Published by SESI Care Services · Updated November 2026 · 2-minute summary
Quick answer: Cleaning and meal support at home means a support worker helps with jobs like wiping benches, cleaning the bathroom, doing laundry and preparing meals. Older people can get this through Support at Home, which replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. Your My Aged Care assessment and your support plan decide what is funded. You choose which jobs matter most and which ones you still like to do yourself.
Key takeaways
- Cleaning, laundry and meals are separate supports. Your plan can include one, two or all three.
- You set the priorities. A short task list keeps each visit simple and respectful.
- Do what you enjoy, get help with the rest. Support is meant to help you stay independent, not take over.
- Your assessment decides funding. Start by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Who is Support at Home for?
Support at Home is for older people who need help to keep living at home. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says you are generally eligible if you are 65 or older, or 50 or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. To start, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask for an assessment.
What does cleaning support at home include?
A worker can help with the jobs that have become tiring or hard to do safely. Common jobs include:
- Kitchen: wiping benches, cleaning the sink, washing dishes
- Bathroom: cleaning the basin, shower and toilet
- Bedroom: changing bed linen, dusting, keeping walkways clear
- Living areas: vacuuming, dusting shelves, taking out the rubbish
Cleaning a clear walkway or a slippery shower floor also helps you stay safe at home.
How does laundry support work?
Laundry help can include washing, hanging clothes to dry, folding and putting clothes away. You might sort your own clothes and ask for help to carry the basket or fold heavy items. Tell your worker how you like things done.
What meal support can I get?
A worker can help plan meals, write a shopping list, prepare ingredients and cook in your kitchen. Tell your worker about your food likes, allergies and any advice from your doctor or dietitian. For more detail, read our guide to meal preparation support for older Australians.
How do I plan a visit?
Write a short list before the worker comes. Keep it somewhere easy to see, such as on the fridge.
- The rooms and jobs that matter most
- Jobs you want to keep doing yourself
- Cleaning products you prefer and where things are kept
- Food likes, allergies and anything to avoid
You can change the list at any time as your needs change.
What is the difference between cleaning and personal care?
| Cleaning and household help | Personal care | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Jobs around the home, like cleaning, laundry and meals | Help with showering, dressing and daily routines |
| Where it sits | Everyday living supports | Personal care service |
| Funding | Depends on your plan and budget | Depends on your plan and budget |
Household support is help with daily living. It is not nursing or clinical care.
How does Support at Home pay for this?
After your assessment, you find out the level of support you can get. You then choose a Support at Home provider. Ask your provider which cleaning, laundry and meal supports are in your plan and whether there is funding in your budget.
How does SESI help?
SESI Care Services delivers Support at Home services across Victoria, including cleaning, laundry and meals. We work with your Support at Home provider. Your provider holds your service agreement and your budget. Your Support at Home budget pays for our services.
Already have a Support at Home provider? Ask them to add SESI.
See how Support at Home works with SESI and our Support at Home prices. You may also like our guides to what domestic assistance actually changes at home and in-home aged care support in Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
What does aged care cleaning usually include?
Routine jobs such as vacuuming, wiping surfaces, cleaning the bathroom, changing linen and washing dishes. You and your worker agree on the jobs for each visit.
Can Support at Home pay for cleaning and meals?
It can, if they are in your support plan and there is funding available in your budget. Your My Aged Care assessment and your provider can tell you what applies to you.
Can I keep doing some jobs myself?
Yes. Support is meant to help you stay independent. Tell your worker which jobs you want to keep doing.
Is household help the same as nursing care?
No. Cleaning, laundry and meal support is help with daily living. It is not clinical or nursing care.
How do I get started?
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for an assessment. If you already have a Support at Home provider, ask them to add SESI.
Talk to SESI
Tell us what cleaning or meal help would suit you and we will call you back. A family member or carer can call too.
Start here: sesi.com.au/support-at-home · Call: 1800 017 374
This guide is general information based on My Aged Care and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing material, current at November 2026. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. Check your own letters and agreements, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
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