What Are The Different Types Of Aged Care Services & How To Choose The Right One?

Aged care can look different for every person, from a little extra help at home to more regular clinical or residential support. In this guide by the team at Lumia Care, we explore the various types of aged care in Australia and how each one can support safety, dignity and quality of life. We’ll also look at how to choose the right type of aged care service for yourself or someone you love.

What is aged care? 

Aged care is support for older people who need help to live comfortably as their circumstances change. It can be provided at home, in the community or in a residential aged care setting.

Aged care may include help with everyday living, personal care, nursing care, social connection, respite or accommodation in a residential care home. In Australia, government-funded aged care is generally available to people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over and people aged 50 and over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, depending on their care needs and assessment outcome.

What are the different types of aged care​?

Here are the main types of aged care services that families may consider when planning support for themselves or an older loved one:

Support at Home

Support at Home is the main government-funded aged care program for senior Australians who want to remain living at home with extra assistance. This may include help with personal care, transport, social support, nursing or clinical care, depending on the person’s assessment and approved funding. Support is usually planned around what the person can still do independently, where they need extra help and what will make home life safer and more manageable.

Private aged care

Private aged care is support arranged and paid for privately, outside government-funded programs. It can often be shaped more freely around timing, visit length and the type of support required. Assistance may include personal care, domestic support, transport, companionship, respite, nursing care or palliative support. This option may suit families who want consistent carers, faster start times or additional care on top of existing aged care funding. It can also be useful after a hospital stay, when someone’s support requirements change suddenly and waiting is not practical.

DVA-funded aged care 

DVA-funded aged care is for eligible veterans, war widows and widowers. It's designed to help people perform daily routines and receive care that recognises their service history and health needs. Veterans’ Home Care is generally focused on lower-level support at home, while DVA Community Nursing is for those who need clinically required nursing or personal care.

Aged care day programs 

Aged care day programs help seniors through structured activities, social connection and routine outside the home. They can be a good option for someone who lives at home but would benefit from more companionship, gentle activity or meaningful engagement during the week. A day program may include group activities, games, creative sessions, light movement, shared meals, outings or one-on-one activities.

In-home nursing for aged care 

In-home nursing is different from general home guidance because care is delivered or overseen by qualified nurses. It’s recommended for those recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions or receiving palliative care. Depending on the person’s situation, in-home nursing may include medication support, wound care, continence care, health monitoring or post-hospital support.

Residential aged care 

Residential aged care is a long-term housing and care option for those who can no longer live safely at home. It provides 24-hour support with daily routines, including personal care, nursing care, meals, cleaning and social activities. Some people move into residential aged care permanently, while others use it for short-term respite or extra support after a hospital stay.

How to choose the right type of aged care

Here’s what to consider when exploring different types of aged care:

Daily support

Start by looking at how much help the person needs day to day. If the person has more complex health concerns, they may need in-home nursing, a clinically governed provider or residential aged care.

Social connection and routine

Aged care is not only about physical support. If the person is becoming isolated, less active or withdrawn, an aged care day program or regular community support may help them stay engaged and connected.

Family carer capacity

If carers are becoming tired, stressed or unable to manage work, sleep or personal commitments, respite, private care or additional in-home support may be needed.

Provider or facility quality

If you are comparing different types of aged care facilities or providers, visit the facility where possible and observe the environment, staff interactions, meal routines, activities and how residents are treated. It is also worth asking about staff training, clinical oversight, communication with families and how care plans are reviewed.

Discover the different types of aged care in Australia at Lumia Care

Growing older should never mean giving up the routines, choices and moments that make life meaningful. Effective aged care empowers older people to live with more comfort, confidence and control. With over 66 years of experience in healthcare, Lumia Care provides compassionate, reliable and clinically governed care tailored to each person. We believe everyone deserves to live life on their own terms, with services that honour their dignity and autonomy.

Get in touch with Lumia Care today to find aged care services that enable you or your loved one to face each day with more ease, freedom and reassurance.