Transition care helps you recover after a hospital stay. It provides short-term care and support to help you regain your functional independence and confidence sooner and potentially avoid the need for longer-term care and support.
Your care is tailored to your needs and goals and is delivered in the most appropriate place to help you with them. This could be in an aged care home, in your own home, out in the community, or a mix of these locations, as your needs change with your recovery.
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What help is available?
Transition care can provide a range of services. The exact care and services you receive will be based on your specific needs.
This could include:
How does it work?
You may be able to receive transition care if you are an older person and:
- are a patient in a public or private hospital
- have been told that you are ready to leave hospital
- would benefit from receiving services for a short period of time.
An assessor will visit you in hospital for an assessment. You can ask the hospital staff to arrange this assessment or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If approved for transition care, you will be able to connect with a transition care provider to get the care you need. Your provider will then assist you with leaving the hospital, as well as entering and exiting care.
Where is the care provided?
Care can be provided in different locations. Where you receive your transition care depends on the best place for your recovery:
- For high-care needs – a short stay in an aged care home where 24/7 care and support is available may be the best place to recover.
- For lower-care needs – you may receive services at home and out in the community.
You may receive care in a mix of all locations as you recover and your care needs change. Your transition care provider will coordinate and monitor all aspects of your care and help you transition between locations.
How long is the program?
If you are eligible for transition care, you can be approved to receive services for up 12 weeks (84 days). In some cases, you may be able to extend your services for up to six weeks (42 days), but this will need another assessment.
However, if you need transition care again – even in the same year – there is no limit on the number of times you can apply. If eligible, you will be approved to receive services again.
What will it cost me?
You won’t need to complete a means assessment, though providers can request information about your ability to make a contribution (within reason). Importantly, your access to transition care will not be affected by your ability to pay fees.
While providers set their own fees in consultation with you, the government sets maximum amounts. Currently, the maximum amount you may be asked to pay is:
- $13.14 per day if you receive care while living at home or in the community (17.5% of the single age pension)
- $63.82 per day if you receive care while living in a residential setting (85% of the single age pension).
If you move between locations during your care, where you stay overnight will determine the rate you pay.
Learn more about agreeing to a transition care provider.
What if I already receive aged care services?
It is possible to access transition care while receiving other aged care services in some situations.