Key Takeaways

• Early planning helps. Thinking ahead about health, home safety, daily routines and support makes ageing in place more achievable.
• Notice early changes. Partners often spot changes in mobility, mood or confidence before anyone else. Acting early helps maintain independence.
• Stay socially connected. Regular contact with family, neighbours and community supports emotional wellbeing and reduces isolation.
• Care for both of you. Looking after your own health and accessing respite supports long-term sustainability and reduces stress.
• Make the home safer. Small adjustments such as better lighting, clear walkways and bathroom supports reduce fall risk and protect both partners.
• Use helpful equipment. Assistive technology can make daily activities easier and reduce physical strain on spouse-carers.
• Consider advanced support when needed. Integrated solutions like Behn can help manage higher care needs and make daily routines smoother and safer.
• Funding is available. Support may be accessed through Support at Home, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme, CHSP and state equipment programs.
  

What Is Ageing in Place and Why It Matters

Ageing in place means staying in your own home or community while receiving the supports you need to remain safe and independent. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that most older Australians prefer to stay at home. Familiar surroundings protect routine and reduce confusion, especially during periods of change.

For partners, ageing in place allows you to:

• stay together
• maintain shared routines
• keep living in the environment that reflects your life together
• feel more in control of daily decisions

Ageing in place works best when there is early planning. This might include thinking about home layout, mobility needs, equipment and family support. Many couples find that planning early helps reduce stress and prevents rushed decisions after an injury or hospital stay.

Helping Your Partner While Caring for Yourself Too

Health and wellbeing play an important role in helping couples continue living safely at home, even when health needs change. Many couples are managing health conditions, changes in mobility or fluctuations in energy, and it is common for one partner to take on more daily support. Both people benefit when routines, meals, movement and emotional wellbeing are looked after together.

Spouse-carers are often the first to notice changes, yet your own health also needs attention. Caring becomes safer and more sustainable when both partners feel supported in their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Physical health and mobility

Helpful habits include:

• daily movement such as walking, stretching or balance exercises
• regular GP check-ups to review medications, vision, strength and falls risk
• OT and physiotherapy assessments for functional mobility and movement changes
• simple, achievable routines rather than strenuous or unrealistic goals

Supporting each other to stay as active as possible helps protect independence for both partners.

Cognitive and emotional wellbeing

Changes in mood, memory or motivation are common with ageing. As a partner, you might notice:

• changes in mood
• withdrawal from activities
• sleep difficulties
• confusion or forgetfulness

Shared routines such as gentle conversation, morning check-ins, short walks or familiar activities can help both partners feel steadier. If either of you shows ongoing changes, speak with your GP. Support is available through psychologists, counsellors and community programs.

Eating well and staying hydrated

Nutrition is important for strength, immunity and energy, especially when health conditions affect appetite or routine. Helpful approaches include:

• including protein in most meals
• offering small, frequent meals if appetite is low
• preparing simple meals that can be reheated easily
• keeping water within reach throughout the day

Meal support services, such as Meals on Wheels, can assist when cooking feels tiring or difficult. Many couples find that planning simple meals ahead of time makes daily routines easier and ensures both people are eating consistently.

Building a Support Network Around You

Caring for your partner can feel personal and private, but you do not need to manage everything on your own. Strong support networks make ageing in place more sustainable and protect the wellbeing of both partners. Australian research from Carers Australia shows that carers with reliable social support report higher wellbeing, less stress and lower risk of burnout.

Support can come from many places. Even small contributions from others can make daily life easier.

Family

• adult children
• siblings
• extended relatives

These people can help with errands, appointments, meal preparation or regular check-ins. Even one or two tasks a week can make a meaningful difference.

Friends and neighbours

• neighbours can keep an eye out
• friends can provide company and emotional support
• regular social visits reduce isolation for both of you

Community programs

• local seniors groups
• Men’s Sheds
• U3A classes
• library and wellbeing programs
• community exercise classes

These activities create variety, routine and purpose.

Carer supports

Carer Gateway offers:

• counselling
• respite
• coaching
• skills training
• information and support

Carers often feel guilty asking for help, but support protects both your health and your partner’s long-term ability to stay at home.

Checklist – Your Support Circle

☐ Three people I can contact quickly in an emergency

☐ One regular group, activity or social routine I take part in

☐ Someone who checks in with me or my partner each week

☐ A plan to stay connected digitally

☐ A backup person who can step in if I need a break

☐ Contact details for local services saved in an easy-to-find place

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

When you’re caring for your partner at home, safety and comfort become key parts of daily life. Small changes around the house can reduce strain and help prevent falls. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations for older Australians, and many occur in or around the home. Creating a safer environment helps protect both of you and supports your ability to keep living well at home together.

Lighting

• use brighter globes in hallways and bathrooms
• add night lights or sensor lights
• ensure switches are easy to reach

Flooring

• remove loose rugs
• keep walkways clear
• cover slippery surfaces with non-slip mats

Bathroom safety

• install grab rails
• use a supportive shower chair
• consider a handheld shower
• place non-slip mats in wet areas

Bathrooms are high-risk areas. Small upgrades help protect both you and your partner.

Entryways and doorways

• add rails to steps
• consider a ramp if mobility is changing
• widen doorframes if mobility aids are used

Emergency planning

• keep a phone or personal alarm accessible
• store emergency contacts in clear view
• consider a check-in arrangement with family or neighbours

A safer home reduces your physical effort and supports your partner’s confidence.

Assistive Technology That Supports Daily Living

Assistive technology (AT) refers to tools and equipment that make everyday tasks easier and safer. AT supports independence and reduces the physical load on spouse-carers.

Why an OT assessment helps

An occupational therapist can assess movement, strength, home layout and safety. This ensures the equipment you choose is appropriate and safe. They can also teach you how to use equipment without risking your own health.

Everyday aids

• reachers
• jar openers
• easy-grip utensils
• long-handled sponges

Mobility equipment

• walking frames
• rollators
• wheelchairs
• adjustable beds

These tools help with fatigue, balance and mobility.

Bathroom and toileting supports

• shower stools
• raised toilet seats
• over-toilet frames
• grab rails

Safety and monitoring

• personal alarms
• fall-alert technology
• medication reminders

When Advanced Assistive Technology Is Needed

Sometimes your partner may need more structured support during movement. This often becomes clear during transfers such as getting out of bed or moving to the bathroom. Repeated lifting or awkward guiding puts spouse-carers at risk of strain and injury.

Safe manual-handling guidelines recommend using powered or mechanical aids when physical effort becomes significant.

Signs advanced support may help

• transfers feel heavy or unpredictable
• your partner becomes unsteady or fatigued
• you experience pain in your back, shoulders or joints
• your partner needs more time or stability when moving
• there is limited space for traditional equipment

Examples of advanced AT

• powered mobile lifters
• ceiling-mounted transfer systems
• integrated bed–chair–shower solutions

How Behn supports couples at home

Behn is designed for partners who need reliable support with everyday transfers and personal care. Instead of managing multiple separate pieces of equipment, Behn brings together a home care bed, a supportive seated position for care tasks, and showering and toileting functions in one integrated system. This creates a smoother routine for both of you and reduces the physical effort required from a spouse-carer.

Benefits for spouse-carers include:

• smooth, remote-controlled transitions between resting, sitting and showering
• minimal physical effort during routine movements
• no need for heavy lifting or awkward manoeuvring
• fewer repetitive tasks that strain your back, shoulders or joints
• simpler care routines at home
• improved comfort, stability and dignity for your partner

For many couples, integrated equipment like Behn supports safer daily care and can help maintain the ability to continue living at home together.

Visit Behn’s Aged Care Hub to see how the system works and how it can support you and your partner at home -->

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Choosing Between Staying at Home and Residential Aged Care

Most couples want to stay at home together for as long as possible. Ageing in place is suitable when the home is safe and you have enough support.

Staying at home works well when:

• health needs are stable
• equipment and supports match your partner’s needs
• you feel confident with manual handling
• family members can assist when needed

Residential aged care may be appropriate when:

• 24-hour supervision is required
• your partner has complex medical needs
• home modifications are no longer sufficient
• caring becomes physically unsafe for you
• your own health is at risk

My Aged Care assessments help determine which supports you are eligible for. You can request an assessment by calling 1800 200 422. Involving your partner, family members and your GP ensures a balanced and well-informed plan.

Not sure whether care at home or residential aged care is the right fit?

Explore Behn’s comparison guide to see how staying at home with the right equipment compares to residential aged care, and what may be safest and most sustainable for your situation.

Understanding Costs and Funding Options

Caring for your partner at home can involve costs such as equipment, home modifications or personal care services. Planning ahead helps you understand what support is available and what you may need to contribute.

Support at Home (from 1 November 2025)

The Support at Home program is the main way older Australians receive government-funded help at home. It replaced the old Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care programs.
It may include:

• help with personal care
• domestic support
• allied health
• equipment
• home modifications

Information: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/about

Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

This scheme sits alongside Support at Home and provides separate funding for equipment and home modifications.

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Examples include:

• grab rails
• bathroom modifications
• mobility aids
• beds and larger assistive items

More information:
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/assistive-technology-and-home-modifications-at-hm-scheme

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP offers entry-level support such as:

• meals
• cleaning
• transport
• basic maintenance

It continues to operate and will transition into Support at Home in the coming years.

Information: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/aged-care/about-aged-care/commonwealth-home-support-programme-chsp

State and Territory Equipment Programs

Most states and territories offer subsidised or loaned aids and equipment.
Examples include wheelchairs, mobility aids, modified seating and some home modifications.

Some helpful links to state-based programs/ providers:

ACT – ACT Equipment Scheme

New South Wales – EnableNSW Aids and Equipment Program

Northern Territory – Territory Equipment Program

Queensland – Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS)

South Australia – Equipment Program (SA)

Tasmania – TasEquip Community Equipment Scheme

Victoria – Victorian Aids and Equipment Program

Western Australia – Community Aids and Equipment Program

NDIS

Available for eligible people under 65 living with permanent and significant disability.
May include equipment, home modifications and support services.

Information: https://www.ndis.gov.au

Private Health Insurance

Some policies offer rebates for equipment, physiotherapy, nursing or home support services. Check directly with your insurer.

Practical Tips for Spouse-Carers

• Start with a My Aged Care assessment to understand what your partner is eligible for.
• Keep quotes for equipment or modifications — you may need them for funding.
• Combine Support at Home services with state equipment programs if needed.
• Review supports each year. Needs can change, and funding can change too.
• Ask for help with paperwork. Family members can assist with applications, phone calls and gathering documents

‍Final thoughts

Ageing in place allows you and your partner to remain connected to the life you have built together. With the right support, many couples continue to live safely and comfortably at home for years. Reliable equipment, a supportive network and thoughtful planning ease the physical and emotional load.

Caring for a partner is more sustainable when you share responsibilities and use practical supports. Bringing in family, using community services and choosing advanced technology such as Behn can help you continue caring with confidence.

You do not need to manage everything alone. With the right guidance and tools, you can support your partner to live well at home while also protecting your own wellbeing.