My Aged Care: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access home care, respite, and residential support through the My Aged Care system in Australia.
My Aged Care is a government service that helps older Australians find and access the support they need to live safely and independently.
Who it's for
This scheme is for people who need assistance with daily tasks due to age-related needs. Generally, you must be at least 65 years old, though the age requirement is lower at 50 for Indigenous Australians.
What you get
The program provides different levels of support depending on your specific needs. This includes home care packages to help you stay in your own house, respite care to provide temporary relief for caregivers, and residential care if you need to move into a care facility.
What it costs you
To access these services, you must undergo an ACAT assessment. This is an official evaluation conducted by an Aged Care Assessment Team to determine the type and level of support you require.
The catch to know
While the assessment helps you qualify, it does not guarantee immediate service. There can be significant wait times for home care packages, which may last for several months or even years.
How to apply
- Contact the service to start your inquiry.
- Complete an ACAT assessment to determine your needs.
- Review the care options and providers available to you.
- Visit the official portal to begin: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/