By Faith 
There is a popular riddle that says “What goes up and never comes down”; and the answer is age. If you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one navigate care alternatives, understanding Australia’s aged care system is crucial as the population ages.
Support and how to receive it might make the process easier for you or a loved one.
This piece provides a short overview of Australian aged care homes and services, including care provided at home, residential care and respite care together with the role the government has to play through My Aged Care. Let’s dive deep.
What is Aged Care in Australia?
Aged care is a range of services designed to benefit older Australians who can no longer maintain independent living without assistance. Services are delivered within the individual’s own home or a residential care facility, depending on desired and individual needs.
The federal government regulates and funds aged care in Australia to ensure quality care for all qualifying older Australians. Australian providers of aged care must comply with national standards and deliver care safely, with compassion and with respect.
Types of Aged Care Services Available
In-Home Care
Home care lets seniors live in their homes while receiving personalized care.
Services are given under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or in the form of a Home Care Package (HCP), respectively based on the level of support required. Some common services may include:
- Assistance with personal hygiene, dressing and mobility
- Help with meal preparation and domestic tasks
- Medication management
- Allied health services like physiotherapy
- Transport to medical appointments and community activities
In-home care allows the aged to live independently and stay within their already-established community.
Residential Aged Care
Should living at home become unsafe or impractical, residential aged care provides 24/7 care in a specialized facility. Residential aged care homes offer accommodation, meals, nursing, personal care and activities in a secure setting.
People can be provided with residential care on a short or long-term basis depending on their needs. Residential care in Australia is best suited for people with complex or progressive care needs, like dementia or chronic illnesses.
Respite Care
Respite care is a short-term care designed to give a break to full-time carers while making sure the older person continues to receive care. It can be provided at home, in a community centre or residential care facility. Types of respite are:
- Planned respite, for holidays
- Emergency respite, if there is illness or unforeseen circumstances
- Residential respite which offers short-term accommodation in an aged care facility.
Like residential respite care, short-term housing helps carers and care recipients, especially those transitioning from home to permanent care.
If you would like to learn more about aged care respite and what services are offered where you live, further information can be found on government websites or by speaking to local providers.
Accessing Aged Care Services: My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the first point of contact for Australia’s government-funded aged care. It is managed by the Department of Health and Aged Care and helps individuals understand what services are available to them, whether they are eligible, and connect them with registered service providers.
The Process
- Initial Contact- You start by moving through the My Aged Care website or over the phone through their helpline.
- Evaluation- A home-based evaluation will be conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS) depending on your needs.
- Authorisation- Based on the evaluation, you will be authorised to receive services under CHSP, HCP or residential care
- Selection of a provider- Following authorisation, you may choose from various providers of services, depending on your location and care plans.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for subsidised aged care homes in Australia, you must satisfy certain eligibility requirements, which include:
- Being 65 years of age or more (50 years or more for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)
- Needing assistance with daily activities due to frailty, illness or disability
- Assessment and confirmation by a government-assigned assessor (ACAT or RAS)
Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and services are matched to individual care needs and situations.
Knowledge is Power!
Knowing how aged care in Australia works makes it easier for individuals and families to make informed decisions once support is needed. With so many different types of services available; ranging from support in the home to around-the-clock residential care, older Australians can get the assistance they require with their dignity and independence intact.
Government funding through My Aged Care and a strong network of service providers deliver the access and responsiveness of aged care that the changing demands of an ageing population require.
For those beginning their journey, getting informed early on and exploring the available choices from reliable sources is the best way to be totally sure that the optimum level of care is available when needed.