How to Apply for the My Aged Care “Support at Home” Program (and Choose Your Own Cleaner)

July 6, 2026 | Aged Care

Maintaining Independence at Home: A Guide to Aged Care Cleaning & Gardening Services in Adelaide

Are you or an elderly loved one finding it harder to keep up with everyday housework? Maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic home environment is vital for health and independence as we age.

Fortunately, the Australian Government’s Support at Home program (which recently replaced the old Home Care Packages system) provides funding specifically designed to cover essential services like domestic assistance, home cleaning, and basic yard maintenance.

Navigating the My Aged Care assessment process can feel overwhelming, but securing the support you deserve is straightforward when you break it down step by step. Here is your complete 2026 guide on how to apply for aged care cleaning funding and how to ensure you get a premium provider like Clean Advice.


Why Regular Home Cleaning & Gardening Keeps Seniors Safer

An untended property creates real dangers for an older person. Daily chores like vacuuming the house, scrubbing the bathroom, or mowing the lawn can eventually strain your body and become unsafe. Clean Advice tackles these issues directly:

  • Preventing Dangerous Falls: Dusty floors, cluttered walkways, and overgrown garden paths create major tripping hazards. Our regular domestic cleaning keeps your paths completely clear.
  • Improving Daily Health: We maintain high hygiene standards in your kitchen and bathroom, stopping harmful bacteria and mould from compromising your immune system.
  • Boosting Mental Well-being: Living in a bright, clean house instantly lifts your mood. Furthermore, a beautiful, well-maintained garden reduces stress and anxiety.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Government-Funded Cleaning

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for Support at Home

Before applying, ensure you or your loved one meet the basic criteria for government-funded aged care:

  • Age: 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
  • Needs: Having difficulty managing everyday household tasks due to age-related factors, frailty, or mobility issues.
  • Goal: A clear desire to remain living independently in your own home for longer.

Step 2: Apply for a My Aged Care Assessment

To unlock funding for home cleaning and gardening services, you must undergo a formal aged care needs assessment.

  • Register Online or via Phone: Visit the official myagedcare.gov.au website or call their support line directly on 1800 200 422.
  • The Screening Questions: You will answer basic questions about your health, what you are struggling with at home (e.g., mopping, vacuuming, changing bed linens, weeding), and your current living situation.
  • Book Your Assessment: If eligible, My Aged Care will arrange an in-home assessment with an independent assessor to map out your personalised support plan.

Step 3: Understand Your Funding Structure

Once approved, you will be assigned one of the new Support at Home Classifications. Your funding budget is broken down quarterly, giving you direct control over how you spend it.

Government-funded home cleaning falls under the Everyday Living Services category. Under the modern program rules, care management fees are strictly capped at just 10%, meaning 90% of your budget goes directly toward the hands-on services you actually need—like a sparkling clean home and a tidy yard.

Step 4: Exercise Your “Choice and Control” (How to Select Clean Advice)

Many older Australians don’t realise that you have the legal right to choose your own service providers. You do not have to accept a default, low-quality cleaning subcontractor assigned by a large, bureaucratic provider.

If you want reliable, respectful, police-checked, and premium cleaners who treat your home with dignity, you can demand Clean Advice as your preferred home care cleaner.

How to request Clean Advice from your Provider or Case Manager:

“Hi [Manager Name], I am managing my Support at Home plan and I would like to exercise my right to choose my own domestic assistance provider. I want to nominate Clean Advice for my regular home cleaning and yard services. They are fully insured, police-checked, and can send their invoices directly to you for payment out of my allocated budget. Please contact them to set up our service agreement.”


Why Adelaide Families Trust Clean Advice

When you invite a worker into your home, you need absolute trust. For over 30 years, our dedicated team has offered professional aged care services across Adelaide. We do not just show up and clean; we deliver peace of mind.

Our Workers Hold 100% Police Checks

Every member of our team holds a current, clear national police check. Additionally, we carry full liability insurance. Because your safety matters most, we never cut corners on security.

We Keep Your Health Minded

Our team follows strict health and safety guidelines. Our expert cleaners maintain full vaccinations. Consequently, we actively protect the health of the most vulnerable members of our Adelaide community.

We Offer Compassionate NDIS & Aged Care Support

We know that every senior has unique, personal needs. Our team shows great patience, respect, and kindness. Whether you need a detailed NDIS cleaning service or a quick weekly tidy-up, we always adapt to your pace.

We Provide Professional Aged Care Gardening

A beautiful home does not stop at your back door. For that reason, our local team also provides expert aged care gardening services. We handle lawn mowing, weeding, and seasonal pruning so your yard stays safe, clear, and lovely.


Book Your Cleaning Service in Three Simple Steps

We want to make this process incredibly easy for you. You can set up your service quickly:

  1. Call Our Team: Phone us directly on 1800 960 418 or use our webform for a fast callback.
  2. Pick Your Services: Choose house cleaning, window washing, or yard work under your Support at Home plan.
  3. Enjoy the Results: We match you with a friendly, professional team member who keeps your property immaculate.

Let Clean Advice Handle the Heavy Lifting

You should focus on enjoying life and maintaining your health while we take care of the hard work. Whether you need help for yourself, an aging parent, or a managed aged care client, we are ready to assist you.

Contact Clean Advice today to receive your free, no-obligation quote. Find out why we remain Adelaide’s top choice for premium aged care home support!