If you are over the age of 65 you may be eligible for national aged care services that can help keep you independent and thriving at home.  

Referral to My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a one stop shop where you can access Australian Government subsidised aged care services. There are three main levels of support: 

1. Basic help at home, to assist you with one or two activities, available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This may look like a fortnightly clean or assistance with shopping. 

2. The Home Care Package which provides more complex help at home to assist you with multiple activities. This could look like assistance with medication, transport, a worker to help prepare meals and showering assistance. 

3. Care in an aged care home where help is available 24 hours a day. You can also be approved to use aged care homes for respite for a few weeks if needed. 

There are varying costs for these services depending on your income type. Some options are highly subsidised. 

How do you access these services?

There are multiple ways to register and find out what might suit you.  

Arrange it yourself: Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or refer yourself via their website: Access Australian aged care information and services | My Aged Care. You can ask for them to send booklets about services or you can explore their website.  

Through a health professional, family member or friend 

You can ask your GP, nurse, social worker and most health professionals to refer you. It can also be a friend or family member. 

Once referred you will receive a phone call to arrange a time to discuss what supports would be useful to you. There is no obligation to go ahead with any services. 

Don’t forget you can apply for My Aged Care services once you turn 65, or at the age of 50 if you are Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander.

These services support many people to stay healthy longer and keep engaged with their local communities. Go for it! 

By Neeta Oakley, Diabetes Social Worker