Look for changes rather than waiting for a crisis.
Getting started
Signs an older person may need help at home
The need for help often appears gradually. Small changes in mobility, household tasks or daily routines can be useful signals that some extra support may help.
Liz explainsPlain-English guidance, then the next useful step.
At a glance
What to know first
Mobility, household tasks and personal routines can all offer clues.
Early support can make day-to-day life safer and easier.
The practical detail
Understand the part that matters to you.
Changes in mobility or balance
- Difficulty getting up from chairs or beds
- Slower or less steady walking
- Recent falls or near falls
Household tasks becoming harder
- Cleaning and laundry
- Meal preparation
- Shopping
- Gardening or basic upkeep
Related Liz Questions
Go deeper without reading everything.
Staying Safe and Independent at Home
What are the first signs an older person may need help at home?
Common signs include falls, missed medication, poor nutrition, unpaid bills, a neglected home and increasing isolation.
Read answer →Staying Safe and Independent at HomeHow do I know whether my parent is safe living alone?
Look at mobility, medication, meals, memory, home hazards, social contact and how they respond in an emergency.
Read answer →Navigating the System & EligibilityHow do I apply for an aged care assessment?
To qualify for government-funded aged care, you or your parent must generally be aged 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander peoples) and need help with daily tasks. Eligibility is strictly determined by a free in-person Aged Care Needs Assessment, which is requested by applying through My Aged Care. Follow these concrete steps to check eligibility and get assessed:1.
Read answer →In-Home Care & Support at HomeCan I use my Home Care Package to buy mobility equipment or modify my home?
Yes, if the equipment or home modification is assessed as necessary and approved. Support at Home now uses a separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme rather than expecting these costs to come only from an ordinary ongoing-care budget.
Read answer →Communication, Rights & Practical DilemmasHow can an independent advocate help me navigate a dispute with a provider?
An independent aged-care advocate can explain your rights, help you prepare for meetings or complaints, speak with a provider alongside you and support you to express your own wishes. Government-funded advocacy through OPAN is free.
Read answer →Communication, Rights & Practical DilemmasWhat happens if the person responsible for making decisions (Enduring Power of Attorney) disagrees with the care provider?
Confirm whether the participant can decide, check exactly what authority the attorney holds, document the provider’s safety concerns and arrange a care conference. If agreement cannot be reached, involve an independent advocate and escalate the matter through the provider, regulator or relevant state tribunal.
Read answer →Communication, Rights & Practical DilemmasWhat is the single biggest mistake families make when choosing an aged care pathway?
The biggest mistake is allowing the urgency of the situation to choose the pathway. Slow the decision down enough to understand the person’s needs, compare realistic options and choose the least restrictive support that can keep them safe and independent.
Read answer →Understanding Support at HomeHow is my Support at Home classification decided?
Your classification is determined by an independent aged care assessment of your functional abilities, health needs, safety risks, goals and available support. It is not decided by your provider, diagnosis or financial circumstances.
Read answer →When general information is not enough
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