How to tell when an older person needs support at home

How to recognise the early signs that someone may need help at home

Home-based support is becoming increasingly common as Australians age. According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, around 800,000 Australians aged 65 and over use support services at home annually.

To begin with, the signs that support may be needed are often subtle—but they can indicate a growing need for support, particularly when it begins to affect safety, confidence or daily routines.

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What are the early signs someone needs support at home?

Some changes, like slowing down physically, are a natural part of ageing. However, changes related to memory, confidence or daily functioning may indicate a need for extra support.

You might notice:

• Appointments are missed or important dates forgotten
• The fridge or pantry becoming emptier than usual
• Less interest in hobbies or social activities
• Leaning on walls or furniture when walking or difficulty standing
• Unexplained bruises or avoiding stairs/steps
• Overflowing bins or unwashed laundry piling up
• Increasing reliance on others for everyday routines
  

It’s common for people to downplay these changes or feel hesitant about accepting help, so you may feel unsure when to step in.

Recognising these signs early can make it easier to introduce support gradually—before a crisis forces more urgent decisions.

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Why the right support matters for ageing at home?

Without the right support, even these minor changes can impact overall health and wellbeing, and increase the risk of injury.

Putting the right support in place early can:

• Help prevent falls, accidents or avoidable hospital visits
• Maintain independence and confidence in daily life
• Reduce stress and uncertainty for both the individual and their family
• Slow the progression from small challenges into more complex care needs

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Five simple ways to help older people live at home safely

Small, practical changes can reduce risk and support confidence and routine, while also minimising burden on caregivers.

Here are some effective ways families can help:

1. Personal alert systems for safety

Getting a personal alarm device before decline builds habit and confidence, so it’s already part of daily life when risk increases.

Monitored personal alarm systems provide fast access to professional help at the press of a button. With trained operators available to help 24/7, they reduce reliance on family availability and can make everyday activities feel safer and more manageable. For older people living alone, a personal alarm can be invaluable if a fall or medical event occurs, since a phone is not always nearby.

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2. Minor home modification

Simple environmental adjustments—such as improving lighting, installing grab rails in wet areas and reducing clutter—can minimise risks around the home. These practical changes support safer movement and help older people maintain their everyday routines. Consider whether mobility aids may also assist with balance and stability.

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3. Transport options for seniors who can no longer drive

When driving becomes difficult, alternatives like taxis, community transport or rideshare services can help maintain independence—keeping appointments, shopping and social outings accessible.

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4. Home delivery services

These days pretty much everything can be delivered directly to the home; from groceries and prescriptions to new clothes and appliances. This reduces physical strain and helps maintain routine and comfort.

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5. Staying socially connected

Regular social interaction plays a vital role in both mental and physical wellbeing. A regular phone call, family visits or local community activities can help maintain confidence and reduce isolation. They help create light-touch oversight without reducing independence.

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What help is available for older Australians?

Support for older Australians living at home comes from three main sources. Together, these provide practical, layered support to help people stay safely at home as their needs change:
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- Government-funded programs
- State-based services
- Local community & council support

1. Government-funded programs

Government‑funded aged care is accessed through My Aged Care, the central system for connecting people with services.
Registering with My Aged Care early is recommended so a formal assessment can be completed and support can be scaled up as needs change.

• Support at Home (SaH): The primary program for aged care, SaH provides funding to help with daily tasks, personal care, clinical services, transport and more. It also includes funding for restorative care and assistive technology and home modifications under the AT-HM Scheme.

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This entry‑level program helps fund supports for less complex needs.

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2. State‑funded services

State governments may provide targeted supports, often focused on safety, equipment or concessions.

Common examples include:

• Personal alarm programs such as Personal Alert Victoria (PAV) and Personal Alert AssistanceSA (PAASA)
• Equipment and aids programs in some states
• Limited home modification or community care initiatives, depending on location

Availability and eligibility vary by state.

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3. Local community & council support

A wide range of local councils and non‑profit organisations, such as COTA, offer additional support. This might include social activities, community transport, information, advocacy and care navigation support

These services often complement government-funded care and help people stay connected and independent at home.

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Support at Home: Guide to Funding and Personal Alarms Get a clear, practical overview of the program and how to get a funded personal alarm. Learn more

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What can I do if my loved one or client is still waiting for funding approval?

To help mitigate risks while waiting for funding approval, supports like personal alarms can be privately funded. This means you can take proactive action immediately without referrals, approvals or long wait times.

This flexible approach allows families to:

• Respond quickly to changing needs
• Avoid unnecessary delays in care
• Put practical solutions in place sooner
• Protect the safety and independence of their loved one for years to come

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It’s not about doing everything, it’s about taking the first step

You don’t need to solve everything at once.

In many cases, the most effective first step is also the simplest. Taking action early—before needs become more complex—can make a meaningful difference to long-term independence, safety and quality of life.

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FAQ

When should I start getting help for an older person?

If you notice changes in mobility, daily routine or confidence, it may be time to consider early support—even if those changes appear minor. Small shifts are often the first signs that additional support may be needed and acting early can help prevent more serious issues from developing.

Early intervention can improve safety, help maintain independence and reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation or injury.

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What is Support at Home and who is it for?

Support at Home is an Australian government program that helps older people live safely and independently in their home for longer. It provides access to a coordinated range of services, equipment and home modifications to support everyday living, health and wellbeing.

Funding can provide support for daily tasks, personal or clinical care, home modifications and assistive technology, including personal alarms.

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Are small changes like forgetfulness or reduced mobility normal ageing?

Some changes, such as occasional forgetfulness or slowing down physically, are a normal part of ageing. It’s common for older people to take a little longer to recall information, misplace items occasionally or diminish in strength and mobility over time.‍

However, changes that affect safety, confidence or the ability to carry out everyday tasks are not considered a normal part of ageing. Ongoing memory issues, repeated falls or difficulty managing daily routines indicate a need for further assessment or support.

In practice, it’s less about a single change and more about patterns over time—especially when small changes start to have a noticeable impact on everyday life.

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What if my loved one or client refuses help?

It’s common for older people to hesitate or refuse help, even when their needs are increasing. Some may worry about losing independence or not wanting to burden others.

Health organisations recommend starting with open, ongoing conversations that focus on maintaining independence rather than 'needing care'. Recognising changes early and introducing small supports gradually can make the transition easier and less confronting.

In many cases, starting with light-touch supports rather than formal services can help build acceptance over time.

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Can I get a MePACS personal alarm through government funding?

Yes, MePACS personal alarms can be accessed through government-funded programs, including Support at Home, NDIS, PAV and PAASA.

Eligibility depends on an formal assessment and funding is allocated based on individual care needs. Once approved, the alarm can be easily included as part of the support plan.

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Do personal alarms actually improve safety for older people?

While personal alarms do not prevent incidents like falls, they do play an important role in improving outcomes by ensuring help can be accessed quickly. Prompt assistance can reduce the risks and complications associated with delayed care and has been shown to reduce unnecessary ambulance attendances by around 33%.

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How can an emergency button help older people living alone?

Confidence can matter just as much as care.

For your loved one, knowing help is always available at the press of a button can reduce anxiety and hesitation. Having a reliable, 24/7 safety net eases fears of being alone in an emergency and empowers them to continue living independently with greater confidence.

With a monitored personal alarm, you also benefit from the reassurance that they are never truly alone. Sometimes, that peace of mind is the most valuable support of all.

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Choosing a personal alarm? Our team can help you choose the best option for your needs. Contact Us

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* Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your loved one’s health or care needs, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

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