Getting approved for a home care package is an important step in staying independent—but as your situation changes, the support you receive should too.
Whether you’re recovering from a hospital stay, feeling less confident at home, or leaning more on loved ones, these shifts could mean your current level of care no longer meets your needs.
In this guide, we’ll cover 10 signs it might be time to request a reassessment and how to get the extra help you’re entitled to.
Home care packages are designed to grow with you—but they won’t automatically adjust unless you request a review.
A reassessment can unlock more funding, tailored services, and a higher package level that aligns with your current care needs. With the incoming Support at Home reforms, reassessments may also offer access to new government initiatives like restorative or end-of-life care, or support for home modifications.
You may be missing out on:
Help from allied health professionals like physiotherapists or speech pathologists
Urgent services like nursing support or mobility equipment
Extras like meal delivery, social support, or transport
Learn more about what we offer at 365 Care.
Coming home from hospital often means new or increased support needs—whether it’s help with medication, wound care, or everyday tasks. If your health has changed significantly, it’s time to reassess your care level.
If getting out of bed, using the stairs, or walking unaided has become difficult, a higher-level home care package could provide:
Physiotherapy or mobility training
Equipment like walkers or shower chairs
Modifications to make your home safer
If you’ve started asking neighbours to run errands, or your family is helping out more often than your support worker, your care plan may no longer be enough. A reassessment can help reduce that informal load and provide more consistent assistance.
Fear of falling is one of the biggest reasons older Australians withdraw from daily life. If you’ve started skipping showers or avoiding certain areas of your home, you may need:
Occupational therapy
Home modifications like rails or ramps
Technology to help you feel safe
Sometimes the earliest signs of cognitive decline are noticed by those around us. If people close to you have mentioned forgetfulness or confusion, it’s worth considering support such as:
Dementia-aware care and supervision
Daily check-ins or welfare visits
Assistance managing medication and routines
These supports are often included in higher-level home care packages or specialist programs.
Whether it’s due to energy, safety concerns, or lack of transport—social withdrawal is a key sign your current support isn’t keeping up. Reassessment can help you access:
Transport to events or appointments
In-home visits from carers or companions
Community connection programs
Find out more about 365 Care's personalised services.
Unexplained weight loss could mean your nutrition or swallowing needs are not being met. Through reassessment, you may be referred to:
A dietitian or nutrition specialist
Speech pathology for swallowing
Meal preparation or delivery support
If you're cancelling physiotherapy sessions or cutting back on cleaning visits to cover everyday costs, your package may not reflect your current needs. A care manager can help optimise your funding—so you don’t have to choose between essential supports.
Sensory changes can make daily tasks harder—and more dangerous. If you’re missing phone calls, misjudging steps, or having trouble following conversations, you may be eligible for:
Assistive technology like amplified phones
Home safety updates (e.g. better lighting)
Hearing and vision health checks
Feeling unwell, unsupported, or unsafe can make it harder to get out and about. But staying inside long-term can affect both your physical and mental health.
If you’re not going out as much, you might benefit from:
Telehealth services
In-home medical or social support
Transport and community engagement
Reassessment works similarly to your initial application: a qualified assessor will review how your needs have changed.
You can start the process by:
Contacting My Aged Care directly
Reaching out to your current care provider or care manager
Getting supporting evidence from your GP or specialist
Our team at 365 Care can also help guide you through the steps.
We recommend:
Talking to your care manager if things feel different—they may already notice these shifts
Providing medical documentation or referrals to speed up your reassessment
You can also visit our guide on how to apply for more information.
Following your reassessment, you may:
Be upgraded to a higher home care package
Gain access to additional services while you wait
Be referred to other government-funded programs
Rest assured, your existing funding will remain in place—there’s no risk to requesting more help if your needs have changed.