If you or someone you love needs help at home, one of the biggest frustrations can be waiting for government-funded home care support to begin.

Many older Australians are approved for assistance but then find themselves waiting weeks or even months before services can commence. During that time, everyday tasks can become increasingly difficult, family members often take on additional caring responsibilities, and people’s health, confidence and independence can decline.

At St Luke’s Care, we believe no one should have to wait for the support they need.

Our dedicated Private Home Care team can arrange services almost immediately, allowing you to receive professional, compassionate care while you wait for your government-funded Support at Home package to become available.

If you need help now, call St Luke’s Care on (02) 9356 0444 to discuss your options.

Can I Receive Home Care While Waiting for a Support at Home Package?

Yes.

Many people don’t realise they can access private home care services immediately instead of waiting for government funding to commence.

Private home care gives you access to experienced care professionals who can begin supporting you as soon as your needs have been assessed.

Once your government-funded Support at Home package becomes available, your care can often transition smoothly into the funded program.

This means you don’t have to put your life on hold while waiting.

Why Do People Choose Private Home Care?

People often seek private home care because they:

have recently left hospital
are recovering after surgery
need temporary assistance following illness
have experienced a fall
require support while waiting for government funding
need urgent assistance for a loved one
want additional services beyond government-funded care
simply want more flexibility and choice.

Rather than struggling alone or relying entirely on family, private home care provides immediate professional support that helps maintain independence and quality of life.

What Services Can Private Home Care Provide?

Every person’s needs are different.

At St Luke’s Care, our private home care services are tailored to the individual and may include:

Personal care
Showering and dressing assistance
Medication reminders
Meal preparation
Domestic assistance
Cleaning and laundry
Shopping support
Transport to appointments
Social support and companionship
Overnight care
Respite for family carers
Dementia support
Post-hospital recovery care
Wellness and independence support

Services can be arranged for a few hours each week or more comprehensive daily assistance depending on your circumstances.

What Is the Difference Between Private Home Care and Support at Home?

The main difference is how the services are funded.

Private Home Care

Starts almost immediately
Self-funded
Flexible service options
No waiting list
Care tailored to your individual needs

Support at Home

Government-funded
Requires assessment
Funding depends on eligibility
May involve waiting before services commence
Package levels determine available funding

Many people begin with private home care and then transition into their funded services once their Support at Home package becomes available.

Why Acting Early Matters

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until everyday life has become overwhelming before seeking support.

Research consistently shows that receiving assistance earlier helps older Australians:

remain independent for longer
reduce the risk of falls
avoid unnecessary hospital admissions
maintain confidence
stay socially connected
reduce stress for family carers
enjoy a better quality of life.

Receiving support isn’t about losing independence—it’s about preserving it.

Over 100 Years of Caring for the Community

Choosing a home care provider is one of the most important decisions you will make.

St Luke’s Care has been serving the Sydney community for more than 100 years, providing trusted healthcare across every stage of ageing.

Unlike many providers that focus solely on home care, St Luke’s Care offers a truly holistic continuum of care.

Our integrated services include:

Private Home Care
Hospital services
Rehabilitation
Allied Health
Community wellbeing programs
Lifestyle and healthy ageing initiatives
Residential aged care

This means if your needs change over time, you’re already connected with an organisation that understands your journey and can support you through every stage.

That continuity of care provides peace of mind for both clients and their families.

A Holistic Approach to Healthy Ageing

At St Luke’s Care, we don’t simply provide services.

We focus on helping people live well.

Our philosophy centres around supporting people to maintain:

independence
mobility
confidence
purpose
social connection
physical wellbeing
emotional health.

Whether you require assistance for a few weeks following surgery or ongoing support to remain living safely at home, our experienced team takes the time to understand your goals and tailor services around what matters most to you.

Why Families Choose St Luke’s Care

Families regularly tell us they appreciate:

Fast commencement of services
Compassionate and experienced carers
Flexible support options
Personalised care plans
A trusted not-for-profit healthcare organisation
More than a century of healthcare experience
Holistic care that extends beyond home support
Friendly local team who genuinely care.

When someone needs help, knowing support can begin quickly provides enormous reassurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can private home care begin?

In many cases, services can be arranged very quickly following an assessment of your individual needs.

Do I need a government assessment?

No. Private home care can generally commence without waiting for government funding approvals.

Can I switch to Support at Home later?

Yes. Many clients use private home care while waiting for their government-funded Support at Home package and then transition once funding becomes available.

Is private home care only for older people?

While many clients are older Australians, private home care can also assist adults recovering from illness, injury or surgery who need temporary support at home.

Can family members arrange care?

Absolutely. Many enquiries come from adult children looking for immediate support for their parents.

Don’t Wait to Get the Help You Need

If you or someone you care about is waiting for a Support at Home package, you don’t have to wait for support to begin.

Private home care can provide immediate assistance, helping you remain safe, independent and comfortable in your own home while your government-funded services are progressing.

With more than 100 years of trusted healthcare experience, St Luke’s Care is proud to support older Australians with compassionate, personalised care that puts people first.

Contact St Luke’s Care Today

If you would like to learn more about our Private Home Care services or would like to arrange support, contact our friendly team today.

📞 Call (02) 9356 0444

Together, we can help you stay independent at home—without waiting.