Choosing the right type of care for yourself or a loved one is a deeply personal decision. As people age or experience changes in health and mobility, questions often arise about whether support can be provided at home or if residential care is the better option. In-home support is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for older Australians who wish to maintain independence while receiving the help they need in a familiar environment.
Within the first stages of change, many families notice subtle signs—missed routines, reduced confidence with daily tasks, or increased fatigue. At this point, in-home support services can play a vital role in stabilising daily life and reducing unnecessary risks, while still allowing individuals to remain connected to their home, community, and sense of autonomy.
Understanding In-Home Support and Residential Care
What Are In-Home Support Services?
In-home support services provide practical, personalised assistance delivered directly in a person’s home. These services are designed to support daily living, personal care, and social engagement while promoting independence and safety.
Support can include help with:
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Personal care and hygiene
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Household tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation
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Transport and community access
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Companionship and social participation
Health authorities such as the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare emphasise that ageing in place—when safe and appropriate—supports wellbeing and quality of life for older adults by maintaining routine and familiarity. According to the AIHW, remaining at home with the right supports can reduce stress and improve overall life satisfaction.
At Summit Health Solutions, our in-home support services are designed to adapt as needs change, offering flexible assistance that works alongside existing health and community services.
What Is Residential Care?
Residential care, often referred to as aged care facilities or nursing homes, provides accommodation and 24-hour support in a dedicated care setting. This option may be appropriate for individuals with complex medical needs, advanced cognitive decline, or those requiring continuous supervision.
While residential care offers structured support, it also involves significant lifestyle changes—new routines, shared living spaces, and separation from one’s home environment. For some individuals, this transition can be challenging emotionally and socially.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that preserving autonomy and social connection is a key component of healthy ageing, which is why many people explore home-based care options before considering residential settings.
Key Differences Between In-Home Support and Residential Care
Independence and Familiarity
One of the strongest advantages of in-home support services is the ability to remain in a familiar space. Home environments are closely tied to identity, routine, and emotional wellbeing.
In contrast, residential care often requires adapting to institutional schedules and shared environments, which may feel restrictive for individuals who value independence.
Personalised Support vs Standardised Care
In-home support services are typically delivered on a one-to-one basis and tailored to individual preferences, routines, and cultural needs. This personalised approach allows support to focus on what truly matters to the individual—whether that’s maintaining a morning routine, preparing favourite meals, or staying socially active.
Residential care, while comprehensive, often follows standardised care models designed to meet the needs of many residents at once.
Social Connection and Community Engagement
Remaining at home enables continued connection with neighbours, local groups, and familiar community spaces. In-home support services can include assistance with outings, appointments, and social activities, helping individuals stay engaged rather than isolated.
Research highlights that social participation plays a crucial role in mental health and cognitive wellbeing among older adults.
When In-Home Support May Be the Right Choice
In practice, functional decline often appears gradually. Difficulty managing household tasks, reduced mobility, or forgetting routine activities can signal the need for additional support. Introducing in-home support services at this stage can help maintain stability, reduce avoidable risks, and support continuity while longer-term care plans are considered.
These services can also work alongside:
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Allied health professionals
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Hospital discharge plans
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Existing community or family support
By reinforcing daily structure and safety, in-home support services allow individuals to remain at home longer without compromising wellbeing.
For families navigating this decision, you may find it helpful to read our related article, When Is the Right Time to Consider Home Care for an Elderly Parent?, which explores early indicators and planning considerations in more detail.
When Residential Care May Be More Appropriate
Residential care may be more suitable when:
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Medical needs require continuous supervision
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Safety risks cannot be managed at home, even with support
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Cognitive decline significantly affects daily functioning
In these situations, residential care can provide reassurance and access to 24-hour assistance. However, many people reach this stage later than expected when in-home support services are introduced early and adjusted over time.
How Summit Health Solutions Supports In-Home Care
At Summit Health Solutions, we recognise that care decisions are rarely one-size-fits-all. Our in-home support services focus on everyday living—not just clinical needs—helping older adults remain safe, comfortable, and engaged in their own homes.
Our services are designed to:
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Support daily routines and independence
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Complement allied health and medical care
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Provide consistency and reassurance for families
From January 2026, our in-home support services will be available across the ACT, Queanbeyan, and nearby NSW communities, supporting older adults through flexible, person-centred care.
Making the Right Choice for You or Your Loved One
Deciding between in-home support services and residential care is not about choosing one “better” option—it’s about choosing what best aligns with current needs, preferences, and long-term goals.
Many individuals begin with in-home care and transition only if or when their needs change significantly. Early planning and open conversations with care managers can help ensure smoother transitions and better outcomes.
If you’re unsure where to start, speaking with a care professional can provide clarity and reassurance.
FAQs
1. Is in-home support suitable for people with declining mobility?
Yes. In-home support services can be adapted to support reduced mobility through assistance with daily tasks, routines, and safe movement within the home.
2. Can in-home support work alongside other health services?
Absolutely. In-home support services often complement physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and medical care, supporting continuity and safety at home.
3. How do families know when residential care is needed?
This typically becomes clearer when safety or medical needs can no longer be managed at home, even with support. Many families use in-home support services as a first step while monitoring changes over time.
4. Does in-home support reduce the need for residential care?
In many cases, yes. Early and appropriate in-home support services can delay or prevent the need for residential care by stabilising daily function and reducing risks.
5. How can we get started with in-home support?
You can speak with your care manager or contact Summit Health Solutions directly to explore how our in-home support services can be tailored to your needs.
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to recent changes, the right support can make all the difference. Summit Health Solutions’ in-home support services offer a flexible, person-centred option that prioritises dignity, independence, and quality of life—right where it matters most: at home.
Message us to learn more.
