Why More Victorians Are Choosing In-Home Aged Care

Victorians are living longer, working longer and staying active in their communities, so it is no surprise that more people want support that allows them to remain in their own homes as they age. In home aged care has become a preferred option because it combines professional support with the familiarity of home, giving older people and their families flexibility, choice and peace of mind.

What in home aged care actually means

In home aged care refers to a wide range of services that help older people live independently and safely in their own homes for as long as possible. It can include help with everyday activities, clinical nursing care, transport, social support and more, all delivered where the person lives rather than in a residential facility.

The Australian Government’s Support at Home program funds a broad suite of services that are delivered at home, replacing the old Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programs from November 2025. Private providers such as Luxe Care can also offer privately funded support or additional hours on top of government funded services, so families can tailor the level of help to their exact situation.

Staying in familiar surroundings

For many older Victorians, home is more than just a building. It is full of memories, local connections and routines that bring comfort. Remaining at home means they can stay close to families, loved ones and neighbours, local shops, favourite parks and community groups, which supports emotional and social wellbeing as well as independence.

In home care providers like Luxe Care explicitly promote themselves as a personalised alternative to nursing homes or hostels, emphasising that “nothing beats home” for quality of life. By bringing care services to the person, rather than moving the person to the care, families can avoid the disruption and stress that often comes with relocation to residential care.

Greater choice and control for older people

Modern aged care policy in Australia is built around consumer choice and control. Older people and their families have a say in the types of services they receive, who provides them and when they are delivered. This consumer-directed approach aligns naturally with in-home care, where support can be shaped around the person’s routine and preferences.

Luxe Care highlights bespoke care plans built around each client’s health, lifestyle and personal goals, managed by experienced nurse care managers. This kind of personalised planning allows clients to prioritise what matters most, whether that is early morning assistance, regular social outings, or specialised clinical support.

Flexibility as needs change over time

Another reason more Victorians are selecting in home aged care is the flexibility to scale services up or down as needs change. Someone might begin with a few hours a week of help with housework and shopping, then later add personal care, nursing visits or overnight support as care needs increase.

The Support at Home program is designed to offer graded funding based on assessed needs, recognising that support requirements can increase over time. Luxe Care, for example, provides everything from short visits for personal care to complex nursing, dementia support and 24/7 care, with regular reviews so the care plan evolves with the person.

Clinical care without leaving home

In the past, families often felt that a residential facility was the only way to access consistent clinical care. Today, registered nurses and specialised carers can deliver a high level of personalised and sophisticated care at home, making in home nursing a practical alternative.

Luxe Care emphasises that its care managers are registered nurses who oversee clinical quality and coordinate services, including medication management, wound care and liaison with doctors and allied health professionals. This clinical oversight helps families feel confident that complex needs are being met, without sacrificing the comfort of home.

Support for dementia and other complex conditions

Dementia and other chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness are increasingly common with age. Many families worry that a diagnosis will inevitably mean moving into residential care, but growing numbers of Victorians are managing these conditions at home with tailored support.

Luxe Care provides specialised dementia care, combining trained carers, structured routines and home modifications to support safety and quality of life. This aligns with national dementia guidelines that encourage enabling people with dementia to live at home, with appropriate support and respite for carers. Similar in home approaches apply to palliative and disability support, allowing people to remain where they are most comfortable.

Government funding makes home care more accessible

Cost is a major consideration for families. The Australian Government funds aged care services through the Support at Home program, including help at home for eligible people assessed through My Aged Care. Depending on their circumstances, older Victorians may receive substantial funding to pay for services such as personal care, domestic assistance, transport, nursing and allied health.

Providers like Luxe Care can help clients navigate Support at Home and other funding avenues, including DVA supports and, where relevant, the NDIS for people who qualify. Their focus on transparent fees and maximising government funding means families can combine subsidised services with private top ups, achieving a high level of care without unexpected costs.

Relief and support for family carers

Family and friends often provide a large share of unpaid care. While this is rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. In-home aged care offers practical respite and backup for family carers, helping them sustain their caring role without burning out.

Luxe Care provides scheduled respite visits, overnight or 24-hour support, and flexible arrangements that allow carers to attend work, appointments or time away, knowing their loved one is in safe hands. Government-funded respite can also be accessed through Support at Home and other programs, further easing the load on families.

Staying connected to local communities

One of the strengths of in-home care in Victoria is the ability to maintain strong ties to local communities. The Victorian Government’s ageing and aged care agenda emphasises social participation, age-friendly communities, and support that helps older people remain engaged in community life. In-home carers can assist with transport to appointments, social groups, religious services and family events, which is critical for mental and emotional wellbeing.

Luxe Care operates across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, with local knowledge that helps match carers and clients and connect people with nearby services and activities. This local focus helps older Victorians feel part of the fabric of their neighbourhoods rather than isolated or institutionalised.

A personalised alternative to residential care

Residential aged care will always be an important option for some people, particularly those with very high needs or who prefer a communal environment. However, for many Victorians, in home aged care offers a personalised alternative that better matches their values and lifestyle.

Because services are tailored one to one, older people receive focused attention from carers and nurses who get to know them well. Luxe Care highlights the importance of matching clients with compatible carers and delivering consistent teams, which builds trust and continuity of care over time.

Why the trend towards home care will only grow

Demographic change, policy reform and shifting consumer expectations all point towards ongoing growth in in home aged care in Victoria. The Support at Home program is specifically designed to keep people at home for longer, and providers like Luxe Care are investing in highly trained staff, clinical leadership and flexible service models to meet this demand.

For families, the combination of government funding, expert local providers and the comfort of home makes in-home aged care an increasingly attractive choice. As more Victorians experience the benefits firsthand, this preference for staying at home with the right support is likely to become the norm rather than the exception.

FAQs: Why More Victorians Are Choosing In Home Aged Care

Q1. What is in-home aged care in Victoria?

In-home aged care in Victoria is support provided to older people in their own homes, rather than in a residential facility. It can include personal care, domestic assistance, transport, nursing, allied health and social support, all tailored to the person’s needs and preferences. It is funded through a mix of Australian Government programs such as Support at Home and private services delivered by providers like Luxe Care.

Q2. Why are more Victorians choosing in-home care instead of residential aged care?

More Victorians are choosing in home care because it allows them to stay in familiar surroundings, keep their community connections and maintain more control over daily routines. Families also value the flexibility of service hours, one-to-one attention and the ability to combine government funding with private support. Providers such as Luxe Care offer clinical oversight and tailored care plans, which makes home care a practical alternative to moving into a facility.

Q3. What services can I get through in home aged care?

Common in home aged care services include help with showering, dressing and grooming, domestic tasks, meal preparation, transport to appointments, medication prompts and companionship. People with higher needs can access nursing care, dementia support, palliative care and complex care coordination. Luxe Care, for example, offers a full spectrum of services, from basic home help through to 24/7 clinical care.

Q4. How is in home aged care funded in Australia?

In home aged care is primarily funded through Australian Government programs, assessed and accessed via My Aged Care. From November 2025, the Support at Home program will replace Home Care Packages and several other programs, offering graded funding based on a person’s needs. Many families also choose to purchase additional private services to increase hours or access more specialised support, which providers like Luxe Care can arrange alongside government funded care.

Q5. Is in home care suitable for people living with dementia or complex conditions?

Yes. With the right provider, in home care can be very effective for people living with dementia, chronic disease or complex health needs. Specialist teams can deliver dementia informed care, clinical nursing, medication management and environmental safety measures in the home. Luxe Care specifically promotes its dementia care and nurse led model as an alternative to early entry into residential aged care.

Q6. How do I know if my family member is ready for in home aged care?

Signs that in home care may help include increasing difficulty with daily tasks, frequent falls, missed medications, social withdrawal or growing strain on family carers. If two or more of these are present, it is worth organising a My Aged Care assessment and speaking with a local provider such as Luxe Care about available options. Early support can prevent crises and help your loved one stay at home for longer.

Q7. Can we combine government-funded services with private care from Luxe Care?

Yes. Many families use government funding as a base level of support and then add private services for extra hours, specialised care or more flexible scheduling. Luxe Care helps clients understand their Support at Home or other entitlements and then builds a care plan that blends funded and privately paid services into one coordinated package.

Q8. Is in home aged care available across all of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula

Luxe Care operates across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, providing in home support to clients in a wide range of suburbs and coastal communities. The organisation’s offices in Hawthorn and Mornington support local care teams who understand each region’s services and resources. This local presence helps match carers and clients and respond quickly as needs change.

Contact us today on 1300 674 886 to discuss your care needs or arrange a complimentary, no obligations consultation with one of our Luxe Care care managers.