every carer we send is properly vetted with full security checks, references, and qualifications reviewed before they’re placed in any home.
• We also conduct regular audits to ensure care is delivered safely, consistently, and with professionalism.
• All clinical support is carried out by trained registered nurses or supervised care workers, depending on what’s needed. No one is sent out without the right training and experience.
• In line with public sector organisations and government expectations, we regularly update our health protocols. That includes up-to-date COVID-19 vaccines, hygiene practices, and infection control standards across all services.
• Your data and privacy also matter. We follow a clear Privacy Policy that protects your personal and medical information, nothing is shared without your consent, and everything is stored securely.

You deserve care that feels safe from every angle. We don’t treat safety like a checkbox; it's a non-negotiable part of how we operate.

Smart Care Technology at Home in Melbourne

Technology is starting to play a quiet but important role in aged care. We use digital tools to help improve coordination, safety, and communication not to replace human contact, but to support it in the background.

• Our systems allow families to check service schedules, track visits, and stay updated even if they live elsewhere.
• Health notes, medication reminders, and shift updates are logged securely, so there’s a clear record of what’s been done and what’s next.
• These tools help with continuity especially if more than one carer or nurse is involved in your support.

We also stay informed about innovations that improve at-home health, such as basic sensors or devices that alert us if something seems off. All of this is optional; you're never forced into a tech-heavy system. But for those who want peace of mind, smart care technology is there.

What ties it all together is that it’s still real people doing the caring. The tech just helps them stay one step ahead while giving families an extra layer of reassurance.

Ready to Arrange Care in Melbourne?

If you’ve read this far, you probably already know that someone needs support. You don’t need to wait for things to get urgent.

Support Network is here to help you take the next step whether that’s getting assessed, applying for Respite Services, or building a simple plan for home visits.

We’ll talk you through the process, help you get the right caregiver resources, and check what’s available in your area. Most importantly, we’ll do it on your terms.

No pressure. Just support that starts with listening.