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Written by Dr.Saadia Shabnam and Zannatul Tazrin                           Date: 26 August 2025

Ageing in Place is Not Just Staying at Home: Reclaiming the Role of Community in Australia's Aged Care Landscape

What is Ageing in Place—And Why is Community So Important? 

The Australian Government has committed to supporting older people to remain in their homes for as long as possible, with the new Support at Home program commencing 1 November 2025 (Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 2024). This reflects older Australians’ strong preference to stay in familiar environments rather than move into residential aged care (Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety [RCACQS], 2021). 

However, ageing in place is not only about the physical house. Research shows that ageing well depends equally on social connections, community participation, and access to appropriate services (Walker, 2021; Warburton & Jeppsson Grassman, 2011). Older Australians themselves report that “place” means more than a dwelling—  

“A good community around you makes all the difference — neighbours, volunteers, local groups — they help you stay independent.”— Older person, Adelaide Hearing 2 (Home care, (RCACQS, 2021). 

Why “Staying at Home” Isn’t Always Enough 

While most older Australians wish to remain at home, significant barriers persist. These include: 

  • Limited access to services in rural and remote areas (Alston & Whittenbury, 2021). 
  • Carer stress and burnout, with families often carrying the burden of care (Productivity Commission, 2011; RCACQS, 2021). 
  • Delays in home modifications and support services, which can reduce safety and independence (Carnemolla & Bridge, 2019). 
  • Cultural and linguistic mismatches, where services may not reflect diverse needs (Temple & Dow, 2018). 

Some older people report feeling “stuck” at home—physically present but socially disconnected (Warburton & Lui, 2007). Studies confirm that ageing well requires both stability of place and continuity of connection—access to familiar services, shops, parks, and community hub. 

“Ageing in place is not just about staying at home, it is about staying connected to your community.”— Community forum participant (RCACQS, 2021). 

Without strong community ties, older adults are at greater risk of loneliness, depression, and declining health, even if they remain in their homes (World Health Organization [WHO], 2015). 

Community as Enabler, Not Afterthought 

Ageing in place isn’t just about staying in your house. It’s about being able to live safely, comfortably, and with support in a familiar and connected environment. Effective ageing in place requires recognising community as an enabler of wellbeing. This means planning for: 

  • Accessible community infrastructure—parks, walkways, transport, and public facilities (Kendig & Woods, 2016). 
  • Inclusive and culturally appropriate services that reflect Australia’s diversity (Temple & Dow, 2018). 
  • Intergenerational and social spaces that support connection and participation (Buffel, Handler, & Phillipson, 2019). 
  • Trusted local networks—neighbourhood groups, places of worship, community centres—that provide both informal and formal support. 

As the WHO’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities framework highlights, communities must provide not only health and care services but also environments that foster social participation, security, and respect (WHO, 2015). 

In this sense, ageing in place should not be narrowly defined as “staying at home.” For some, the “right place” may be a private residence; for others, supported housing or co-housing arrangements may better ensure safety, connection, and independence. 

Final Thoughts 

Supporting older Australians to live at home with dignity requires looking beyond housing alone. Community is a vital, but often overlooked, dimension of ageing in place. Without strong community connections, older adults may become isolated, unsafe, or unable to access essential care. 

Governments, providers, and families all share responsibility for building inclusive, age-friendly communities. Planning for ageing in place should therefore integrate both the home and the community around it—ensuring that neighbourhoods, services, and relationships enable older people to thrive. 

 

 Reflection points for individuals and families: 

  • What does “place” mean to you—not just your home, but your neighbourhood, community, and support network? 
  • Do you feel safe, supported, and connected where you live? 
  • Have you spoken to your family, care coordinator, or council about how your community supports your needs? 

Disclaimer
The information and insights presented in this article are provided for general informational purposes only. They reflect the views of the author(s) at the time of writing and should not be relied upon as professional or other expert advice. Readers are encouraged to seek independent, qualified assistance before making any decisions or taking action based on this material.

References 

  • Alston, M., & Whittenbury, K. (2021). Rural and regional inequality in Australia. Palgrave Macmillan. 
  • Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2024). Support at Home Program overview. Canberra. 
  • Buffel, T., Handler, S., & Phillipson, C. (2019). Age-friendly cities and communities: A global perspective. Policy Press. 
  • Carnemolla, P., & Bridge, C. (2019). Housing design and community care: How home modifications reduce care needs of older people and people with disability. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(11), 1951. 
  • Kendig, H., & Woods, N. (2016). Ageing and place in Australia. Springer. 
  • Productivity Commission. (2011). Caring for Older Australians. Final Report, Canberra. 
  • Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (RCACQS). (2021). Final Report: Care, Dignity and Respect. Canberra. 
  • Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Final Report: Volume 4A – Hearing Overviews and Case Studies, 2021. 
  • Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Community Forum Submissions (2019). 
  • Temple, J., & Dow, B. (2018). Ageing and cultural diversity in Australia. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 37(1), 68–74. 
  • Walker, A. (2021). The social determinants of healthy ageing. Public Health Reviews, 42, 1603975. 
  • Warburton, J., & Jeppsson Grassman, E. (2011). Variations in older people’s social and productive ageing activities across different social welfare regimes. International Journal of Social Welfare, 20(2), 180–191. 
  • Warburton, J., & Lui, C. W. (2007). Social isolation and loneliness in older people: The role of local community. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 26(1), 3–6. 
  • Wiles, J. L., Leibing, A., Guberman, N., Reeve, J., & Allen, R. E. (2012). The meaning of “aging in place” to older people. The Gerontologist, 52(3), 357–366. 
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2015). World report on ageing and health. Geneva: WHO. 

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