Support for people who are financially or socially disadvantaged
Aged care services can help you age well, stay at home longer and find more time for the things you enjoy. Whether you get some help at home, or go to an aged care home, your unique experiences and identity will be supported and respected throughout your aged care journey.
Support is available if you can't afford the cost of aged care. The Australian Government helps fund aged care services to ensure fair access for everyone. You may be asked to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to.
Everyone deserves safe and high-quality aged care. If you are over the age of 50 with care needs, and are financially or socially disadvantaged, you may be eligible for aged care.
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Aged care is changing
The new Aged Care Act is important reform that embeds the right for you to:
- access culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed assessments and aged care services
- have your identity, culture, spirituality and diversity valued and supported
- stay connected to your community and significant people in your life.
Find out more about how aged care reforms will impact you.
What financial and legal help can I get?
There is help and support available for people experiencing financial or social hardship.
Can I get aged care that caters for my needs?
All providers must recognise your individual needs and values. You have the right to live the life you choose, make decisions about your aged care services, and get support when you want or need it. Aged care providers must explain your aged care services in a way that you understand.
You can access government-funded aged care services if you have care needs and are at least one of the following:
- aged 65 years and over
- an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 years and older
- homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 years and older
- already living in an aged care home or accessing aged care services.
You have the right to receive safe, high-quality care and services and to be treated with dignity and respect. Government-funded aged care should value your identity, culture, and background.
Some providers tailor their practices, staff, and organisation to meet the needs of specific groups.
You can also identify providers that offer tailored care in the Find a provider tool. To help narrow your search, use the filters to find and compare providers that offer the care you need.
How do I find a provider that's right for me?
Whether you're looking for help at home or considering moving into an aged care home, My Aged Care can help you to find and access a range of aged care services.
The first step is to apply for an assessment. You can register for an assessment online. My Aged Care, or one of the support services can also help you with this process.
Your assessor will visit you at home, to chat about your goals and needs. They will confirm what services you are eligible for, then suggest local providers that may be able to help you.
Some providers listed in the Find a provider tool have been verified as delivering care and services that meet specific needs of people from specific backgrounds or life experiences. These providers have undergone a process that validates their claims as a provider of specialised care and services.
Specialisation Verification helps you to be confident that their claims of specialised care have been verified by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing using the Specialisation Verification Framework.
Learn more about specialisation verification for aged care services.
Who can help me access aged care?
Aged care can be confusing and complicated. That's why there are many ways to get some help with this process, by speaking to someone who understands your background and experiences. There is a network of free services available that can provide advice and support at every step along the way.
What support is available for carers?
If you are caring for someone, short-term and general respite services are available. For emergency respite care, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
You can find out more about services to support carers on the Carer Gateway website.
What if I have concerns about my care?
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, are denied a service due to your ability to pay, or have a concern about your rights, you should tell someone. This could be your aged care provider, a staff member, a friend, family member, an aged care advocate, or anyone you trust.
Learn more about your rights.
You also have the right to raise your concern or make a complaint with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Doing this shouldn’t affect your support services. Discuss the issue with your service provider first, as it may be something they can resolve. You have the right to stop services at any time.
If you are not comfortable talking to your provider, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides free advocacy services.
Learn more about raising complaints and concerns.
Useful resources and contacts
The following services and programs may be able to help.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
This scheme supports volunteer visits, providing friendship and companionship if you're feeling isolated. Visits are available to anyone who receives government-funded aged care services.