Simone Harvey, Business Development Manager, Homewise Health.
Demand for in-home aged care is surging as Australia’s population ages, with home care use tripling over a decade. Workforce shortages, policy reform and system complexity challenge service quality. In this guest post, HomeWise Health’s Simone Harvey argues that stable teams, clinical oversight and partnership to deliver consistent, person-centred care are key to success.
Demand for in-home aged care and disability support continues to increase across Greater Sydney and the Central Coast. As Australia’s population ages, more people are seeking support that allows them to remain safe, supported, and independent in their own homes for longer.
The scale of this shift is significant. In 2023–24, more than 272,000 older Australians accessed home care services, and the number of people using home care has more than tripled over the past decade. This reflects a sustained preference for ageing at home rather than in residential settings, according to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Demographic change is accelerating this demand. The Australian Bureau of Statistics projects the population aged 70 and over will increase by nearly 68 per cent between 2024 and 2044. Growth is also occurring among people aged 85 and over, who are most likely to require ongoing and complex support.
Workforce pressure and system complexity
While demand continues to grow, structural challenges persist. The national aged care workforce comprises around 549,000 workers, many employed on a part-time or casual basis. Recruitment and retention remain particularly difficult in in-home care, where continuity of support and relationship-based care are essential, according to Department of Health and Aged Care workforce data.
Sector analysts have consistently warned that without sustained action, Australia faces significant shortages of direct care workers in the coming years. These pressures are being driven by demographic change, workforce attrition, and increasing care complexity.
At the same time, policy reform has sought to modernise service delivery. The Support at Home program, which came into effect in November 2025, was designed to modernise how services are funded and delivered to older Australians. While the reform aims to improve access and continuity, it has also introduced adjustment challenges for families and providers navigating new systems and requirements.
“For people seeking care, this often means managing multiple pathways, understanding eligibility and funding rules, and navigating transitions at times of vulnerability.”
What families experience on the ground
Across NSW, families frequently report delays in service commencement, changes in support workers, and uncertainty about how to make the most effective use of their funding. When combined with workforce pressures, these issues can undermine confidence and place additional strain on informal carers.
As a result, the quality and reliability of service delivery, rather than capacity alone, has become increasingly important.
HomeWise Health’s response
At HomeWise Health, the focus has been on building sustainable service models that prioritise stability and outcomes rather than rapid expansion.
This includes investing in consistent care teams, ongoing staff training and supervision, and strong clinical leadership across services. The aim is to ensure clients are supported by people who understand their needs, preferences, and goals, rather than experiencing frequent changes in support workers.
Care planning is collaborative and responsive, taking into account individual circumstances, cultural preferences, and funding considerations. Clinical oversight plays a central role in maintaining safety, accountability, and continuity as needs evolve.
As Katie Nesbitt, Principal at HomeWise Health, shared: “Quality in-home care is not just about delivering hours. It is about trust, consistency, and genuine partnership with clients and families. We invest in our people and systems so clients feel supported, safe, and confident in their care.”
“Quality in-home care is built on trust, consistency, and genuine partnership.”
Katie Nesbitt, Principal at HomeWise Health
Supporting carers and collaboration
Informal carers play a critical role in enabling people to remain at home, yet the risk of burnout remains high. HomeWise Health places strong emphasis on respite, communication, and education to support carers alongside the person receiving care.
The organisation also works closely with hospitals, allied health professionals, support coordinators, and community partners to improve transitions and reduce fragmentation across the care journey.
Looking ahead
As demand for in-home care continues to grow, providers are increasingly judged not only on availability, but on their ability to deliver consistent, well-governed, person-centred care at scale.
Meeting demand responsibly requires sustained investment in people, clinical oversight, and long-term relationships, with growth carefully balanced against quality.
For HomeWise Health, the focus remains on supporting independence, safety, and choice at home, while ensuring families feel supported as they navigate an increasingly complex care environment.
