Aged care services in Australia
We fund aged care providers to deliver services, including:
- entry level support at home
- more complex support for older people who can live independently at home with help
- various care options and accommodation for older people who can no longer live at home.
As an aged care provider you must provide services in line with requirements of the aged care laws in Australia.
Residential aged care services
Residential aged care is delivered in aged care homes for older people who can no longer live at home.
Aged care homes provide:
- accommodation
- 24-hour personal care
- access to nursing and general health services.
They can also provide:
- respite care
- short-term planned care
- emergency residential aged care.
In-home care services
In-home care enable older people to keep living in their own home with some help, including short-term support.
Registered providers can deliver these services through the:
Flexible care services
Flexible care is for people who need support that’s not offered in residential and home care.
The types of flexible care vary depending on the person’s needs. They all help with day-to-day tasks, and to restore or maintain independence.
Providers can deliver flexible care through:
- the Transition Care Programme
- the Multi-Purpose Services Program
- the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program
- residential respite care.
Services for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We fund various programs for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or over, so they can access culturally safe, appropriate and accessible aged care services.
Services for people with dementia
We fund various dementia initiatives and programs to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Services for diverse groups
Aged care services should:
- be accessible
- be culturally sensitive
- meet the individual needs of all older people, regardless of background and circumstances.
Read more about meeting the needs of diverse groups of older people.
Private care services
We do not subsidise private providers. People must pay the full cost of private services.