Personal care at home

If you need help with daily activities like showering or getting dressed, support is available to make these tasks safer and easier for you.

Who can get help

You may qualify for help with day-to-day personal care if you:

  • are a disabled person
  • have an ongoing illness or age-related health problems
  • have an injury due to an accident
  • are recovering after being in hospital
  • have mental health or addiction issues.

Types of help you may get

Help with your personal care may include:

  • getting in and out of bed
  • showering, shaving, washing your hair and cutting your nails
  • dressing and undressing
  • eating and drinking
  • going to the toilet
  • incontinence pads
  • taking prescription medicines
  • borrowing equipment to help you getting around your home, for example: wheelchairs, shower stools and walking frames.

The help you get depends on your personal circumstances. Start by getting a needs assessment. This will determine what support you qualify for and what services best meet your needs.

Get a needs assessment

After a stay in hospital

If you’re in hospital and need help for a short time when you get home, talk to the hospital social worker. They can arrange help through the Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team.

If you live in a retirement village

Most retirement villages do not provide day-to-day personal care as part of their services. If you cannot afford to pay for it yourself, you may get help through a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) team.

Get a needs assessment

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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