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Carer Support for Older People in South West Sydney
FOCUS Connect • 10 September 2026
If you help an older parent, partner, family member, friend or neighbour with things they can no longer manage on their own, you may already be a carer even if you've never thought of yourself that way.
Millions of Australians provide unpaid care to a family member or friend, yet for many people, caring doesn't feel like a formal role. It simply feels like helping someone you love.
If you're caring for an older person in South West Sydney, support is available for both you and the person you care for. Depending on their needs and eligibility, this may include in-home respite care, personal care, domestic assistance, transport, nursing, social support and other services through My Aged Care. Self-funded support may also be an option when you need help quickly.
At FOCUS Connect, we work alongside carers, families and older people across South West Sydney to help them understand their options and put practical support in place.
What Is a Carer?
A carer is someone who provides ongoing support to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who needs help with everyday life because of age, disability, illness or another health condition.
You might be:
- an adult son or daughter helping an ageing parent
- a husband, wife or partner providing day-to-day care
- a family member supporting someone after an illness or hospital stay
- a sibling, friend or neighbour regularly providing assistance.
Caring can involve much more than personal care. You might organise medications, attend medical appointments, prepare meals, clean the home, do the shopping, arrange transport, manage paperwork or simply make sure the person you care for is safe and has company. You don't have to live with someone or provide around-the-clock care to be a carer.
Are You Caring for an Older Parent Without Realising You're a Carer?
Many people don't identify themselves as carers. You might think:
"She's my mum — of course I help her."
"He's my husband. That's just what you do."
"I only check in every day and take him to appointments."
But if someone regularly relies on you for practical, physical, or emotional support, it matters to recognise that you are providing care. It can open the door to information, respite care and other support that can make the caring role more sustainable.
Carer Gateway also provides free services specifically for carers, including counselling, peer support, coaching and practical information.
When Caring for a Parent Begins Overnight
Not everyone gradually becomes a carer. Sometimes everything changes in a matter of days.
A parent may have a fall, become seriously unwell, spend time in hospital or suddenly lose some of the independence they previously had. One day you're their son, daughter or partner. The next, you're organising medications, meals, appointments, mobility, personal care and what will happen when they return home.
This sudden transition can be overwhelming. At the same time you're worrying about your loved one's health, you may also be trying to manage work, children, your own household and decisions about aged care you've never had to make before. If this sounds familiar, getting some support early can make a significant difference.
Signs You May Need More Support as a Carer
Caring for someone you love can be rewarding and meaningful, but continuous caring without enough support can also take a toll. Carer stress or burnout can develop gradually, which means it isn't always obvious until you're already exhausted.
Physical signs may include:
- persistent tiredness
- changes in sleep
- headaches or feeling physically run down
- changes in appetite
- neglecting your own health needs.
Emotional signs may include:
- feeling overwhelmed
- becoming more irritable or frustrated
- feeling anxious about what will happen next
- feeling helpless or emotionally drained.
Behavioural signs may include:
- withdrawing from friends or family
- giving up activities you normally enjoy
- cancelling your own appointments or commitments
- feeling as though you can never leave the person you're caring for.
Needing help does not mean you are unable to care for your loved one; in many cases, having the right support around you is what makes it possible to continue caring.
What Support Is Available for Carers in South West Sydney?
There isn't one single type of carer support because every caring situation is different. For someone caring for an older parent, partner or loved one, support may include services for the older person that reduce the amount of day-to-day care falling entirely on the family carer.
Depending on the person's needs, assessment and funding arrangements, this can include:
- personal care such as showering, dressing and grooming
- domestic assistance including cleaning and laundry
- meal preparation
- transport to appointments, shopping and activities
- social support and companionship
- nursing and clinical care
- assistance to participate in the community
- respite care so the regular carer can take a break.
FOCUS Connect provides aged care and support services across South West Sydney through government-funded programs and self-funded care options.
Respite Care: Giving Carers Time to Rest and Recharge
Respite care is designed to temporarily step into the caring role so the usual carer can take a break. That break might give you time to attend an appointment, go to work, spend time with your family, catch up with friends, do something for yourself or simply rest.
Depending on eligibility, circumstances and availability, respite can be provided in the person's home or through community and centre-based services. Respite may be planned in advance, while emergency respite is also available when unexpected circumstances mean a carer cannot continue providing care.
For carers of older people, in-home and community respite can be available through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Support at Home provider.
FOCUS Connect's in-home respite service allows a trained support worker to spend time with the person you care for in their own home, giving you the confidence to step away knowing they continue to have support.
How to Access Aged Care Support Through My Aged Care
If the person you care for needs government-funded aged care services, My Aged Care is generally the starting point. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply through the My Aged Care website.
An aged care assessment will help determine the person's needs and the types of government-funded services they may be eligible to receive. Depending on their assessed needs, support at home may be available through:
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
CHSP provides entry-level support for older people who need some assistance to continue living safely and independently at home. Services can include domestic assistance, personal care, transport, social support and planned respite.
Support at Home
Support at Home is designed for people with more ongoing, coordinated or complex care needs. Depending on a person's assessment and support plan, services can fall within three broad areas:
- Clinical Supports — such as nursing, medication-related support and some allied health and therapeutic services.
- Independence — including personal care, transport, social support and respite, as well as access to assistive technology and home modifications through separate funding based on assessed needs.
- Everyday Living — including services such as cleaning, gardening, shopping and meal preparation.
Support at Home also includes additional funding for specific circumstances. The Restorative Care Pathway provides extra, time-limited support if your health or mobility changes, helping you regain independence after illness or a hospital stay. End-of-Life and Palliative Care offers clinical, practical and emotional support for people who wish to remain at home in their final months of life.
If you are unsure where to begin, FOCUS Connect can explain the types of services we provide and help you understand the next steps once your assessment and funding are in place.
What If Your Parent Is Coming Home From Hospital?
Hospital discharge is often when families suddenly realise how much help an older parent is going to need. A person may be medically ready to leave hospital but still have difficulty showering, dressing, cooking, moving safely around the home or managing their usual routine.
If your parent is still in hospital, speak with the hospital's discharge planner, social worker or other relevant staff as early as possible. Depending on the situation, there may be short-term support pathways that can be considered before they leave hospital.
Transition Care
The Transition Care Program provides short-term care after a hospital stay to help an older person recover, regain confidence and improve their independence.
An assessment can be arranged while the person is still in hospital. If approved, transition care may be delivered at home, in the community, in a residential setting or through a combination of these.
NSW Out of Hospital Care
NSW Health also operates Out of Hospital Care programs designed to support eligible patients leaving NSW public hospitals and help prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
These include Community Packages (ComPacks) and other short-term packages that may provide non-clinical support such as personal care, domestic assistance, meals, transport, respite and social support. Hospital staff can advise whether one of these pathways may be appropriate.
Preparing the Home Before an Older Parent Returns From Hospital
The first few days at home can be stressful if everything has been left until discharge day. Before your parent arrives home, consider what needs to be ready for them.
That may include:
- considering whether they can safely use the bathroom and move around the home
- checking what medications, equipment or mobility aids they will need
- arranging transport for follow-up appointments
- deciding who will be available to help during the first few days.
FOCUS Connect's Post Hospital Care service can take some of that pressure off you. Before your parent arrives home, our team can help make sure everything is ready, including preparing the home with a thorough clean, making the bed with fresh linen, stocking the fridge with food, checking the home is safe for their current needs, and coordinating ongoing support such as personal care, nursing or domestic assistance.
If you know a hospital discharge is coming up, contact us as early as possible. The sooner we know, the more we can have ready before your parent walks back through the door.
Can You Get Help While Waiting for My Aged Care?
For families who suddenly need support, waiting for My Aged Care and assessments can be difficult. Self-funded aged care can provide another option.
With self-funded care, you arrange and pay for the services privately rather than waiting for government-funded services to commence. This can be useful when:
- an older parent has just returned home from hospital
- family carers need immediate respite
- additional help is needed while an assessment is underway
- existing funded support does not cover everything the family currently needs.
Families may choose to use self-funded care temporarily and review the arrangement once government-funded support becomes available. FOCUS Connect can discuss both funded and self-funded options so you can understand which services may suit your situation.
Caring for a Parent Who Doesn't Speak English as a First Language
Understanding aged care can be difficult enough without also having to navigate unfamiliar terminology in another language. For culturally and linguistically diverse families in South West Sydney, language and cultural understanding can play an important role in whether an older person feels comfortable receiving care.
FOCUS Connect has a long history of supporting multicultural communities and provides social opportunities, culturally responsive services and multilingual support that help older people stay connected with their language, culture and community.
If you or your parent needs help communicating with My Aged Care, TIS National may also provide free interpreting assistance.
CHSP Services Available Through FOCUS Connect
For eligible older people with entry-level care needs, FOCUS Connect provides a range of Commonwealth Home Support Program services across South West Sydney.
Domestic Assistance
CHSP domestic assistance services help with household tasks to maintain a safe, clean and comfortable home.
Personal Care
Our CHSP personal care service assists with everyday personal routines such as showering, dressing, grooming and toileting.
In-Home Respite Care
Through our in-home respite care service, a support worker spends time with the person receiving care so their regular carer can take a break.
Transport
Our transport support helps people stay connected with the community by attending appointments, shopping and other activities.
Individual Social Support
One-on-one companionship and support at home or in the community to help older people stay socially connected.
Social Support Groups
Multicultural senior social support groups provide opportunities to socialise, participate in the community and build meaningful connections.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carer Support
What support is available if I care for an elderly parent?
Support can include respite care for the carer as well as services for the older person, such as personal care, domestic assistance, transport, social support, nursing and help with everyday activities. Government-funded support generally requires an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
Can I get respite care for my elderly parent?
Yes. Depending on eligibility, assessed needs and service availability, respite care may be provided at home, in the community or in a residential aged care setting. Respite can be planned in advance, and emergency respite may also be available.
What is in-home respite care?
In-home respite care involves a support worker caring for or spending time with your loved one in their own home while you take a break from your usual caring responsibilities.
How do I arrange aged care for my parent?
If your parent needs government-funded aged care, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or apply through the My Aged Care website. An assessment will determine the type of support they may be eligible to receive.
What should I do if my parent needs help after leaving hospital?
Speak to the hospital discharge team as early as possible. They can help identify whether your parent may be suitable for Transition Care or other discharge support. You can also contact an aged care provider about services that may be available once your parent returns home.
Can I organise care before my parent comes home from hospital?
Yes. In fact, where possible, it is better to start planning before discharge. Speak with hospital staff about available discharge programs and contact FOCUS Connect to discuss the in-home services your parent may need after returning home.
Can I arrange care while waiting for a My Aged Care assessment?
Self-funded care may be available without waiting for government-funded services to commence. This can provide short-term assistance while an assessment or funded care arrangements are being organised.
Where does FOCUS Connect provide carer and aged care support?
FOCUS Connect provides aged care and support services across South West Sydney, including the Macarthur region, with services available in areas such as Campbelltown and surrounding communities. Availability can depend on the service and funding program, so contact our team to discuss support in your area.
You Don't Have to Manage Caring Alone
Whether you've always thought of yourself as a carer or you're only just beginning to recognise how much support you're providing, you don't have to manage every part of caring on your own. Sometimes the most helpful first step is simply understanding what assistance is available.
If you're caring for an older parent, partner or loved one in South West Sydney, FOCUS Connect can talk you through the aged care and respite services we provide and help you understand the options that may suit your situation.
Call FOCUS Connect on (02) 4627 1188 or send an online enquiry to speak with our friendly team.
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FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to individuals and families. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. We are also a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
