Immediate safety check
- In an emergency, call 000. If your mother has sudden chest pain, breathing trouble, slurred speech, acute confusion, or a serious fall, request an ambulance.
- If medical danger is ruled out, confirm someone stays with her today while you arrange ongoing care.
- Private home care can begin without waiting for government assessment queues, starting from $85 per hour for personal care.
Step 1: Check physical safety today
Your first job is establishing whether your mother is safe to remain at home this afternoon and tonight. Walk through her home or ask someone on site to check three essentials: accessible water and food, clear walking paths to the toilet, and working telephones within easy reach.
If she cannot get out of bed safely, cannot walk to the bathroom without falling, or appears confused, do not leave her alone. Organise a family member or neighbour to stay present while you call professional care services.
Step 2: Private home care while waiting for funding
Government funded programs through My Aged Care provide essential subsidies, but assessments and package allocations frequently require several weeks or months. When your family requires help this week, private home care bridges the gap immediately.
Private care allows you to choose your schedule and required services directly. Rates for daily assistance start from $85 per hour for personal care and $83 per hour for domestic assistance. You stay in full control of hours and can scale visits up or down as circumstances evolve.
Step 3: Organise official assessments
While temporary support is established, contact official intake bodies to initiate long term funding. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to register your mother for an assessment. If you are caring for her on an ongoing basis, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for carer coaching and potential emergency respite support.
Next step
You do not need all the answers before speaking with someone. Call Living Well At Home on 0426 533 700 to talk through what would help your mother today, or send an enquiry through our contact page.
Common questions
Can home care start before My Aged Care approves a package?
Yes. Private home care can commence immediately while your family awaits government assessment. You pay the standard hourly rate directly without waiting for subsidies.
What should I check before leaving Mum alone tonight?
Ensure she can reach a telephone easily, that pathways to the bathroom are clear and lit, that medications are accessible, and that an emergency contact is listed by her phone.
How do I access emergency respite through Carer Gateway?
Contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. They assess your situation and can help coordinate short term emergency respite support for family carers.
Who pays for urgent private care?
Private care is funded directly by the client or family. If your parent later receives a Home Care Package, approved services may transition across to package funding.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.