Getting started with aged care

Aged care can feel overwhelming, especially when a decision is needed quickly after a fall or hospital stay. Knowing where to start and what questions to ask makes a big difference. This section introduces government-funded aged care in Australia, helps you choose an aged care home and explains the legal documents that let your wishes be followed.

Aged care rules changed with the new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025. We link to official sources throughout so you can check current details. Our guides are general information, not advice.

Guides in this section

• How aged care works My Aged Care, assessments, help at home, respite and residential care, costs, rights and advocacy.
• Choosing an aged care home Eligibility, priorities, comparing homes and star ratings, visiting, questions, costs and moving in.
• Wills, powers of attorney and advance care planning Wills, enduring powers of attorney, guardianship, advance care directives and elder abuse.

Key contacts

Tips for families

• Involve the older person in every decision as much as possible.
• Keep a folder of key documents, contacts and medication lists.
• Agree who will be the main contact with services.
• Look after yourself too: Carer Gateway offers support.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for a crisis before contacting My Aged Care.
• Not reading agreements before signing.
• Making cost decisions without financial advice.
• Not preparing powers of attorney while capacity is clear.

Retirement villages and care

If you live in, or are considering, a retirement village, remember that care at home is arranged through My Aged Care, and that moving from a village into an aged care home involves exit fees and timing questions. See exit fees explained.

The main types of support

• Help at home: services such as cleaning, meals, transport, personal care, nursing, allied health and home modifications, provided under government-funded in-home programs.
• Respite care: short breaks for carers, at home, in the community or in an aged care home.
• Short-term care: support to recover after a hospital stay or regain independence.
• Residential care: accommodation and 24-hour care in an aged care home.

My Aged Care explains each program, who is eligible and what you might pay. Because the system changed under the new Aged Care Act, check current details on the My Aged Care website.

Understanding costs

Government-funded aged care is subsidised, but many people contribute to the cost depending on their income and assets. Services Australia assesses means-tested contributions. In residential care, costs can include a basic daily fee, a means-tested contribution, accommodation costs and charges for additional services. Get current information and consider specialist financial advice before making decisions, especially about selling a home or leaving a retirement village to pay for care.

Your rights in aged care

The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights for people receiving government-funded aged care, including the right to make your own decisions, to be treated with dignity and respect, to receive safe and quality care, and to complain without fear of reprisal. If you're not happy with a service, talk to the provider first. If that doesn't resolve the problem, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, or get free help from an advocate through the Older Persons Advocacy Network.

Dementia support

If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, Dementia Australia offers information, support and the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. My Aged Care can also help you find services that support people living with dementia and their carers.

Preparing for an assessment

Before an aged care assessment, write down the everyday tasks you find hard, any falls or near misses, your health conditions and medications, and what you'd most like help with. Ask a family member or friend to be there. Be honest about what you can and can't do: people often understate their difficulties on the day. After the assessment, you'll be told what services you're approved for and how to find providers.

Where to find more information

• My Aged Care for programs, eligibility, the Find a provider tool and star ratings.
• Services Australia for fees, means testing and the Financial Information Service.
• The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission for provider compliance and complaints.
• The Older Persons Advocacy Network for free, independent advocacy.
• Advance Care Planning Australia for advance care directives.

Planning ahead

It's easier to make decisions before a crisis. Talk with your family about your wishes, register with My Aged Care before you urgently need services, and prepare a will, an enduring power of attorney and an advance care directive. Read our guide to wills, powers of attorney and advance care planning.

Key points

Start with My Aged Care, get an assessment, know your rights, use free advocacy, compare homes carefully and plan legal documents early.