Support at Home Package Management Illawarra & Shoalhaven The Southern Highlands – Your Support at Home Care Collective
Stephanie is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience across aged care, home care, clinical governance and quality. Her background includes working as a Senior Quality Assessor with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and as an AN-ACC Assessor in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. As a local Care Advisor, Stephanie helps older Australians understand and self-manage their Support at Home funding while maintaining their independence.
Having cared for her own parents, Stephanie understands the challenges families face when navigating aged care. She takes a compassionate, personalised approach, helping clients make informed decisions about their care. With family ties to the Shellharbour and Illawarra region spanning five generations, Stephanie has a strong connection to the local community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and grandchildren, surfing, gardening, embroidery and coastal walks.
Your Local Guardians Home Care Advisor will:
Who understands your needs and will make sure you’re getting the most from your package.
Using world class technology for seamless plan management, on any device.
To suitable providers (we have a database of thousands).
To ensure you get maximum possible care hours from your funding.
The Illawarra and Shoalhaven region stretches along the New South Wales coast from Helensburgh and Wollongong in the north through Kiama and Nowra to Ulladulla and Durras in the south. The region includes towns and communities such as Gerringong, Bomaderry, St Georges Basin, Sanctuary Point, Sussex Inlet and Jervis Bay.
Local Guardians supports older Australians throughout the region with personalised care management, helping them make the most of their Support at Home funding, access suitable services and maintain their independence at home.
Older Australians living in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, Bomaderry, Ulladulla, Sanctuary Point and surrounding towns, can apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
An aged care assessment helps determine eligibility for government-funded services, including Support at Home, residential aged care, respite care and transition care.
Assessments are free and available to people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and some people aged 50 and over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, provided they meet the care needs requirements.
During the assessment, a qualified assessor will discuss your health, daily activities and care needs to recommend suitable support. Family members or carers can participate with your consent.
Several organisations provide aged care assessments throughout the Illawarra and Shoalhaven region under the Single Assessment System, which replaced the previous ACAT and Regional Assessment Service arrangements.
Assessment organisations servicing the Illawarra aged care planning region include Catholic Healthcare, Community Options and NSW Health Administration Corporation.
My Aged Care Assessment Referrals
Phone: 1800 200 422
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
Assessments usually take place in your home. My Aged Care will refer you to an appropriate assessment organisation based on your location and care needs.
For new assessments and referrals, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Local councils across Illawarra and Shoalhaven offer social activities, community programs and support services to help older residents stay active and independent.
Community transport helps eligible older residents access medical appointments, shopping and social activities.
Local libraries offer free books, digital resources, community activities and technology assistance. Find your nearest library through Wollongong Libraries, Shellharbour Libraries, Kiama Library or Shoalhaven Libraries.
For government-funded aged care assessments and services, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
We offer the lowest management fees in Australia, ensuring you get maximum care hours from your funding.
Complete the form and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. You can also call our regional support lines directly.