Planning for future aged care

Aged care information

Whether it’s for a loved one, or yourself, it can be daunting to think about aged care. Here’s some basic information that may help you plan ahead.

Australia’s aged care system can be difficult to navigate, especially if you’re feeling stressed or your loved one needs urgent care. Doing some research and putting plans in place ahead of time could make the process a little easier.

Types of care available

There are three main types of aged care services subsidised by the Australian government:

home

Help at home

Support services to help older people keep living independently, while keeping on top of day-to-day tasks. It could include getting help with meals and transport, or a higher level of care such as bathing, dressing or nursing.

There are different programs depending on your needs.

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Short-term and respite care

For people who need some help after a hospital stay, or support if a carer is taking a holiday.

Short-term care could be for a few days or few months.

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Residential care

For people who are no longer able to live independently at home and need help with daily tasks or health care. The government funds a range of aged care homes across Australia, but some aged care homes don’t receive subsidies.

Each aged care home is different, so it's important to choose the right one for you or your loved one. For example, you may be looking for specialised care for a specific condition, or culturally appropriate care. The provider’s values and policies can shape the experience, as can staff training and staff-to-client ratios.

Aged care costs and government funding

To be eligible for subsidies you need to be 65 or over, or 50 or over if you’re of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. You’ll also need to have an assessment. You may still need to contribute to the cost of your care, and how much you’ll pay depends on: 