In this guide:
- The main types of at-home aged care available in Perth, from hospital-to-home support to dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, palliative, Support at Home and NDIS care
- How the new Support at Home program (which replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025) works, and what it means for your family’s funding
- The key indicators that separate a quality provider from the rest, including registration, consistent carers and clear communication
- The exact questions to ask any provider before you commit to their care
- How costs and quarterly budgets work under the new funding model
- How Perth Care Partners supports families across hospital-to-home, palliative, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, Support at Home and NDIS pathways
Choosing an aged care provider is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Whether you are searching for in-home care Perth families can rely on, or exploring broader Perth home care services for a parent recently discharged from the hospital, the process can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of providers, multiple funding pathways, and a wide range of care types to navigate, all while managing the emotional weight of the situation.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to avoid common mistakes when selecting at-home care Perth residents and their families trust.
Why the Right Aged Care Provider Matters
The quality of care your loved one receives at home has a direct impact on their health outcomes, independence, and overall wellbeing. A good provider does more than tick administrative boxes. They build genuine relationships, respond to changing needs, and treat your family member with dignity and respect.
Poor provider fit, on the other hand, can lead to inconsistent care, high staff turnover, and a breakdown in trust that is distressing for everyone involved. Getting this decision right from the start saves families significant time and stress.
1Understand What Type of Care Is Actually Needed
Before comparing providers, clarify the specific type of care your loved one requires. Aged care is not a single service. It spans a wide spectrum depending on health conditions, mobility, and cognitive function.
Common types of at-home aged care in Perth include:
Identifying the right category early ensures you approach providers who genuinely specialise in what your family needs, rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all service.
2Understand the New Support at Home Program
Important: From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government replaced the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program with the new Support at Home program. This is the most significant reform to home aged care funding in Australia in over a decade, and Perth families must understand how it works before choosing a provider.
What changed under Support at Home?
The Support at Home program is designed to give older Australians greater choice, flexibility, and control over the services they receive at home. Key features of the new program include:
If your family member was previously on a Home Care Package, they will have been transitioned across to the Support at Home program. A quality aged care provider should be able to explain exactly how that transition affects your loved one’s care plan and funding.
What stays the same?
You still access government-funded aged care through My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au). Registration and assessment remain the starting point for all government-subsidised Perth home care services.
Related → A Guide to Support at Home | What Is the New Aged Care Act? | How to Apply for Support at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
3Know What to Look for in a Quality Provider
Not all home care WA providers operate to the same standard. When assessing providers, look beyond the website and ask the right questions.
Key indicators of a quality aged care provider:
Registered and compliant
The provider must be registered under the new Aged Care Act and meet the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Up to date with Support at Home reforms
Given how recently the program changed, ask directly whether the provider has fully transitioned their systems, pricing, and care planning processes to align with the new program.
Specialist experience
Look for documented experience with your loved one’s specific condition, whether that is dementia, Parkinson’s, post-stroke recovery, or palliative needs.
Consistent carers
Frequent carer changes are disruptive and harmful, especially for people with dementia. Ask how the provider matches and retains carers.
Clear communication
The provider should maintain transparent communication with the family, including regular care plan reviews and prompt responses to concerns.
Flexibility
Life changes. A good provider adjusts care schedules, services, and intensity as your loved one’s needs evolve.
Local knowledge
A provider with genuine roots in Perth understands local hospital networks, community resources, and the needs of WA families specifically.
Related → Meet Our People | The Difference a Good Care Manager Makes | What Our Clients Say
4Ask These Questions Before Committing
When you speak with a provider, treat it as an interview. You are entrusting them with someone you love. These questions will help you assess whether they are the right fit:
Questions to ask before you commit
- Are you fully registered and operating under the new Support at Home program?
- How do you help families navigate the My Aged Care system?
- Do you have specific experience supporting people with [condition]?
- How do you select and match carers to clients?
- What happens if my regular carer is unavailable?
- How are care plans created, reviewed, and adjusted over time?
- Can you clearly explain how quarterly budgets work under Support at Home?
- How do families provide feedback or raise concerns?
- Can you speak to a client or family member currently receiving services?
Warning: A confident, transparent provider will welcome these questions. Vague or evasive answers are a red flag worth taking seriously.
5Look for a Provider Who Treats the Person
Clinical competence matters, but so does human connection. The best Perth in-home care providers understand that aged care is not just about completing tasks. It is about preserving a person’s sense of identity, routine, and independence.
Look for a provider who:
- Involves the client directly in their own care planning
- Respects cultural background, language preferences, and personal values
- Encourages social engagement and community connection
- Supports family members alongside the person receiving care
- Approaches every interaction from a place of empathy, not just efficiency
This holistic approach makes a measurable difference to long-term wellbeing and quality of life.
6Understand the Costs Under the New Program
Costs for at-home care Perth services have changed under the Support at Home program. The pricing and contribution structure is different from the previous Home Care Package model.
Under Support at Home:
Government contributions cover the majority of approved care costs based on your assessed support level.
Individual contributions may apply depending on income and the type of services received. The government has introduced a revised co-contribution framework as part of the reforms.
Providers must give you a written service agreement outlining all fees, services, and budget allocations clearly before care begins.
Unspent funds operate differently under the new quarterly budget model. Ask your provider to explain how unspent funds are managed within each quarter.
A trustworthy provider will walk you through every cost clearly, explain what your funding covers under the new program, and never pressure you into services you do not need.
Related → Pricing Schedule
Perth Care Partners: Specialist in Home Care Across Perth
At Perth Care Partners, we provide specialist aged care services designed around the individual, not a template. Our team supports Perth families navigating hospital-to-home transitions, palliative and end-of-life care, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, Parkinson’s disease care, stroke recovery, and both government-funded Support at Home and NDIS care pathways.
We are a local Perth provider with deep experience across the full spectrum of aged and disability care. We have transitioned fully to the new Support at Home program and can help your family understand what funding and care options are available under the new system.
If you are ready to explore your options, we would be glad to help. Contact Perth Care Partners today to discuss your family’s needs and learn how our in-home care Perth services can support your loved one to live well at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the Support at Home program in Perth?
You access Support at Home through My Aged Care at myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. You will need to register and undergo a new assessment through the Aged Care Assessment System (ACAS) to determine your eligibility and support level. A local aged care provider can also assist you through this process.
See → Support at Home
Can I change my aged care provider under the new Support at Home program?
Yes. You retain the right to change providers under the Support at Home program. Review your current service agreement for any notice period requirements. Your provider is obligated to assist with a smooth transition, including the transfer of your care plan and remaining budget information to your new provider.
See → Changing Provider
What is the End of Life Pathway under Support at Home?
The End of Life Pathway is a dedicated funding stream within the Support at Home program that supports people assessed as being in the last three months of life. It is designed to cover palliative and end-of-life care needs at home, including increased care hours and additional supports, so that Australians can choose to spend their final weeks in familiar surroundings with appropriate support.
Is NDIS support different from the Support at Home program?
Yes. The Support at Home program is specifically for older Australians aged 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). The NDIS supports eligible people under 65 living with a permanent and significant disability. People approaching 65 with an existing NDIS plan may have the option to remain on the NDIS rather than transition to aged care; a provider can help you understand which pathway is most appropriate.
See → NDIS
How do I know if a Perth aged care provider is operating under the new Support at Home rules?
Ask the provider directly whether they are registered under the new Aged Care Act and whether their service agreements, pricing, and care planning processes reflect the Support at Home program. A compliant and up-to-date provider will be able to answer these questions clearly and confidently. You can also verify provider registration through the My Aged Care website.
See → What Is the New Aged Care Act?
Perth Care Partners, specialist in-home aged care servicing Perth Metro and Mandurah, from Joondalup and Wanneroo in the north to Fremantle, Rockingham, and Mandurah in the south.
