Introduction: When “Aging in Place” Depends on Housing Security
Consider two older Australians who both need help at home—domestic assistance, personal care, or clinical support. One owns their home. The other rents privately.
On paper, they may look similar. In real life, their ability to “age in place” can be worlds apart.
Australia’s Support at Home program is designed to improve access to in-home aged care services, products, equipment and home modifications so older people can stay at home longer. Dept of Health, Disability & Ageing+1 But a growing body of advocacy work argues that older private renters face systemic barriers that the program does not solve—especially when housing is insecure, unaffordable, or not suitable for ageing. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
A 2025 briefing by Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) raises a clear concern: Australia’s home-based aged care system has historically assumed people own their home in retirement, and that assumption breaks down for older renters who have high rent, limited tenure security, and limited ability to modify their living space. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
This article explains:
- what Support at Home is intended to do
- why private renters can still fall through the cracks
- what practical steps older renters (and families) can take right now
- and where to find trusted advocacy information and support
(This is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you need help with your specific situation, consider speaking with appropriate services or advocates.)
Quick refresher: What is Support at Home?
The Australian Government’s Department of Health, Disability and Ageing confirms that the Support at Home program replaced the Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care Programme on 1 November 2025, and that CHSP will transition no earlier than 1 July 2027. Dept of Health, Disability & Ageing
My Aged Care also describes Support at Home as improving access to services, products, equipment and home modifications to help people remain living independently at home for longer. My Aged Care
For many people, this is positive direction—especially when care needs are increasing. The challenge is that care support cannot fully “work” if housing itself is unstable.
Why private renters face a different reality
HAAG’s 2025 briefing frames the issue bluntly: older private renters are increasingly unable to afford the home-care supports they need to age in place with dignity and security, and without support they can face deteriorating wellbeing and earlier entry to residential aged care. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
The briefing also emphasises a broader structural shift: more older people are renting privately into retirement, and housing insecurity is rising. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
The core problem: aged care policy vs housing reality
Support at Home can fund or coordinate supports, but it does not automatically fix:
- high rents consuming pension income
- tenure insecurity (fear of eviction or rent increases)
- landlord refusal or delays for accessibility modifications
- poor quality housing that undermines health
- limited pathways for people at risk of homelessness
HAAG argues these housing factors directly affect whether older people can safely receive in-home aged care. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
Barrier #1: Financial “mismatch” when rent eats the pension
One of the most common lived experiences for older renters is this:
income is assessed, but rent is not fully “felt” by the system.
HAAG’s briefing notes that escalating rents can force older people to spend a significant proportion of income on rent, leaving little for essential costs like food, medications and utilities. Housing For The Aged Action Group
In practice, this can create a painful squeeze:
- you may qualify for services,
- you may still be asked to contribute to some costs,
- but your day-to-day cashflow is already consumed by rent.
What it means for families: even modest fees, transport costs, or equipment expenses can become unmanageable if rent has already taken the “margin” out of the budget.
Practical steps to reduce financial shocks
If you are a renter (or helping a parent who rents), do these early:
- Write down weekly housing costs (rent + utilities) and treat them as “non-negotiable”
- List care needs by category (clinical, personal care, domestic help, meals, transport)
- Ask providers for a clear breakdown of what you pay and what government covers (don’t rely on verbal estimates)
- Review needs every 3–6 months, because when needs increase, costs and scheduling can change quickly
Barrier #2: Home modifications often require landlord approval
Support at Home aims to improve access to home modifications. Dept of Health, Disability & Ageing+1
But renters face an extra gatekeeper: the landlord.
HAAG highlights that private rental housing often lacks accessibility, and renters may not have funds to modify housing to make it more accessible. Housing For The Aged Action Group The briefing also notes there is little incentive for landlords to upgrade or install ramps and handrails, despite accessibility needs. Housing For The Aged Action Group
Why this matters in aged care, not just housing
Many essential care supports assume the home can physically accommodate safe care:
- a bathroom that can fit assistive equipment
- safe entry steps
- rails and non-slip surfaces
- adequate heating/cooling
- enough space for a carer to assist safely
If the property can’t be adapted, “care at home” can become unsafe—even if services are technically available.
Barrier #3: Tenure insecurity makes people afraid to ask
Even when a modification is reasonable, renters may avoid requesting it due to fear.
HAAG’s briefing notes many older renters are afraid of asking for home modifications because they fear rent increases or being asked to leave. Housing For The Aged Action Group
This fear creates a vicious cycle:
- a person delays asking for changes
- mobility declines
- risk of falls increases
- carer support becomes harder
- and eventually the person may be pushed into crisis decisions (hospital admission or residential care)
A safer way to approach requests
If you are worried about conflict with a landlord, consider:
- making requests early, before a crisis
- focusing on safety and injury prevention (handrails, lighting, non-slip surfaces)
- keeping records of communications
- seeking housing advocacy support if you feel pressured or unsafe
(Each state/territory has different tenancy rules and protections, so it can help to get guidance from relevant services.)
Barrier #4: Older renters at risk of homelessness need extra support
Housing precarity isn’t just discomfort—it can be life-threatening.
HAAG’s briefing warns that without adequate supports, older people can face deteriorating health and wellbeing, premature admission to residential aged care, and even premature death. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
The briefing also notes that people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are recognised under the new Aged Care Act as a “special needs” group requiring additional support, and it references hardship provisions and other mechanisms that intersect with Support at Home. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
The uncomfortable truth
Home care programs cannot create stable housing on their own. Advocacy groups emphasise that Support at Home does not solve the problem of finding stable and affordable housing for older renters—especially those on low incomes.
This isn’t a “small niche issue.” It affects older Australians who:
- have limited family support
- are living alone
- have disability or declining mobility
- or have experienced domestic violence, trauma, or poverty over many years Housing For The Aged Action Group
What older renters can do right now
Even when the system has gaps, there are practical actions that can reduce risk.
Step A: Treat housing as part of the care plan
When you think “aged care plan,” include:
- whether the lease is stable
- how likely rent increases are
- whether the home is physically safe
- what modifications are essential vs optional
- what the backup plan is if housing changes suddenly
Step B: Do a simple “safety walk-through”
Walk through the home and ask:
- Are there steps without rails?
- Is the shower safe?
- Is lighting adequate at night?
- Are there trip hazards?
- Is heating/cooling adequate for health needs?
Even small changes (better lighting, removing hazards, non-slip mats) can reduce immediate risk while bigger issues are negotiated.
Step C: Document mobility changes early
If mobility is declining, keep a simple log:
- recent falls or near-falls
- difficulty with showering, toileting, stairs
- fatigue levels
- pain or dizziness patterns
This helps you explain needs clearly during assessments and provider discussions.
Step D: Ask aged care providers direct “renter questions”
When comparing providers, ask:
- “Have you supported private renters with home modifications before?”
- “What do you do if a property can’t be modified?”
- “Can care plans be adjusted quickly if housing changes?”
- “What happens if we need temporary supports while we resolve housing issues?”
Where advocacy and housing support can help
When families feel stuck between aged care and housing systems, advocacy groups can provide information, navigation support, and practical guidance.
- OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) provides free, independent and confidential support for older people receiving government-funded aged care. OPAN
- HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group) specialises in the housing needs of older people, with a mission focused on secure, safe and affordable housing. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
- HAAG’s Home at Last service is described as providing free and confidential information for older people in private rental who may be facing issues such as rent stress or being asked to leave. Housing For The Aged Action Group
If your situation involves housing insecurity or risk of homelessness, these kinds of services may be an important first step—because stable housing can be a prerequisite for safe and effective home care. Housing For The Aged Action Group+1
Why this matters in Melbourne specifically
Melbourne has a large private rental market, rising cost-of-living pressures, and many older people who want to remain close to their community, family, and services.
For older renters, “ageing in place” is not just about care services. It is about:
- being able to stay in the same suburb
- having transport and medical access
- feeling safe asking for changes
- and knowing what to do if housing becomes unstable
This is exactly why families often need a clearer way to compare providers: not just who is available, but who can actually support the reality of your living situation.
A simple checklist for older renters planning Support at Home
Use this checklist to keep decisions calm and practical:
Housing
- Lease stability (any current issues or upcoming changes?)
- Rent affordability (after essentials, is there any buffer?)
- Home safety risks (bathroom, steps, lighting, heating/cooling)
- Modifications needed (rails, ramps, shower safety)
- Landlord approval likelihood and process
Care
- Current support needs (domestic, personal care, clinical)
- Likely needs in 6–12 months (mobility decline, recovery, frailty)
- Provider responsiveness (how fast can services change?)
- Clear fee explanations and service limits
Backup plan
- Who to call if housing changes suddenly
- Which advocacy or housing support services you’ll contact
- Short-term supports if there is a gap in services or housing
Closing: Support at Home is care—housing is the foundation
Support at Home is a major reform intended to help older Australians stay at home longer. Dept of Health, Disability & Ageing+1
But if a person’s housing is insecure, unaffordable, or cannot be modified, care at home can become fragile.
For older renters, the most important insight is this:
planning for aged care must include planning for housing security.
And for families, asking “renter-specific questions” early can prevent crisis decisions later.
About SSCA (Support Services Connect Australia)
If you are comparing providers and want help choosing an option that fits your needs and circumstances, SSCA offers a free care finding service to help older Australians and families find a suitable aged care provider based on needs, preferences and location in Melbourne.
With over 25 years of experience across home and residential care, our team explains options in clear, easy-to-understand language and respects your right to make your own decisions—at no cost.