By sophie doyle – retirement and aged care specialist
Sophie Doyle | Erina | Morgans
Gathering for Christmas is about more than roast turkey or prawns and pavlova; it’s a special time when families reconnect, share stories, and notice the subtle changes that may be occurring in ageing parents or loved ones. This festive season, let’s make those conversations count by gently exploring how we can support independence at home, together.
AS AN ELDERLY PARENT: maintaining independence with support
As we grow older, daily tasks can become more challenging. You might notice it’s harder to keep up with housework, gardening, or even remembering appointments. While moving into residential aged care is one option, it’s not the only path. With the right planning and support, it’s possible to continue living safely and comfortably at home for many years.
Support doesn’t mean giving up control; in fact, it often means having more choice and confidence in your daily life. Help can come from family, friends, or professional services, and the costs may be subsidised by the Australian Government. Bringing support into your home can relieve pressure on your partner and family, making it easier to continue living independently.
From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home programme replaces Home Care Packages, offering flexible, coordinated services with a set budget at eight category levels. You can access help with meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, personal care, nursing, home maintenance, and transport. The first step is to contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422 or myagedcare.gov.au) for an eligibility assessment. If approved, you’ll be referred for a free assessment, usually at home, with a family member or support person present.
Choosing a care provider is important. Use the Find a Provider tool on the My Aged Care website, ask family or friends for recommendations, and compare services, fees, and staff qualifications. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; feeling confident and comfortable with your provider is key.
Both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home require a contribution from you, with the government funding the remainder. It’s wise to plan ahead, understand all fees, and seek financial advice to ensure you can comfortably cover your care costs and everyday living expenses. A licensed financial adviser can help structure your finances, reduce unnecessary costs, and potentially improve your eligibility for government support.
Most importantly, involve your family and plan ahead. Talk with trusted friends and relatives about your wishes. Listening to their thoughts can help you make well–informed decisions that work for everyone. Sometimes, a team of professionals such as aged care consultants, financial advisers, and lawyers can guide you through the process. With the right support, you can make confident decisions and continue living life on your own terms.
AS AN ADULT CHILD: noticing changes and starting the conversation
For adult children, Christmas is often the first time in months you’ve seen your parents in person. You might notice they’re not quite keeping up with things; perhaps the house isn’t as tidy, bills are piling up, or they seem forgetful or withdrawn. These signs can be worrying, but they’re also an opportunity to start a gentle, supportive conversation about future needs.
It’s natural to want to avoid difficult topics, but waiting until a crisis, like a fall or confusion over simple tasks, can lead to rushed, emotional decisions. The festive season is a chance to plan ahead, making accepting help feel more natural rather than a sudden, overwhelming admission of an inability to cope.
How do you bring up the topic without dampening the festive mood? Be observant, choose a quiet moment, and encourage your parent to invite other trusted family members into the conversation. Ask for their permission to start researching and planning options for their future needs. The key is to plan early; early planning leads to the best outcomes.
Ask your parent if they’re registered with My Aged Care and whether they could use a little help at home to maintain their independence longer. While adult children can assist at times, you may not always be available, juggling work, your own children, health, and other priorities. The path to continued independence could be a Support at Home package. It’s worth exploring and considering together.
If the thought of having this conversation feels overwhelming, professional advisers can help. They can provide guidance and act as a neutral voice during emotional discussions, helping to ease tensions and keep the focus on planning for the future.
BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER: a gift of independence
This Christmas, give your family the gift of open conversation and future planning. Whether you’re an elderly parent or an adult child, exploring new Support at Home options can help everyone feel more secure and supported. With government–subsidised care, flexible packages, and professional advice, staying independent at home is more achievable than ever.
Aged care isn’t just about permanent residential care; it also includes home support to help you live independently longer. For more information, you can visit the My Aged Care website or arrange a conversation with a licensed financial adviser specialising in aged care, such as Sophie Doyle. Taking steps to plan ahead is the best way to ensure you or your loved ones can continue living life on your own terms, at home, where you feel most comfortable.
Sophie Doyle (AR#000470612) is a Retirement & Aged Care Specialist at Morgans Financial Limited (Morgans AFSL 235410 / ABN49 010 669 726). Sophie is passionate about helping people over 55 make informed decisions that empower them to step confidently into the next phase of life. She specialises in creating personalised financial strategies tailored to each client’s lifestyle, aspirations, and risk tolerance; enabling them to live a life full of meaning, purpose, and peace of mind. Disclaimer: While every care has been taken, Morgans Financial Limited makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information. Current at 10 October 2025.