You don’t have to be alone as you navigate the aged care system. There are people and services that can help support you and advocate for you.
Whatever help you need, there is information and support available to make your aged care experience easier.
Advocacy support
An advocate is an impartial person who can support you in many situations – from understanding aged care services or fees through to understanding your rights and managing your aged care.
The Australian Government funds the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) to deliver the National Aged Care Advocacy Program across Australia. The program provides free, confidential and independent information and support to older people seeking or receiving government-funded aged care as well as their families and other supporters.
OPAN’s aged care advocates can help you to understand and exercise your aged care rights, find aged care services that meet your needs and resolve issues with your government-funded aged care provider. OPAN also has locations in every state and territory.
Learn more about advocates and how they can support you.
Help from care finders
If you know someone who is isolated or vulnerable, and needs intensive support to access aged care services, a care finder may be able to help.
Care finders is a free service specifically designed for older people who don’t have anyone to support them to access aged care services. A care finder can help someone learn about, apply for and access aged care services in their community.
There are care finder organisations across Australia. To help connect someone with this service, you can call any care finder organisation in your region.
Learn more about care finders.
Support if you need company
If you are feeling lonely or don't have regular contact with family and friends, or feel isolated from your culture or heritage, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) can help. The ACVVS can connect you with a volunteer who will spend time with you on a regular basis. This is a free service. If you live in a government-funded aged care home or you receive Support at Home, you are eligible. You are also eligible if you are approved and waiting for an aged care home or Support at Home services.
Explore ACVVS organisations in your area.
Help from care finders
If you know someone who is isolated or vulnerable, and needs intensive support to access aged care services, a care finder may be able to help.
Care finders is a free service specifically designed for older people who don’t have anyone to support them to access aged care services. A care finder can help someone learn about, apply for and access aged care services in their community.
There are care finder organisations across Australia. To help connect someone with this service, you can call any care finder organisation in your region.
Learn more about care finders.