Understanding how home nursing works, who provides it, and how it’s funded can make the process much simpler.
What is home nursing care?
Home nursing care involves registered or enrolled nurses providing clinical care in a person’s own home. The level of care is tailored to individual needs and can be short-term, ongoing, or part of recovery after illness or hospitalisation.
Home nursing is commonly used to support older Australians who want to remain living independently while managing health conditions safely.
What services can home nurses provide?
Home nursing care can include a wide range of clinical supports, such as:
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Medication management and injections
- Catheter and continence care
- Monitoring of chronic conditions
- Post-hospital recovery support
- Pain and symptom management
- End-of-life and palliative nursing care
Nurses also work closely with GPs, specialists and allied health professionals to ensure care is coordinated and responsive to changes in your health needs.
How is home nursing care funded?
In Australia, home nursing can be accessed through several pathways.
If you have been accepted into the Support at Home program, clinical care – which includes nursing – is fully government funded. This means there is no out-of-pocket cost for your approved nursing services. You are only limited by the Support at Home funding level you’ve been given. Learn more about the Support at Home funding levels here.
People may also receive nursing care through other programs, such as:
- The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for entry-level support
- Veterans’ Home Care or DVA-funded services
- Short-term post-hospital care (under the Restorative Care Pathway)
- Private, self-funded arrangements
A care provider can help explain which option applies to your situation.
How do I arrange home nursing care?
You may have spoken to a family member, friend or partner, or even your GP or hospital team about needing nursing help at home. The process usually starts with an assessment or referral. Common steps include:
- Contact My Aged Care
If you’re not already receiving aged care services, My Aged Care can arrange an assessment to determine eligibility for Support at Home or CHSP-funded nursing care. Don’t wait to do this – waiting times vary depending upon how urgent your requirements are, and can take anywhere from a few months to two years for funding allocation.
- Choose a local provider
Once approved, you can select a local home care provider that offers nursing services. Local teams are often best placed to respond quickly and provide continuity of care. - Develop a care plan
The provider works with you, your family and your healthcare team to create a care plan that reflects your needs, preferences and goals.
If you’re already receiving Support at Home services, your provider can arrange nursing support directly and adjust your care plan as needed.
Why choosing a local provider matters
Local providers understand the healthcare networks in your area and can coordinate more easily with GPs, hospitals and allied health services. They’re also better placed to respond quickly when needs change.
Continuity of care is especially important with nursing care. Seeing familiar faces and having nurses who understand your history helps build trust and ensures safer care.
Can home nursing help prevent hospital visits?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of home nursing is early intervention. Falls are a major health concern for older Australians, representing the primary cause of injury-related hospital admissions. Regular monitoring, wound care, medication support and timely reviews can prevent small issues from becoming emergencies.
For many older Australians, access to nursing care at home reduces hospital readmissions and supports faster recovery.
What if needs increase over time?
Home nursing care is flexible. As health needs change, care plans can be reviewed and adjusted. This may include increasing visit frequency, adding allied health support, or transitioning to different funding pathways if required. And don’t forget, smart use of clinical care services such as physiotherapy and allied health can also reduce your reliance on other care services, keeping you safe at home for longer.
Early conversations and regular reviews help ensure care remains appropriate and supportive.
Talk to someone who can help you
Arranging home nursing care doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right assessment and a trusted local provider, older Australians can receive high-quality clinical care in the comfort of their own home.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start by talking to your GP or contacting My Aged Care. From there, a local provider can guide you through the next steps and help put the right support in place. Our friendly team can also help guide you in the right direction.
