Home is more than just four walls. For seniors, it represents safety, comfort, and a lifetime of memories. It’s the familiar surroundings that bring a sense of stability and belonging: the favourite chair in the living room, the garden lovingly tended over the years, and the neighbourhood that has become like family.
As people age and their health or mobility needs change, it’s natural to ask an important question: “Will I still be able to stay here?” For many, the thought of leaving home can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that with the right support, staying at home is not only possible, but often the preferred option. Australia’s aged care system helps provide flexible, tailored support that helps older people live safely, comfortably, and with dignity in their own homes for as long as possible.
Support at Home services particularly at Classifications 3 and 4, offer the advanced, coordinated assistance needed to help older Australians remain where they feel most themselves: at home.
Within the Support at Home framework, each classification builds on the previous level to match changing needs. Classifications 3 and 4 represent the most comprehensive and advanced tiers of in-home care, designed for people who require frequent, structured, and sometimes around-the-clock support.
These higher levels ensure that even those with significant or complex care needs can continue living at home with dignity, safety, and a high quality of life.
What Are Support at Home Classifications 3 and 4?
Support at Home 3 and 4 refer to the advanced tiers of home care designed for individuals who need daily or continuous help to manage personal, clinical, and household tasks.
- Classification 3 usually applies to people with moderate-to-high needs who may need daily assistance with personal care, medication, and mobility.
- Classification 4 is intended for those with high or very high needs often involving multiple health conditions, complex medication routines, or the need for overnight support.
While earlier classifications offer light assistance, these involve co-ordinated care teams, tailored health management, and a greater focus on safety and wellbeing.
Key Features of Classifications 3 and 4 Support
Although individual plans vary, most advanced packages include a mix of the following services:
1. Intensive Personal Care
Personal care becomes a major part of everyday support. Carers assist with:
- Bathing and showering
- Dressing and grooming
- Continence and toileting needs
- Skin integrity checks and wound prevention
- Support with transfers and positioning
Care is delivered respectfully, encouraging independence where possible while ensuring comfort and safety.
2. Health and Clinical Support
At these higher classifications, care often includes health-related assistance such as:
- Monitoring vital signs
- Managing medication (including administration)
- Pain management and symptom tracking
- Liaising with nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals
- Supporting rehabilitation or exercise programs
This helps prevent hospital visits and keeps small issues from becoming major complications.
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3. Mobility and Safety Assistance
Reduced mobility is common among those at Classifications 3 and 4. Care staff may help with:
- Using mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs, hoists)
- Safe transfers from bed to chair or bathroom
- Implementing fall-prevention strategies
- Gentle mobility or stretching routines
Safety within the home is reviewed regularly to reduce risks.
4. Daily Living and Household Tasks
A clean, comfortable home supports health and wellbeing. Care may include:
- Regular cleaning and laundry
- Meal planning, cooking, and nutrition support
- Grocery shopping and restocking essentials
- Checking heating, lighting, and general home safety
These services free people from tiring physical chores and maintain a safe living environment.
5. Overnight or 24-Hour Care
For those needing continuous supervision, overnight or live-in support can provide peace of mind. This may involve:
- Assistance during the night for toileting or repositioning
- Monitoring medical equipment or health changes
- Responding to emergencies quickly
Having a trained carer on hand ensures safety and reduces anxiety for both the individual and their family.
6. Emotional and Cognitive Support
Advanced care also recognises emotional wellbeing. Carers may:
- Provide companionship and conversation
- Encourage hobbies, reading, or gentle activities
- Use memory-support techniques for people with dementia
- Support participation in community or family life
These personal touches help maintain a sense of identity and belonging.
Who Is Support at Home Classification 3 or 4 For?
Classifications 3 and 4 are designed for people who:
- Have one or more chronic or complex health conditions
- Experience limited mobility or frequent falls
- Need daily personal and clinical care
- Live with moderate-to-severe dementia or cognitive decline
- Depend on medical equipment or frequent monitoring
- Would otherwise require residential or hospital care
They’re also ideal for families providing care who need consistent professional help and respite.
At Aged Care Decisions, we can help you understand the level of care you need and whether either of these classifications are right for you.
How Classifications 3 and 4 Differ From Lower Classifications
Support at Home is designed as a gradual pathway:
- Classification 1: Occasional assistance with meals, cleaning, and safety checks.
- Classification 2: Regular personal care and support with mobility or routines.
- Classification 3: Daily or multiple visits for personal and health care.
- Classification 4: High-intensity or 24-hour care for complex medical or safety needs.
As needs increase, care becomes more structured and medically supported, yet still focused on independence at home.
Benefits of Support at Home Classifications 3 and 4
The advantages of advanced in-home care extend well beyond practical help:
- Independence maintained: Remaining at home promotes familiarity and comfort.
- Improved safety: Regular supervision reduces accidents and health crises.
- Family reassurance: Professional carers share the workload and reduce stress.
- Continuity of care: Consistent staff build trust and routine.
- Prevention and stability: Ongoing monitoring helps avoid hospital stays.
- Emotional wellbeing: Social connection and companionship reduce isolation.
How to Access Support at Home Classifications 3 and 4
Getting started with Support at Home involves a few simple steps:
- Register with My Aged Care
Begin by contacting My Aged Care, the government’s entry point for aged care services. You can register online at the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422. - Screening and Assessment
After registering, you’ll complete a short screening. If you’re eligible, you’ll be referred for a full aged care assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). - Receive Your Support Plan
Once assessed, you’ll be provided with a personalised Support Plan that sets out your care needs, goals, and the services recommended for you. - Enter the Priority System
You’ll be assigned a priority rating (urgent, high, medium, or standard) based on your care needs. This new system which replaces the previous National Priority System helps make sure those with the greatest needs receive funding and services first. Your place in the queue depends on how urgent your needs are, not just when you applied. - Choose a Provider and Begin Services
When funding is allocated, you’ll have 56 days (or up to 84 days with an extension) to select a provider and sign a Service Agreement so your services can begin.
Real-Life Example
Maria, aged 81, lives with advanced arthritis and early-stage dementia. She struggles with mobility and can no longer manage personal care or medication alone.
Through Classification 3 support, carers visit morning and evening to:
- Help her shower and dress safely
- Prepare balanced meals and manage medication
- Keep her home clean and hazard-free
- Provide gentle exercise and conversation
As her condition progresses, her care can transition smoothly to Classification 4, adding overnight support for safety and peace of mind.
Maria remains comfortable in her own home, surrounded by familiar things, while her daughter feels supported knowing professionals are always close at hand.
Support at Home Classifications 3 and 4 provide advanced, coordinated in-home care, enabling older Australians with moderate to high needs to live safely and comfortably at home. By providing skilled, compassionate assistance every day, these classifications ensure that even as needs become complex, home can still be the best place to live and thrive.
At Aged Care Decisions, we make complex aged care choices clear and straightforward. Our expert team is here to guide you, ensuring everything is set before the Support at Home program begins on November 1, 2025, so you can feel confident in your way forward. Just let us know your current aged care situation, and we’ll provide fast, completely free, and independent support to bridge any gaps.
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