12 Sep 2025

Bridging the Wait: More Than 200,000 Older Australians Waiting for Care

You may have heard the headlines this week: 20,000 new Home Care Packages have been released. It's a welcome announcement, but for many older Australians and their families, it raises a deeper question: why were they waiting in the first place? 

Across the country, tens of thousands of older Australians are still in limbo—either approved for care but waiting for a package, or yet to be assessed. That means people who’ve taken the right steps, asked for help, and been told they need care—still aren’t receiving it. 

The Numbers Behind the News 

According to the latest figures:

  • 87,000 older Australians have been approved for a Home Care Package — but are still waiting for services to begin.

  • 121,000 more are still waiting to be assessed through My Aged Care — meaning they haven’t even reached the formal waitlist yet.

Together, these figures represent a significant portion of our ageing population still living without essential support. 

And while the new Support at Home Program—scheduled to launch in November 2025—promises to improve things in the future, many simply can’t afford to wait that long. 

Across Australia, more than 200,000 older people are waiting for government-funded aged care support. Some are waiting to be assessed through My Aged Care. Others have already been approved for a Home Care Package, but are stuck in limbo until one becomes available. In either case, too many older Australians are left without the essential care they need to stay safe, independent, and supported at home. 

The Human Cost of Waiting 

Delays in access to aged care services have very real consequences. 

  • Health outcomes can decline when essential support is delayed. Simple tasks like showering or meal preparation become more difficult without help. 

  • Families are often stretched to their limits, stepping in as informal carers while juggling work, life, and emotional stress. 

  • Older Australians risk losing independence and choice, with many missing out on the opportunity to stay safely in their own home. 

  • The aged care system is under growing pressure, and while reforms are coming, thousands remain in limbo. 

While You Wait: What You Can Do Now 

If you or a loved one is waiting for a government-funded Home Care Package, it doesn’t mean you have to wait for support. Lumia Care offers real, meaningful ways to access help right away—giving you peace of mind and practical assistance while you wait. 

Access Entry-Level Government Support (CHSP) 

You may be eligible for help through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which offers light-touch services like transport, meal preparation, and cleaning. Lumia Care can help you apply for these services and understand what’s available in your area. 

Start Private Home Care Right Away 

Don’t wait for government funding to begin receiving care. Lumia’s private services are available immediately, with no lock-in contracts. Whether you need personal care, domestic help, or support after hospital discharge, we’ll build a plan that works with your current budget and scales up when your package arrives. 

Take a Break with Respite Care 

Caring for someone you love can be deeply rewarding—but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. If you're a carer, our respite services let you take a much-needed break. We’ll step in to provide safe, compassionate support at home while you recharge. 

Make Your Home Safer and More Supportive 

Small changes can make a big difference. We can help with simple modifications like grab rails, sensor lighting, or assistive technologies that improve safety and mobility while you wait. 

Stay Up to Date with My Aged Care 

Needs can change quickly. If your situation worsens while waiting, we’ll guide you through updating your My Aged Care record or requesting a reassessment. It ensures you’re prioritised correctly and prepared when your care package becomes available. 

Stay Connected and Confident

Isolation can take a real toll on mental health while waiting for funded care to begin. We help keep you or your loved one socially active—whether it’s getting out into the community, joining a local group, such as our day programs, or simply having a friendly face visit at home. It’s support that lifts confidence, eases loneliness, and promotes overall wellbeing.

Looking Ahead 

There is hope on the horizon. The Support at Home Program aims to address many of the current system’s failings. But until those changes take effect, the reality remains: people still need help now. 

At Lumia Care, we’re proud to be part of the solution. We're bridging the wait with care that doesn't wait. 

Take the Next Step 

If you or a loved one is waiting for a Home Care Package, don’t wait for your needs to escalate. Contact Lumia Care today on 1300 796 876 and let us help you bridge the wait with flexible, compassionate support. 

Sources 

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