Home care today: a lifestyle at home and beyond

A growing number of older Australians are entering home care services, thanks to evolving support options, greater flexibility, and a focus on living well at home and in the community they love.

Home is the future of ageing

Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) and other home care providers have embraced a new generation of older Australians — those who are actively choosing their supports, planning to age well, and staying connected and active in the community.

Melissa Hay, WMQ's Regional Manager – Community Aged Care for Brisbane South to Gold Coast, says the shift has been significant over her 25 years in the industry.

People are more independent and connected. We’re seeing 90-year-olds texting, setting goals for themselves and taking online courses. It’s a whole new generation of ageing.

This growing independence is supported by a care system that now prioritises relationships, personal choice, and goal setting.

Care workers today are part of a larger community network, working with families, GPs, volunteers, allied health experts and even neighbours, to help clients stay safe and well at home for longer.

Building trust, reducing fear

Many older people fear that admitting they need help means they’ll have to move into residential aged care. As Melissa reassures, the goal is not to take them out of their homes, but to help them thrive in them.

There’s a big fear, especially among men, that if they say they’re declining, they’ll be forced into a retirement village, but we’re here to keep them home and happy.

Sally Bishop, Acting Regional Manager – Community Aged Care for Brisbane North to Bundaberg and Care Leader in Sunshine Coast and Gympie, agrees:

When we suggest increasing services, some clients believe it means they’re being moved closer to full-time care. In reality, it’s the opposite - our goal is to keep them where they want to be.

This fear can ease over time, especially when clients are included in every decision—from their care plan to daily routines and future goals.

Home care in action

The heart of home care is found in the small, meaningful moments that happen between clients and their care workers.

One of these moments happened recently when Care Leader Mel Sullivan and support worker Rhylee Sampson convinced long-time client Aubrey to get out of the house for an outing.

Aubrey’s story

Aubrey (image above), an avid fisherman, hadn’t ventured out in a while. But Rhylee knew his passion and suggested a visit to Charis Seafood in Labrador.

There, Aubrey lit up, buying some big sand crabs, prawns and piece of snapper. As well as sharing fishing tips and talking about his fishing days like they were yesterday. Rhylee recalls:

The smile on his face was so big! We spent a while in the store as he explained where to catch all the different fish and how to tell if they are fresh. Aubrey still talks about that day and is planning to go again soon. He had the best day.

These moments are echoed in Sally’s experiences, too:

"In my first year as a Care Leader, I visited all my clients at Christmas. I was overwhelmed when they told me all the little things I’d done for them that year, things I didn’t even think twice about. I was just doing my job, but it meant the world to them. I’ll never forget that."

What’s next for home care

As expectations shifts, home care is focusing more on individual goals and flexible support. Services are tailored not only to medical needs, but to lifestyle choices, from learning new skills to social engagement.

There’s a misconception that if someone is living alone, they must be lonely. But with the right supports in place, outings, respite, volunteer visits, they’re more connected than ever, and able to enjoy life on their own terms.

Home care is no longer just about surviving at home, it’s about thriving there. With the right care team, the right services, and the right relationships, ageing in place can be not just possible, but joyful. As Sally puts it:

We provide kindness and understanding. We encourage independence while making sure people stay safe—and most importantly, stay home, where they truly want to be.