Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

How can I find the right aged care provider 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.
  Your assessor will visit you at home and confirm what services you are eligible for, then suggest local providers that may be able to help you.
   
• Use our Find a provider tool to find services in your area.
  You can find local providers who specialise in services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Filter your results by using the Specialisations menu on the left-hand side of the tool. 
   
• If you live in a rural or remote area,contact your nearest National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care provider.
  They provide flexible, culturally appropriate care that aims to keep you close to home and community.
   
• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
  If you would prefer to talk to someone, our contact centre staff can assist. Chat with them about your needs and circumstances and they can help find the best care options for you.

For interpreting support, you can call My Aged Care through Interpreter Connect. Visit our Accessible for all page for details on what languages are covered and how to access the service.

What can I discuss with an aged care provider?

When you meet with an aged care provider, you, a family member, or trusted friend can talk with them about how they can help and support you. 

Depending on your needs and experiences, you can discuss some or all of the following:  

• how Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people can be involved in your care - such as staff, or community members
• having someone you trust with you during decision-making processes
• how your cultural and spiritual needs can be a part of your care plan
• how staff will make sure those needs are met
• ways to help you keep in contact with family and friends
• supporting your connection to culture through social activities and outings
• understanding and respecting your history and how this may impact your care, such as the trauma experienced by the Stolen Generation
• culturally respectful support during illness or end of life, such as return to Country.

If you are a Stolen Generations survivor, there are some helpful resources from the Healing Foundation. You may like to share these resources with your chosen provider to help them better understand your care needs.

Questions to ask aged care home providers

If you’re looking at aged care homes, this 10 Questions to Ask brochure is a helpful resource. It lists questions and tips written by doctors, nurses and experts experienced in aged care.

What care is available in remote areas?

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Program (NATSIFAC) funds culturally safe aged care. A culturally safe environment is one where you feel safe and secure in your identity, culture and community setting. It’s available for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in rural and remote areas. 

These services provide flexible care that: 

• recognise, respect and support your unique cultural identity and traditions
• meets your needs, wants and rights
• allows you to remain close to home and community.

These providers can help you with: 

• residential  care on a permanent or short-term basis
• emergency or planned respite care
• home-based care.

You can contact your nearest NATSIFAC provider from the list below.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care providers

Videos: Learn more about how aged care services can help

Watch the following videos how My Aged Care can help you find services that help you to live independently.

Aged care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Aged care is not just about living in an aged care home. You may want to receive services in your own home, close to your family and community. Learn about the services available through My Aged Care.

My Aged Care case study: Uncle Bob’s story

After coming down with a rare neurological disease, Uncle Bob gave My Aged Care a call. Koleta now visits and provides support, helping with the things he cannot do.

My Aged Care case study: Aunty Shirley’s story

Through My Aged Care, Aunty Shirley arranged for an Aboriginal aged care service to provide her with help at home. Natai helps with cleaning, shopping and more, and the two have developed a close relationship over that time.

Translated resources

The resources below contain useful information about My Aged Care and how to access aged care services.

English

• Poster
• Radio advertisement

Arrernte

• Brochure
• Brochure (printable version)
• Newspaper advertisement
• Radio advertisement

Pitjantjatjara

• Brochure
• Brochure (printable version)
• Newspaper advertisement
• Radio advertisement

Torres Strait Creole (Yumplatok)

• Brochure
• Brochure (printable version)
• Newspaper advertisement
• Radio advertisement

Warlpiri

• Brochure
• Brochure (printable version)
• Newspaper advertisement
• Radio advertisement