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In Australia we have three types of government-subsidised aged care services:

• Community Care
• Respite Care
• Residential Care

All information about Community Care is explained under Local Council assistance.

Respite Care

Respite Care is short-term care, which enables the older person and their carer to have a break from their normal routine. Many older people are cared for by family members at home. It is important that carers are supported in this valuable role, especially as many carers are themselves elderly. Respite Care supports the carer to have a break from their caring responsibilities, while also helping the older person to continue living at home. Respite Care provides care services to the older person on a temporary basis, which enables the carer to rest, attend to other responsibilities (eg shopping), or to have a holiday. It is usually planned in advance, but may be arranged in an emergency (eg if the carer is unwell). Respite care may also be accessed by older people who live on their own and feel unable to look after themselves and need a break. It can be provided in the older person’s home, in day-care centres or in Residential Care. Respite Care is provided through Home and Community Care, the National Respite for Carers Program and Residential Care. Access to Respite Care is based on eligibility, priority and need.

For more information about Respite Care and other support services for carers, call the

Commonwealth Carers’ Respite Centre on 1800 059 059.

Residential Care
As an older person’s level of frailty increases, it may no longer be an option for them to continue living in their own home, and an aged care home may need to be considered. Aged care homes are also known as ‘Residential Care’. There are two types of Residential Care: low-level care and high-level care. Both levels of care provide a range of specified services, including: accommodation, basic furnishings, laundry, cleaning, meals and refreshments, staff to help at all times, personal care (assistance with bathing, dressing and eating), occasional nursing care, and social activities. High-level care is designed for people who are very frail, require 24-hour assistance and on-going nursing care. Some aged care homes provide low-level care and high-level care, enabling people to stay in the same home even if their care needs change. This is known as ‘ageing in place’. Aged care homes are run by approved aged care service providers. Eligibility for Residential Care is determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team.

For more information about Residential Care and how to find a home that meets your needs, call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222, or the

Aged Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.

Additional Information

Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
The first step in accessing most government-subsidised aged care services is to receive an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Eligibility for Community Aged Care Packages, Extended Aged Care at Home Packages and Residential Care is determined by an ACAT assessment, which determines eligibility by assessing a person’s needs. This is a free and confidential service, and the process is not as daunting as it may sound. An ACAT representative (usually a doctor, nurse, social worker or other health care professional) will assess your situation and specific care needs. You will be informed about the services you are eligible to receive, and how to find a service that meets your needs. You may choose to have a relative or friend with you during the assessment. You also have the right to ask ACAT to provide an interpreter. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision. To arrange an ACAT assessment, you can ask your doctor for a referral, or contact the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222.

Fees & Charges

The cost of receiving aged care services is based on a person’s assessed care needs and their ability to pay. Special consideration is given to people who are financially disadvantaged. You will not be denied access to a service if you are unable to pay. All people receive the same quality of care regardless of the level of fees paid. To find out more about fees and charges, contact the Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853.

For more information go to: www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au