As we settle into 2026, there’s no better time to take stock of your loved one’s home care plan. A new year brings fresh clarity, new goals and importantly, changes in aged care funding and support systems that make now an ideal time to review and renew care arrangements.
Whether you’re a primary carer, family member, or planning ahead for future needs, this year’s review can help ensure safety, independence, and a purpose-filled life for your older loved one. At Home Care Assistance, we understand that personalised, proactive planning makes all the difference.
The Value of Reassessing Care Needs Early in the Year
The transition into a new year naturally encourages reflection and planning. For families caring for older adults, early-year reviews are profoundly practical. Taking a step back to assess care needs can:
- Identify changes in health or mobility over the past year. What once seemed manageable at home may now require additional support or specialised help.
- Improve safety and comfort by spotting potential risks early, whether related to cognition or daily routines.
- Reduce stress for carers and families, by clarifying priorities and making adjustments before challenges escalate.
Recognising shifts in your loved one’s physical or emotional wellbeing sooner rather than later empowers you to act with confidence and avoid crisis-driven decisions during stressful moments. This is not just good caregiving, it’s good planning.
Understanding Support at Home: What’s New in 2026
One of the biggest reasons 2026 is a pivotal year to reassess home care needs is the ongoing rollout of Australia’s Support at Home program: the new framework replacing the former Home Care Packages and Short Term Restorative Care programs from 1 November 2025.
Here’s what this means for families:
The Support at Home program helps older Australians remain at home for as long as possible, by offering personalised services tailored to individual needs.
Funding levels and services are based on a more flexible, needs-based classification system that aims to better match support with care needs.
Once approved, older adults are placed in a priority system for services, making it essential to reassess care needs regularly so family members and care teams can optimise the support available.
The program broadly supports clinical, independence and everyday living services that help with nursing, daily activities, allied health support, and community participation.
Given these reforms, the start of the year is an ideal checkpoint to make sure your loved one’s care plan aligns with both their evolving needs and the funding and services available to them.
Key Areas to Review in 2026
When you sit down to reassess home care needs this year, these focus areas will help guide your conversation and planning:
1. Health and Mobility Changes
Regular changes in health — such as reduced mobility, new diagnoses, or cognitive shifts — can significantly affect daily life. Updating care plans ensures risks like falls or medication errors are mitigated and your loved one remains safe and supported.
Ask yourself:
- Has there been a change in mobility or balance?
- Are there new health concerns or medical visits that now require coordination?
Documenting these changes makes it easier to adjust support and secure any additional funding needed.
2. Daily Routines and Independence
As needs change, so too can a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks with confidence. Independent living remains the goal, but independence doesn’t mean “without help.” Rather, it means the right kind of help.
Consider:
- Are morning and evening routines taking longer or becoming more difficult?
- Is additional assistance with dressing, meal preparation, or transportation needed?
Small adjustments, such as added companion visits, meal support or transport assistance, can dramatically boost quality of life and independence.
3. Safety Around the Home
Home remains the preferred place to age, but safety needs evolve over time. Take the opportunity this year to check for:
- Fall hazards like loose rugs or poor lighting
- Bathroom safety needs (grab rails, shower chairs)
- Accessibility changes that support mobility
Even modest home modifications can make a home safer and more comfortable for older adults.
4. Emotional Wellbeing and Social Connection
Wellbeing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, social and psychological too. Loneliness and isolation can have a profound impact on health and quality of life. Assess:
- How often your loved one sees friends or participates in community activities
- Whether companionship or social support services might improve mood and engagement
Social wellbeing goals should be part of any holistic care review.
5. Funding and Government Support Eligibility
With Support at Home now taking effect nationwide, it’s crucial to ensure your loved one’s assessment is up to date and that you’re accessing all eligible services. Support at Home offers a wide range of care options, from nursing and therapy to personal care and domestic support, which can be tailored to individual needs and goals.
A reassessment early in the year can help ensure any increases in need are captured and reflected in the care plan, helping secure the right level of funding and support for 2026.
Partnering with Home Care Assistance for Annual Reviews
At Home Care Assistance, we encourage families to make home care reassessments a regular part of their caregiving rhythm. A yearly review is not just about updating paperwork; it’s an opportunity to:
- Celebrate progress and wellbeing
- Reset goals for health, independence and quality of life
- Engage thoughtfully with funding programs like Support at Home
- Strengthen safety and support plans for the year ahead
Our expert Care Coordinators can help guide this process, from health assessments and safety reviews to guidance on funding options and personalised care plans.
Make 2026 the Year of Confident & Purposeful Care
Starting the year with a thorough review of home care needs isn’t just sensible, it’s a deeply caring act. It supports your loved one’s safety, independence and emotional wellbeing, while also ensuring you’re maximising the support and funding available through the evolving aged care system.
Don’t wait until needs escalate or routines become more challenging. Take action now to build a thoughtful, resilient care plan for 2026; one that honours comfort and choice in every day lived at home.
For compassionate, personalised support and guidance through every step of your home care journey, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Contact your local team today.
