Have you planned how you will continue to live at home?

Wollongong City Council is holding free drop-in sessions for older people and their families who want to remain socially connected and supported to live independently into their twilight years.

From July 2025, the Federal Government will launch the Support at Home Program, a new service that will provide in-home care services for older Australians.

This new program will replace three current programs: Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.

To help people transition to the new system, Council’s Community Support Services team is running three information sessions about the proposed changes, to answer any questions you may have, and assist you to navigate these changes to community-based aged care.

The first drop-in session will be held on Monday 11 December from 10.30am-12.30pm at the Wollongong Library. Further sessions will take place in the new year. For more information visit the Wollongong City Libraries website.

“For many of us, continuing to be able to live at home is an important goal and to do that, we may rely on government funded support services. These services can range from alternative transport options, help cleaning and maintaining the house, financial aid, or compassionate bin services,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“With the consolidation of the current services into a new program, it’s important that older people in the community stay abreast of the changes. We’re holding drop-in sessions so that you can come along and ask questions.

“These drop-in sessions are specifically for people who already receive community-based support services, their families and any other older people who want to be proactive and learn more about available services. There’s no need to book, just show up on the day and Council staff will talk you through the changes.”

Council has a commitment to making Wollongong a place where older residents are supported to live independently and to participate in the life of their community.

At the same time, Council provides a range of services to support people over 65, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50, to live an active and independent lifestyle.

That includes programs like the Old Boys Social Club, day trips, Seniors Festival, social support, home and garden maintenance, community transport, a Home Library Service, and much more.

See here for more details on the support services Council offers.