Support for families and carers

Supporting an older parent, partner or relative can bring mixed feelings — love, worry, tiredness and uncertainty. You are not alone. Many families are navigating the same questions. This page offers practical information to help you support the person you care about while looking after yourself. Care Homes on Wheels works with older people and their families across Sydney and NSW. We respect the older person’s right to make decisions and welcome family involvement when that is wanted.

How to start a conversation about care

Choosing the right moment and the right words can make a difference.

Pick a calm, private time when neither of you is rushed or stressed.
Focus on what the person values — staying at home, keeping routines, remaining independent.
Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed some things are getting harder and I want to help you stay comfortable at home.”
Offer to explore options together rather than presenting a finished plan.
Listen more than you speak.

It is normal for the conversation to take more than one attempt. There is no perfect script. If you would like support preparing for the discussion, we are happy to talk it through with you.

How family members can be involved

With the older person’s consent, family members and carers can:

Attend meetings and assessments
Help with My Aged Care applications or paperwork
Share observations about what is working or becoming harder
Stay informed about the support plan
Take part in regular reviews

We always check what level of involvement the older person wants. Their preferences guide us.

Consent and decision-making

The older person has the right to make their own decisions about care wherever they have the capacity to do so. We respect this right. If the person has appointed a substitute decision-maker or has an enduring power of attorney, we follow the legal arrangements that are in place.

We never assume family members can make decisions on behalf of the older person without proper authority and consent.

Keeping a loved one independent

Most older people want to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Our approach supports this. We focus on:

What the person can still do
What matters most to them day to day
Practical help that reduces risk without taking over
Maintaining routines, interests and connections

Support is designed to enable, not replace, independence.

What to do when needs change

Needs often change gradually or after a hospital stay, illness or fall. When this happens:

Talk with the older person about what feels different.
Contact us so we can review the current support plan.
If a formal reassessment is needed, we can guide you on contacting My Aged Care.

Early adjustments may help address changing needs before they become more difficult.

Signs that additional support may be useful

These signs do not mean someone must accept help, but they can indicate it is time to explore options:

Difficulty with personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
Problems preparing meals or managing medications
Reduced mobility or increased risk of falls
The home becoming harder to keep clean or safe
Growing isolation or loss of interest in usual activities
Family carers feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or unable to continue without a break

If you recognise any of these, a free conversation with us can help clarify what support might be available.

How to raise concerns

If you have a concern about the care being provided:

Speak with us first. We take all feedback seriously and will work to resolve issues promptly.
You can also contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Independent advocacy support is available through the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1 800 700 600.

Raising a concern will not affect the quality of care the older person receives.

Support for carers

Caring for someone can be rewarding and demanding at the same time. Under Support at Home, respite care may be available to give family carers a break. Respite can be provided in the older person’s home so routines continue while the carer rests or attends to other responsibilities.

We can discuss whether respite is part of the approved support plan and how it can be arranged. Looking after your own health and wellbeing matters. Support for the carer is part of good care for the older person.

Ready to talk about your family’s situation?

You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us. We listen without judgement and explain options in plain language.

Other ways to contact us:

Request a callback

Whether you are just starting to explore options or need help with changing needs, we are here to support you and the person you care about.

Care Homes on Wheels

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week