Can I Pay for Gardening
with Support at Home Funding?
Gardening can become more challenging as we get older. How do you keep your garden neat, tidy and safe if you have limited mobility or a health condition? Do you need to manage it on your own, or can you use Support at Home funding to access gardening services? Let’s take a look.
What is Support at Home?
The Support at Home program is Australia’s new program for government-subsidised in-home aged care.
Support at Home focuses on helping older people maintain their independence and continue living safely in their own homes. It provides access to personalised services, equipment and home modifications designed to meet each person’s assessed needs.
The program provides funding based on your individual circumstances, allowing you to choose the mix of in-home supports that best suit your lifestyle and wellbeing goals.
Under Support at Home, there are eight levels of service classifications, each with a quarterly budget aligned to your assessed level of need. People eligible for lower level classifications may receive help with tasks such as cleaning, transport, or light gardening. Higher levels include more frequent or complex supports such as personal care, allied health, or nursing services.
Gardening as Part of the Support at Home Program
Gardening is more than keeping things neat and tidy. It’s part of living safely and comfortably at home. Under the Support at Home program, gardening is classed as an Everyday Living support. These services help older people manage the outdoor areas of their home, reduce hazards, and stay independent.
Depending on your needs and assessment, gardening may be included in your Support Plan to help in the garden. This may include lawn mowing, pruning, weeding or general garden care. The goal is to keep your outdoor space accessible and easy to manage.
For people with lower-level needs, Support at Home may cover light or occasional gardening. Those with higher classifications may receive regular or more detailed assistance as part of broader in-home supports. This is especially helpful if mobility or health changes make outdoor tasks more difficult.
You may need to pay a small contribution toward gardening or other everyday living services. The amount depends on your income and circumstances, and full pensioners usually pay less.
A little help in the garden can make daily life easier and more enjoyable. Spending time outdoors can lift your mood and help you feel more connected to home.
How to Organise My Aged Care Gardening Services
If you think you might need help with your garden, the first step is to contact My Aged Care to arrange an assessment. An assessor will visit your home to learn more about your situation and identify what supports could help you live safely and independently.
If you’re approved for Support at Home funding, you’ll receive a Support Plan outlining the services you’re eligible for. If gardening is included, you can then choose a registered aged care provider to deliver your gardening services.
Your provider will work with you to create a schedule that suits your needs and budget. This could mean regular visits to keep your garden tidy, or occasional help when you need an extra hand.
Choosing the Right Support at Home Gardening Provider
One of the great things about the Support at Home program is that you can choose your own approved provider. This means you have the freedom to find a team that suits your needs and delivers the services you value most.
When researching providers, look for experience, reliability, and a strong reputation for care. Choosing an approved aged care provider ensures your gardening and other home services are delivered under the government’s Support at Home program and meet the required quality standards.
As part of your research, check that your chosen provider offers the specific supports you need now, such as lawn mowing for pensioners, along with other supports you may need later, like nursing care or meal preparation.
This way, your chosen provider can support you as you age in place for many years to come.
Other Support at Home Services
As we get older, gardening is often one of the first tasks that becomes difficult to manage. But under Support at Home, there are many other home care services available to help you stay comfortable and independent. These can include assistance with house cleaning, meal preparation, transport, social support, nursing care, personal care such as bathing and dressing, and more.
If you think you might benefit from extra help at home, Simply Helping can guide you through your options. We offer flexible in-home care services, including Support at Home gardening and a range of everyday supports to make life a little easier.
Contact us to learn more or discuss how we can help.
