Latest Home Care Update

13 March 2026

From 1 November 2025, significant aged care reforms came into effect under the Support at Home program. At the same time, Helping Hand introduced a new client management system and implemented changes to the way our teams work.

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While these changes are important for the future of home care services, the combined impact has resulted in delays in statements and billing and, in some instances, disruption to services. This is not the standard we aim to deliver, and we acknowledge the frustration this has caused for clients, families and staff. Addressing these issues is a priority. Dedicated teams are working to stabilise systems, improve billing and statements, and ensure services are clearer and more reliable. We are also reviewing our ways of working to strengthen communication, improve responsiveness, and restore the level of service and support expected across our organisation. Thank you to everyone who has continued to provide feedback and support during this time. This feedback is important and plays a key role in helping us improve.

Getting in Touch

13 March 2026

We are aware that many clients and families have experienced difficulty reaching us by phone due to significantly increased call volumes. If a voicemail has been left, please be assured that all messages are being reviewed and responded to as quickly as possible.

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Where possible, email remains the quickest and most reliable way to contact our teams. It allows us to respond clearly in writing and helps reduce delays. Clients who are comfortable using email are encouraged to register or update their email address so they can receive the fortnightly home care news email. This communication channel will be used to provide updates on improvements to systems and services, as well as important information from Helping Hand. To register an email address or make an enquiry, please contact homecare@helpinghand.org.au. For clients who do not use email, a family member or trusted person can be nominated to receive communications on their behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know the delay in statements and billing is frustrating. This is not the standard of service we aim to provide. The delays have been caused by updates to our client management system and new ways of working. Resolving this is a top priority, and our team is working hard to fix the financial systems. The best way that clients can keep up to date with what is happening is to register for the fortnightly email updates by emailing homecare@helpinghand.org.au

Call volumes have increased recently, which means it’s taking longer than usual to answer every call. Please be assured:

  • Every voicemail is listened to, and clients are being called back.
  • Additional staff have been recruited to help manage calls.
  • As systems stabilise, we expect clients will notice faster response times in the coming weeks.

Government aged care reforms changed how care coordination is funded, which required us to adjust how we work. We understand this can be confusing for clients. We are reviewing team structures to see if there are ways to provide better support while still complying with the reforms. We will share more information once it is available in the fortnightly email update, to register for this update please email homecare@helpinghand.org.au