Support for individuals who live in rural, remote or very remote areas
If you live in an area that is regional, rural or remote, we understand that you may want to access aged care services close to home where possible.
There are aged care homes in many country centres, as well as a range of home and community services. Older people living in a rural or remote part of Australia can access services through the Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) Program, where available in your local area.
Everyone deserves high quality aged care where they need it. If you need extra support, you may be eligible to apply for aged care.
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Aged care is changing
The new Aged Care Act is an 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 community, Country and significant people in your life.
Learn more about how aged care reforms will impact you.
Can I get aged care that caters for my needs?
You have the right to receive safe, high-quality care and services and to be treated with dignity and respect. Government-funded care should value your identity, culture, background and life experiences.
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
Note: Transitional arrangements are already in place where people are already living in an aged care home or accessing aged care services when the new Act commences.
You can access mainstream aged care services where available in your area – with aged care homes in many country centres, as well as a range of home and community services available.
Some providers tailor their services, staff and organisation to meet the needs of specific groups. This includes older people who live in rural or remote areas.
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.
To see what aged care services are available in your area, use the Find a provider tool or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Multi-Purpose Services in small rural and remote communities
If you are an older person living in a rural or remote part of Australia, you may want to access services through the Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) Program.
MPSs are generally located in small communities where it would not be viable to operate a separate hospital and aged care home. There are MPSs in all states, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island.
MPSs deliver integrated health and aged care services to best meet the community's health and aged care needs. All MPSs deliver care in aged care homes, and some services deliver care in the home or community.
Just like other residential care homes, an MPS gives people a place to live, either long term or short term, with support. This support ranges from help with daily tasks and personal care to 24-hour nursing care.
MPS are also funded differently and sometimes need to meet different regulatory requirements. Your fees and any hardship arrangements are also different.
Contact your local MPS to find out more about the services they deliver and the support they can provide.
Find out more about the Multi-Purpose Service Program.
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 may visit you, or organise a phone or video call, 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.
What questions can I ask aged care providers?
When you are starting to think about aged care or are talking to a provider for the first time, it is good to think about the kind of care you would like.
Preparing some questions to ask providers can be very helpful. Some examples are included below.
These and more questions can be found on the 10 Questions to Ask website.
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 emergency 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, including peer connections and training, on the Carer Gateway website.
We also have dedicated information for carers.
What if I have concerns about my care?
If you are made to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, are denied a service, 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 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. An advocate is an impartial person who can help you speak up or work with you and your provider to resolve an issue.
Learn more about raising complaints and concerns.
Useful information and resources
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.
Find out how to request a visit.