What to do if you need help urgently

Whether you've started receiving aged care services already or are still looking around, it's useful to know what you can do and where you can go for support in an emergency – for you or for a loved one.

I need aged care services unexpectedly

There are 3 options available:

• For urgent medical care, call your doctor or emergency services on 000.
• For emergency respite care, you or your carer should contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737. Visit the Carer Gateway website for more information on emergency respite care.
• For ongoing care (longer than respite can provide), call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to arrange an aged care assessment. If you want someone to speak on your behalf, you will need to set them up as your registered supporter.

I need further care once I'm discharged from hospital

Transition care provides short-term specialised care after a hospital stay. It includes services such as nursing, physiotherapy and personal care. To receive transition care, you can ask the hospital staff to arrange an assessment or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 before you are discharged.

Find out more about transition care.

My carer can no longer look after me

If there’s an emergency, such as your primary carer passing away or becoming very ill, you can call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 for emergency respite care. You may need to provide some extra information when you call to make sure the right type of care can be provided.

It’s a good idea to make an emergency care plan with your carer to prepare for a situation like this. An emergency care plan has all your information in one place. This makes it easy for someone to take over from your carer in an emergency.

You can find helpful information and tips on the Carer Gateway website:

• Respite care in an emergency
• Making an emergency care plan

I'm worried for a loved one's safety

If you're concerned that an older person in your life is or may be experiencing abuse, call the free national helpline 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374). This service provides information on how you can get help, support and referrals but is not a crisis support service.

If they are in a life-threatening situation, call 000.

I'm facing homelessness

If you're homeless, facing homelessness or you're living in insecure housing and need urgent support, you may be able to access aged care services through specific programs. Organisations such as Services Australia and the Department of Social Services also have housing programs and services for those who are eligible.

Find out what support is available for people facing homelessness and financial stress.