What is aged care?

Australia’s aged care system provides services to support the needs of the ageing population. It helps older people who need support in their daily lives.

Aged care support can include everyday living and other needs. It can be in:

• people's homes
• the community
• residential aged care facilities (nursing homes)

Many of these options are funded by the government. The Aged Care Act sets out a framework for the funding and regulation of aged care within Australia.

There are organisations that make sure aged care is safe and easy to access, including:

• The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission makes sure service providers meet certain standards. It also works to improve care by speaking to older people, settling complaints and giving advice to providers.
• The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) assesses pricing and fee increases.
• The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care oversees the aged care system and develops aged care policy. It also funds and runs programs to support the Australian population.

Who can access aged care support?

Your ability to access aged care support depends on your needs rather than on your age.

Support is generally provided to:

• Australians aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over who can no longer live without support

There are 2 types of assessment needed to access any government-funded services for older Australians:

1. An assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team/Service (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria). This determines your eligibility for services, and assesses the care and support you might need. They may refer you to service providers.
2. Regional Assessment Services assesses your suitability for at home support services.

Carers may also be eligible for respite services.

What types of care are provided?

There are different subsidised aged care support programs provided for older people by the Australian government under the Aged Care Act.

Aged care services include:

• care in your home
  • Commonwealth Home Support Programme — support services to help you live independently and safely at home, including support for your carers.
  • Home Care Packages — more complex care needs at home
• residential care in aged care (nursing) homes — healthcare and ongoing help with everyday tasks, if you are no longer able to live at home and live at a facility
• flexible/short-term care — such as post-hospital and respite care, including for people with dementia or those who need help with certain tasks

There are also programs available for those living in regional and remote communities.

Services can include:

• walking frames and mobility equipment
• transport and social outings
• personal care
• health care including nursing or medical care
• allied health services
• counselling

Aged care services can also help with your housing and living arrangements, and can include:

• help with everyday living including housework, shopping or cooking
• house and garden maintenance and home modifications
• accommodation, if you no longer want to or are no longer able to live in your own home

Many different providers offer care and support through funding agreements.

How can I apply for government-funded care?

To apply for government-funded aged care you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website to learn about aged care services.

My Aged Care can provide you with information on how to apply for an assessment. If you are eligible, they can help organise services.

If you are not eligible for government-funded care, you can access privately-funded services. You will need to pay the full costs yourself.

Read more about aged care home costs and fees, or use the fee estimator on the My Aged Care website.

What is a carer?

Carers are individuals who provide ongoing care and support to someone they know without getting paid. Carers may live in the same household as the person they are caring for. They may care for a person with:

• a disability
• a mental illness
• dementia
• drug or alcohol dependency
• chronic conditions
• a terminal illness
• frailty

The care for someone may be divided between more than one carer.

Is there government support for carers?

The government funds different types of respite to help families and carers. Respite is a short break for the carer, where the person being cared for is supported by temporary care services. This gives the carer time to rest.

Many people in caring roles find that regular breaks help them recharge when they’re exhausted and avoid ‘burn out’. It also gives the person they are caring for an opportunity to socialise and meet other people.

For practical information and useful resources for carers, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 or the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

You can also learn more about support and services for carers in your state or territory through Carers Australia.

Resources and support

• My Aged Care Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is your starting point for accessing aged care services. My Aged Care has information for all different backgrounds and situations.
• Services Australia offers support and information about government payments and services available to older Australians.
• The Department of Health and Aged Care provides advice on different types of aged care.
• Dementia Australia offers information, support, education and counselling. You can also contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
• The Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre supports carers in their caring role and can be contacted on 1800 052 222.
• The Australian Government Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the regulator of aged care services. You can find information on how to become a carer, how to make a complaint about a service or report a serious incident.
• Carer Gateway provides support and services for carers.

Other languages

Carer Gateway provides factsheets with information about being a carer in many other languages.

You can request a translation service to help you communicate with aged care providers.

The Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) provide support to older people from culturally diverse backgrounds. You can find more information for your state or territory on the My Aged Care website.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) partnered with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to provide the Elder Care Support Program.