Choosing the right home care provider for an elderly loved one is a significant decision - and one that can make all the difference to their comfort, safety, and wellbeing. At Accent Home Care, we understand the importance of finding a provider that not only delivers professional support but also genuinely cares.
Whether you're planning ahead or responding to a sudden change in health or independence, here are the key things to consider when selecting a home care provider:
It’s essential to ensure that your chosen provider is approved by the Australian Government to deliver Home Care Packages and meets the national Aged Care Quality Standards. Government-accredited providers like Accent Home Care are regularly audited and held to high standards of care, safety, and service delivery.
A good provider should offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the individual’s changing needs. This may include:
Personal care (showering, grooming, dressing)
Domestic help (cleaning, laundry, gardening)
Allied health services (e.g., podiatry, physiotherapy)
At Accent Home Care, we offer all this and more - delivered by our own dedicated team.
The quality of care depends greatly on the people delivering it. Look for:
Qualified, experienced staff with police and reference checks
Ongoing training in areas like dementia care and infection control
A preference for consistent staffing so your loved one sees familiar faces
Carers who genuinely care and build warm relationships
Our team at Accent is selected not only for their skills but also for their empathy and professionalism.
Every person is different - and their care should be too. Choose a provider that takes the time to listen, plan, and adapt care based on the person’s goals, preferences, and evolving needs.
Accent Home Care offers consumer-directed care, meaning you or your loved one remain in control of how services are delivered and how the Home Care Package funding is used.
Transparency matters. Before signing up, ask:
Are the fees clearly explained?
Do they charge a daily care fee, exit fee, or setup costs?
How much of the package is actually spent on care?
At Accent, we believe in transparency. We work with you to make the most of your package and provide outstanding value for money.
You deserve a provider that listens. Look for:
A dedicated care advisor or coordinator who knows your case
Easy-to-reach support when you have questions or concerns
Timely responses and follow-up
A clear process for managing incidents or feedback
Accent Home Care is known for our warm, responsive communication. Our clients feel supported every step of the way.
Reputation counts. Ask around, read reviews, and look for testimonials. A provider’s history of service, community involvement, and client satisfaction can tell you a lot.
Accent Home Care is proud to be trusted by hundreds of families across Melbourne - many of whom come to us through personal recommendations.
If your loved one speaks a language other than English or follows cultural traditions, it’s important to find a provider who respects and accommodates this. Accent is inclusive and diverse, and we match clients with carers who understand their values, beliefs, and preferences - including dietary and spiritual needs.
Modern home care often includes technology that helps families stay informed and clients stay independent. Ask:
Do they use apps or digital portals to track care?
Can they support with telehealth?
Do they provide assistive technologies?
At Accent Home Care, we embrace simple technologies that support your loved one’s safety and independence - while keeping you in the loop.
Finally, make sure the provider services your area and has carers available when you need them. Whether it’s mornings, evenings, weekends, or short notice support - flexibility is key.
Accent Home Care proudly serves Melbourne’s eastern, southern, western and northern suburbs, and we work with you to arrange support that fits your schedule.
Choosing the right care support service for your elderly relative needs can be daunting, but it’s important to do your research and determine which is the best one available for them in Melbourne. The services available and the level of funds available for each service will be determined during the assessment conducted by My Aged Care.
Here are some of the services available.
When it comes to transportation services for the elderly, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it’s important that your chosen provider understands your elderly relative’s needs and limitations, as well as their schedule whether it be for medical or social reasons.
It’s important to regularly check the condition of your home and garden, in order to ensure everything is safe and tidy. But we also understand that that can be difficult for your elderly relative which is why home gardening services are available in government-funded home care packages. Click here for more information about gardening help at home.
An essential part of living independently at home and enjoying a high quality of life is ensuring you have a high quality of personal care.
Personal care services can include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and more. These services are available as part of government-funded home care packages. Click here to find out more about personal care services.
As part of your government-funded home care package, you will have to home cleaning services.
These professional cleaners will come in every other week, depending on your loved one’s needs and schedule. They will clean the entire home from top to bottom – dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning windowsills.
This weekly home care service is perfect for keeping your elderly relative’s residence looking great without having to lift a finger! Click here to find out more about home cleaning services.
Allied Health services describes a broad range of health professionals who aren’t doctors or nurses, such as physiotherapists, podiatrists and dieticians.
These professionals can help with a wide range of issues, from managing chronic conditions to providing vaccinations and check-ups.
In order to ensure your elderly relative receives the best possible care, their home care package should include access to Allied Health services as part of its overall plan. Click here to find out more about clinical and health services.
We know that trying to organise home care services on your own can feel overwhelming. Finding the right people - ones who are not only skilled but also kind, reliable, and a good fit for your loved one - isn’t always easy.
That’s where we come in. Our case management and coordination service takes the stress out of it all. We’ll support you every step of the way, from creating a personalised care plan to arranging the right support staff.
Every family is different, so we’ll take the time to listen and tailor everything to suit your loved one’s unique needs. And with 24/7 support available, you can feel confident knowing we’re always here when you need
We have a wide range of equipment available, from walkers and scooters to ramps and wheelchair lifts. We can also provide you with tuition on how to use the equipment properly, so you can stay as independent as possible.
From getting out of the house for a few minutes to taking your loved one on long walks, our high-quality mobility aides & equipment will help your elderly relative get around more freely. Click here to find out more information about what equipment and mobility aids are available.
As you get older, we understand that shopping and meal preparation can be difficult tasks when living independently. That’s why shopping & meal preparation services are a key part of all home care packages that will help your loved one every step of the way.
As part of this service, home care providers will be able to shop on behalf of your loved ones, as well as be on hand to help them prepare their meals, so they can live more comfortably and independently. Click here to find out more.
If your loved one is experiencing any kind of medical condition, one such home care service that can be provided to elderly residents living in Melbourne will be medical management. Click here to find out about home nursing services.
Specific services typically include but aren’t limited to:
Home modification services exist to help elderly residents in Melbourne who desire to make small yet important changes to their homes.
From adding ramps & wheelchair lifts to installing security systems & smoke detectors, home modification specialists will work diligently with your elderly relative so they can live safely and comfortably at home. Click here to find out more.
Respite care services are an important part of any home care package as they allow family members and friends, who are already providing a level of care, to take a break from your loved one in order for you both to rest and recharge.
As part of this service, specially-trained home carers will be available to provide support for two hours each day, or more, so that the family member or friend can relax, rejuvenate and get back into the role of the caregiver as soon as possible. Click for more about respite care in the home.
From discussing medications to making home modifications, your loved one’s preferred home care specialist will be there to offer guidance and support in order for them to make the best decisions in choosing the level of care they need based on their individual needs & requirements.
Once you and your loved one are comfortable and satisfied with the information provided, you can then work with your preferred provider to begin the application process of securing government funds and choosing their preferred home support services.
As you can no doubt see in this guide, home care packages typically offer a variety of services that are based on individual needs, so it’s important to find the right one for your elderly relative.
The good news is that during the initial consultation, the care provider will be able to discuss your loved one’s individual care needs and goals.
If any of the following signs apply to your loved one, then it might be time to engage a Melbourne-based home care service provider:
It is important to communicate with your loved ones’ home care provider about how often you would like to check on them.
This will help ensure that they are being taken care of properly and that any concerns or needs that may have arisen during their stay are addressed as soon as possible.
Checking in regularly can also help make sure that the home care provider knows about any changes or issues that may have come up.
It’s important to revisit the needs and preferences for any existing home care service on a regular basis in order to ensure that your loved one is getting the best possible service in their Melbourne home.
Doing so can help to avoid any misunderstandings or uneasiness that could arise in your relationship with the provider. Furthermore, it ensures that your loved one is getting the best care possible at all times.
Most home care providers offer a level of flexibility with their home care packages to ensure that elderly people are able to change their preferred support services as their needs change. This makes this level of care & support incredibly appealing in comparison to traditional aged care services.
After reading this comprehensive guide, you will be able to choose the right home care service in Melbourne for your loved one with ease.
By assessing their needs and looking at the different types of home care services available, you will be able to find the perfect service for your loved one. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave your details below and we’ll get back to you.
Click "Arrange Your Free Consultation" to book a phone call with us and learn how we can help your elderly loved live happily and safely at home.