The Future of Aged Care in Australia: How Home Care Services Are Transforming Aged Care

The Shift from Institutional to Home-Based Care

The aged care sector is experiencing a seismic shift in philosophy. For decades, residential aged care facilities were considered the inevitable destination for older Australians requiring support. That narrative is changing.

Today’s approach recognises a fundamental truth: most people want to age in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, surrounded by memories, community connections, and independence.

Why Home Care Is Becoming the Preferred Choice

Research consistently shows that remaining at home delivers better health outcomes, maintains cognitive function longer, and significantly improves quality of life for older Australians.

Key drivers of this transformation include:

• Consumer choice and control – Government reforms now give individuals more power to direct their own care
• Technological advancement – Innovations make complex care possible at home
• Cost effectiveness – Home care often costs less than residential facilities while delivering superior outcomes
• Changing family structures – Adult children want to support parents while maintaining their own lives
• COVID-19 impact – The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in congregate care settings

The Australian Government’s commitment to Support at Home packages has grown substantially, with over 275,000 packages now available—a number that continues to expand as demand increases.

Global Best Practice: Lessons from Leading Nations

Australia doesn’t exist in isolation. Some of the most exciting aged care innovation is happening overseas, offering valuable lessons for our own system’s evolution.

The Netherlands: Buurtzorg Model

Perhaps the most celebrated aged care innovation globally, Buurtzorg (which means “neighbourhood care”) has revolutionised home care delivery in the Netherlands.

Key principles:

• Small, self-managing teams of nurses (maximum 12 per team) serve specific neighbourhoods
• Holistic care approach – Teams address medical, social, and emotional needs
• Minimal bureaucracy – Nurses spend 60% of time with clients versus 20% in traditional models
• Community integration – Teams mobilise informal support networks

The results are extraordinary: higher client satisfaction, better staff retention, lower costs, and superior health outcomes. Several Australian providers are now adapting Buurtzorg principles to local contexts.

Japan: Technology-Enhanced Care

Facing the world’s most aged population, Japan has become a laboratory for aged care technology innovation.

Notable innovations include:

• Robotic assistance – Devices that help with lifting, mobility, and companionship
• Smart home sensors – Non-intrusive monitoring that detects falls, unusual patterns, or emergencies
• Telepresence systems – Enabling family connection and remote health monitoring
• Exoskeleton technology – Assisting both care recipients and caregivers with physical tasks

While some technologies remain experimental, many are proving their value in maintaining independence and safety at home.

Denmark: Housing-First Approach

Denmark has virtually eliminated traditional nursing homes, instead creating age-friendly housing with integrated care services.

Their model features:

• Purpose-built apartments that are fully accessible but feel like real homes
• 24/7 care availability without institutional environments
• Community spaces that encourage social connection
• Flexible support that scales up or down based on changing needs

This approach recognises that environment profoundly impacts wellbeing—and that institutional settings, no matter how well-run, can never replicate the dignity of having your own front door.

United Kingdom: Social Prescribing

The UK’s National Health Service has pioneered “social prescribing”—recognising that health and wellbeing extend far beyond medical interventions.

Link workers connect older adults with:

• Community groups and activities
• Volunteering opportunities
• Arts and creativity programs
• Nature-based interventions
• Practical support for housing, finances, or employment

This holistic approach addresses the isolation and purposelessness that often accompany ageing, treating these as health issues deserving clinical attention.

Early results show reduced GP visits, lower hospital admissions, and significantly improved mental health outcomes.

The Workforce Evolution: New Roles, New Skills

As home care services evolve, so too must the workforce delivering them.

Expanded Scope of Practice

Home care workers are taking on increasingly sophisticated responsibilities, supported by training and technology:

• Clinical skills previously reserved for registered nurses
• Care coordination across multiple providers and services
• Technology proficiency with monitoring and communication systems
• Cultural competency to serve Australia’s diverse communities

This evolution requires investment in training, professional development, and appropriate remuneration to attract and retain skilled workers.

Emerging Roles

New positions are appearing that didn’t exist a decade ago:

• Care navigators who guide families through complex systems
• Technology specialists who implement and troubleshoot home care tech
• Wellness coaches focused on prevention and capability building

These roles reflect aged care’s transformation from a purely medical model to a holistic approach addressing all dimensions of wellbeing.

What This Means for You and Your Family

Understanding these trends empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate effectively.

If You’re Planning Ahead

Start conversations now about preferences, values, and expectations. Research available services in your area. Consider:

• What modifications might make your home suitable for ageing in place?
• What technology could you adopt gradually to build familiarity?
• What community connections support wellbeing and independence?
• What financial planning ensures access to quality care when needed?

If You’re Supporting a Parent

Recognise that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Quality home care services can:

• Provide professional expertise you lack
• Offer respite so you can sustain your own wellbeing
• Coordinate complex care needs across multiple providers
• Preserve your relationship as child, not just caregiver

If You’re Helping Someone Navigate the System

Your advocacy matters enormously. Focus on:

• Understanding the person’s goals and preferences
• Researching providers with strong reputations
• Asking questions about training, supervision, and quality measures
• Monitoring care delivery and speaking up about concerns

Conclusion: A Future Worth Embracing

The future of aged care Australia is being shaped by innovation, compassion, and a fundamental reimagining of what’s possible.

Home care services are evolving from basic assistance into sophisticated, technology-enabled support systems that genuinely honour individual dignity, choice, and independence. The best practices emerging globally—from the Netherlands’ neighbourhood care model to Japan’s technological innovations to Denmark’s housing-first approach—demonstrate that ageing doesn’t have to mean loss of autonomy or quality of life.

The transformation isn’t complete. Challenges around workforce, equity, and access remain. But the direction is clear: towards care that adapts to individuals rather than forcing individuals to adapt to institutional systems.

Every day holds a little magic when you’re supported to live life on your own terms, in your own home, surrounded by what matters most. That’s the promise of evolved home care services—and it’s a future worth advocating for, planning towards, and embracing.

Whether you’re preparing for your own future, supporting a loved one, or simply staying informed, understanding these trends empowers you to navigate aged care with confidence and hope. The conversation about ageing is changing. Make sure your voice is part of it.