How aged care works in Australia

Most older Australians want to stay independent at home for as long as possible. When everyday tasks become harder, government-funded aged care can help, from a little help with cleaning or transport to full-time care in an aged care home. The system can seem complicated at first, but it has a single entry point: My Aged Care.

This guide explains the main types of government-funded aged care, how assessments work, what you might pay and where to get help. Aged care rules changed significantly with a new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025, and details continue to change, so always check My Aged Care for current information. This is general information, not advice.

Start with My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government's starting point for aged care. You, a family member, your doctor or someone else with your permission can contact it:

• online at myagedcare.gov.au;
• by phone on 1800 200 422;
• in person at some Services Australia service centres.

My Aged Care will ask about your needs and situation and, if appropriate, refer you for an assessment.

Assessment

An assessor will talk with you, often at home, about your health, daily activities, safety, social connection and goals. Family members or carers can be present. The assessment decides which services you're eligible for.

Before the assessment, it helps to:

• write down the tasks you find difficult;
• list your medications and health conditions;
• think about what matters most to you;
• have a support person with you.

Types of aged care

Help at home

In-home support can include cleaning, gardening, shopping, meals, transport, personal care, nursing, allied health such as physiotherapy, and home modifications or equipment. From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages and short-term restorative care, with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme due to transition later. Check My Aged Care for the current arrangements.

Short-term and respite care

Respite care gives carers a break, at home, in the community or in an aged care home. Short-term programs can help people recover after a hospital stay or regain independence.

Residential aged care

Aged care homes provide accommodation and 24-hour personal and nursing care for people who can no longer live independently. Read choosing an aged care home.

What you might pay

Government-funded aged care is subsidised, but many people contribute to the cost. Contributions depend on the type of care and on income and assets, which Services Australia assesses. In residential care, costs can include a basic daily fee, a means-tested contribution, accommodation costs and charges for extra services.

Because the rules are complex and changed under the new Act, get current information from My Aged Care and Services Australia, and consider specialist financial advice. The free Financial Information Service can also help.

Your rights

The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights for older people receiving government-funded aged care. It covers rights such as making your own decisions, being treated with dignity and respect, safe and quality care, and being able to complain without fear of reprisal.

If you have concerns:

1. talk to your provider;
2. contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to make a complaint;
3. get free, independent help from an aged care advocate through the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600.

Retirement villages and aged care

Living in a retirement village doesn't give you aged care. Village residents receive government-funded home care the same way as other people, through My Aged Care. If you may need care soon, ask how a village supports residents to receive care at home, and check how exit entitlements would be paid if you needed to move to an aged care home. See how retirement villages work.

Planning ahead

It's easier to make decisions before a crisis. Consider:

• talking with family about your wishes;
• preparing a will, an enduring power of attorney and advance care directive (see wills and powers of attorney);
• registering with My Aged Care before you urgently need services;
• getting financial information about aged care costs.

If English isn't your first language, My Aged Care can arrange a free interpreter through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. People who are deaf or have hearing or speech difficulties can contact My Aged Care through the National Relay Service. Ask for these services when you call.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for a crisis before contacting My Aged Care.
• Not having a support person at assessments.
• Assuming a retirement village provides care.

Tips for families and carers

If you're helping a parent or partner through the aged care system, keep a folder with key information: Medicare and pension details, medication lists, doctors' contacts, assessment outcomes and any service agreements. Agree on one family member to be the main contact with services, and make sure they're registered as a representative with My Aged Care so they can speak on the person's behalf. Above all, keep the older person at the centre of every decision.

Dementia support

Dementia Australia provides information and support, including the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Where to find more information

My Aged Care is the official source for aged care programs, eligibility and providers. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing publishes information about the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program. Services Australia explains fees and means testing.

Living in a retirement village and needing care

If you live in a retirement village and your care needs increase, you can receive in-home aged care in your unit through My Aged Care. If you need to move to an aged care home, check how long your exit entitlement will take to be paid and how that affects paying accommodation costs.

Key points

Government-funded aged care starts with My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. An assessment determines eligibility for help at home, respite or residential care. Many people contribute to costs based on income and assets. A new Aged Care Act from 1 November 2025 introduced a Statement of Rights and the Support at Home program. Get free advocacy through OPAN and plan ahead.