How to Refer a Family Member or Patient for Support at Home Services

Referring someone for Support at Home services is straightforward once you know what details are needed: the client's approved funding level, their current funding status, and which services they require. Whether you're a family member, GP, hospital discharge planner, or My Aged Care assessor, having these details ready before you make contact speeds everything up.

Who can make a referral?

Referrals can come from a range of people, not just the client themselves. Family members, GPs, hospital discharge planners, and My Aged Care assessors can all initiate a referral or reach out on behalf of someone who needs services. This is especially common around hospital discharge, where a smooth handover to in-home support can prevent unnecessary delays in leaving hospital or a return admission down the track.

What details make a referral faster?

A few pieces of information make a big difference in how quickly a referral can be actioned:

• Funding status: Has the client already been approved for a Support at Home package, or is their application still pending?
• Classification level: If approved, what level (1 to 8) have they been assigned? This determines their quarterly budget.
• Services needed: Personal care, nursing, domestic assistance, social support, transport, or a combination.
• Urgency: Is this tied to a hospital discharge date, or is there more flexibility on timing?

Having these details ready before the first phone call or form submission means a provider can respond with a realistic timeline straight away, rather than needing several rounds of back and forth.

What if the client doesn't have approved funding yet?

Support at Home services require an approved package before they can begin. If a client's application is still in progress, they can still access products privately in the meantime, such as continence care, wound care supplies, or mobility aids, while the funding assessment is completed. This can help bridge the gap between hospital discharge and formal service approval.

Referring through InCare Supports

InCare Supports accepts referrals through a simple online form for health professionals, discharge planners, and family members. Once a referral is submitted with the client's details and funding status, our team follows up directly to confirm eligibility and next steps, so referrers aren't left chasing updates.

Why timely referrals matter

For hospital discharge planners in particular, a delay in setting up home-based support can mean a longer hospital stay than necessary, or a higher risk of readmission if someone goes home without adequate support in place. Getting a referral in early, even before a funding decision is finalised, means a provider can start preparing and respond the moment approval comes through.

Ready to refer someone?

If you're a GP, discharge planner, aged care assessor, or family member ready to refer a client or loved one, our online referral form is the quickest way to get their details to our team. Include their approved Support at Home level where possible, the services they need, and any timing considerations, and we'll take it from there.