As you age, you might need more support to take care of your everyday needs and continue to do the things you enjoy. That’s where the aged care system can help. So what is aged care?
Aged care is the term we use to describe the support provided to older people either in their own home, or in an aged care home. It can include help with everyday living, including cooking and cleaning; health care; specialised accommodation; and equipment to keep you mobile, such as walking frames or ramps. Aged care can be Government-funded for people who are eligible.
The importance of aged care services
Most Australians want to be in charge of decisions about how they live their lives, all their lives, even if they have to deal with health and mobility challenges. That’s how the aged care system can help.
If you are struggling to manage some of the things you want and need to do as you get older, aged care support services can help, enabling you to continue to live where and how you want to live, for as long as possible.
Should you be planning for aged care?
It’s common to avoid thinking about ageing. It may be uncomfortable or challenging to accept that you or your loved one may need support. However, it can do a world of good to start thinking about ageing well by avoiding common mistakes and misconceptions around ageing.
By acknowledging the incremental losses and new needs that naturally come with ageing, even at a very low level can help prevent or delay more serious problems and retain independence longer.
Who is eligible for aged care services?
Generally speaking, government funded aged care services are available for people over 65 years of age (or Indigenous Australians aged 50+) who need extra support to continue living well.
You might be eligible if you meet certain criteria, including:
- Having experienced a recent fall, reduced mobility or changes in your memory capacity.
- Being diagnosed with a medical condition.
- Having changes in your existing care arrangements.
Depending on your eligibility, the government may fund your needs partially or entirely. If you’re not eligible, you can find Independent Support Workers through Mable for the kind of support you need, and pay privately with your own funds.
You can check your eligibility on MyAgedCare or apply for an assessment.
Types of aged care support and services
Aged care support and services fall into three categories.
Care in your own home
This aims to help you stay independent at home as you age. It includes services such as transport, personal and health care, housework, social support and modifications to your home. Help at home can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or the Support at Home Program.
Find out more about Support At Home.
Care in an aged care facility
Care in an aged-care home/nursing home/residential aged care facility – if you’re unable to manage in your own home, and need ongoing help with everyday tasks or health care.
Learn more about the differences between home care and residential aged care.
Short-term care
If you need more intensive care following a hospital stay, or your loved ones need a short break from caring for you, short-term care could include support for a few hours, days or up to 12 weeks.
How do I access aged care services?
First, you’ll need to do an assessment – apply on the MyAgedCare website or phone 1800 200 422 to speak to someone at My Aged Care. Thereafter, the assessor will help you connect with the relevant service providers – or you might prefer to find your own, using the referral code they provide you with.
Learn more about accessing funding for aged care.
How much does aged care cost?
Assessments for aged care are completely free, however, you may have to contribute towards the services you need The aged care costs you pay depend on the types of services and providers you use, i.e. CHSP, Support at Home, short-term care or a residential aged care facility.
Find out more about the fees and costs involved in Support at Home.
Getting aged care support through Mable
There are two ways to access support through Mable:
- By using your Support At Home funding to find Independent Support Workers through the platform. If you self-manage your Support At Home funding and book independent support workers on Mable, you could get twice as many hours of support from the same funding. Find out how Support At Home funding works.
- By paying privately to find support through the platform. Find out more about how to help a parent who needs aged care support.