“I moved into this house with my husband after World War II,” she said of her Brighton East home.

“It’s a long time and there a lot of memories here. I just couldn’t stand to live anywhere else but here now.”

The 92-year-old is among a growing number of older Australians choosing to stay in their home in preference to going into an aged-care centre.

Mrs Chamberlain relies on carers such as Dianne Bradley from Senior Helpers, one of several companies providing at-home care for the elderly, including those suffering Alzheimer’s disease.

Carers visit her at least once a week to do housework and odd jobs and take her to medical appointments.

When the time comes, they will also help with bathing and cooking.

“I haven’t got to where I need personal help,” Mrs Chamberlain said, “but when I do, I will have someone come here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Senior Helpers director Mike Fuller said Mrs Chamberlain wasn’t alone. “The demand for our services is huge and growing,” he said.

“The reality is we’ve got an ageing population and an increasing number of people wanting to stay in their own homes.”