Aged care support for First Nations people

We are implementing reforms in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission. We fund programs to ensure First Nations people aged 50 years or over can access quality, culturally appropriate aged care services.

Reforms

We are reforming the aged care system to ensure First Nations people:

  • receive quality, culturally appropriate aged care services
  • are supported to access advice to make informed decisions about their care
  • are treated with dignity and respect.

The reforms will fund:

  • more First Nations workers to help people access care and work in aged care services
  • new aged care facilities and upgrades to existing facilities
  • support for health and disability services – including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations – to expand into aged care
  • better access to translation and interpreting services, and translated information
  • support and scholarships for First Nations nursing, allied health and personal care students.

Aged care service programs

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program provides culturally appropriate aged care to older First Nations people close to their home and community.

The service providers in this program deliver a mix of aged care services in line with individual and community needs, and are located mainly in rural and remote areas.

Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aged Care Service Development Assistance Panel

We also fund the Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service Development Assistance Panel. This program gives free professional support to aged care service providers located in remote areas or who provide care to First Nations people. It helps providers with:

  • provider capacity and support
  • sector development
  • infrastructure project management.

Elder Care Support program

The Elder Care Support program will build a skilled workforce to help First Nations elders, their families and carers, to access aged care services to meet their physical and cultural needs. We have partnered with National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to establish the Elder Care Support program. NACCHO will roll out the services through its affiliates and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

The program will be introduced in a phased approach over 3 years from 2023.

 

National Palliative Care Projects

This program supports access to quality palliative care through workforce development, education and training. Some of the funded projects focus on First Nations communities, including to help them be cared for and die at home, if that is their choice.

Find a provider

Through My Aged Care, you can find local providers who specialise in services for First Nations people. 

My Aged Care also has videos and brochures in several languages to help you:

  • understand how aged care services can help you
  • select the provider that is right for you.

Resolve issues

If you are receiving aged care services and have concerns about the quality of your aged care, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

The commission has some resources in several Indigenous languages explaining what you can do to resolve issues.   

Learn more

Find out more about aged care.

Read statistics about aged care for First Nations people in Australia.

Date last updated:

Help us improve health.gov.au

If you would like a response please use the enquiries form instead.