Introduction: Ageing with Confidence, Not Compromise
For generations, Australian men have been builders, providers, and problem solvers — yet when it comes to their own wellbeing, many hesitate to ask for help.
Across Melbourne and beyond, older men are living longer than ever before, but they often face silent challenges: declining health, reduced social networks, and uncertainty about ageing support systems.
Now, with the Support at Home Program launching on 1 November 2025, there’s a shift in how aged care is delivered — from one-size-fits-all packages to flexible, person-directed care designed to preserve independence.
For older men, this change represents more than a new policy; it’s an opportunity to rebuild life with dignity, control, and connection.
The Reality of Men’s Wellbeing After 60
- Physical Resilience
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows men aged 65+ are twice as likely to delay health appointments compared to women.
The reasons? Pride, practicality, or the belief that “it’s nothing serious.”
Yet prevention is far easier — and far more effective — than recovery.
Building physical resilience involves small, consistent actions:
- Scheduling annual GP visits and heart checks
- Incorporating balance exercises to reduce fall risk
- Maintaining muscle strength through light resistance training
- Keeping vaccinations up to date
Under the upcoming Support at Home Program, men will be able to access allied health services — such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy — through approved providers, enabling safer and more confident movement at home.
- Social Connection and Purpose
Isolation is one of the greatest health risks for older men, especially after retirement or the loss of a partner.
What begins as a few quiet weeks can slowly turn into chronic loneliness, impacting both mental and physical health.
Community connection isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s a protective factor.
Local men’s groups, walking clubs, or volunteering at community gardens can rekindle a sense of identity and belonging.
The Support at Home Program encourages this through “social participation services,” designed to help individuals stay active and engaged.
Whether it’s transport to local meetups or support to join hobby-based programs, these small interventions often bring back a big part of what men value most — purpose.
- Future Preparedness: Planning Before the Crisis
Many families only start exploring aged care options after an unexpected hospital visit or fall.
But preparing early allows older men to maintain control over decisions — from daily routines to who provides their care.
The Support at Home Program simplifies this process by unifying multiple older systems (like the former Home Care Packages) into a single, streamlined model.
This means men and their families can easily coordinate services such as:
- Home safety modifications
- Meal and nutrition support
- Transport and mobility aids
- Medication and wellness monitoring
Understanding these choices before they are needed ensures that transitions happen smoothly, not under pressure.
Understanding the Support at Home Framework
Unlike the previous Home Care Package tiers, the Support at Home Program will focus on what each individual needs right now, not what level they’ve been allocated to.
It works around three key pillars:
Pillar 1: Health and Daily Living
Includes home-based nursing, allied health, and reablement therapy — services that promote recovery and prevent hospital readmission.
Pillar 2: Safety and Comfort at Home
Addresses practical supports like cleaning, maintenance, and home modifications to reduce fall risks and improve accessibility.
Pillar 3: Connection and Wellbeing
Promotes mental health and social interaction through companionship services, transport assistance, and community participation.
Each participant will have a personalised care plan developed through an aged care assessment, ensuring that the right supports are delivered at the right time — efficiently and transparently.
Why Men Often Miss Out — and How to Change That
Even with government support, fewer than one in three older men currently receive home-based aged care.
This gap is not due to lack of eligibility — it’s often due to lack of awareness or reluctance to ask for assistance.
Common misconceptions include:
- “I don’t want to take help from others.”
- “Someone else needs it more.”
- “I’ll manage by myself.”
But independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone.
It means knowing when to bring in the right help — and that’s exactly what the Support at Home Program and SSCA’s Care Finding service are designed for.
By connecting men with reliable, government-approved providers, SSCA ensures that receiving help feels empowering, not burdensome.
How SSCA’s Care Finding Service Supports Men and Their Families
Navigating aged care options can be confusing — acronyms, assessments, fees, and paperwork often discourage people from starting.
That’s where Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) makes the process easier.
With over 25 years of experience in the aged care and community support sectors, SSCA offers a free, no-obligation care finding service that helps individuals and families:
- Understand eligibility for the Support at Home Program
- Compare service providers based on reliability, flexibility, and cost transparency
- Match care preferences to providers that align with lifestyle and values
- Begin onboarding quickly, avoiding delays that disrupt recovery or wellbeing
Through our network of Connected Partners — including government-funded, not-for-profit, and private providers — we ensure that every recommendation is grounded in quality, trust, and proven outcomes.
Engagement and Onboarding — Simplifying the Start of Care
Once a family has chosen their preferred provider, the next challenge is starting care efficiently.
SSCA’s Engagement and Onboarding service bridges this gap by collaborating directly with providers to ensure smooth communication and timely activation of care.
For providers, this partnership means higher satisfaction rates and operational efficiency.
For clients, it means faster, clearer access to the help they need — without having to repeat their story multiple times.
A Culture Shift — Redefining What Support Means for Men
The next era of aged care in Australia isn’t just about funding models; it’s about changing attitudes.
For too long, asking for help has been seen as a weakness among older men.
But with the Support at Home framework, help becomes a strategy for independence, not surrender.
Imagine a 78-year-old man who’s always been self-reliant — once a tradesman, now living alone.
With minimal assistance — a weekly physiotherapy visit, help with meals, and occasional transport to the Men’s Shed — he can remain in his home, engaged and independent.
That’s not dependence; that’s empowerment.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Strength, Purpose, and Connection
The Support at Home Program represents a new chapter for ageing in Australia — one that values dignity, flexibility, and choice.
For older men, it offers a pathway to live with resilience, supported by care that adapts to their goals.
At Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA), we believe that care should never feel complicated or out of reach.
Through our free Care Finding service and our Engagement and Onboarding expertise, we connect families with providers that align with their needs — so that every older Australian, regardless of background, can live life with confidence, comfort, and community.
Because independence isn’t lost with age — it’s preserved through the right kind of support.