As Australians enjoy longer life expectancies and improved healthcare outcomes, aged care has become an increasingly important consideration for individuals and families alike. Whether for yourself, a partner, or a parent, navigating the aged care system can seem daunting without a clear understanding of what it involves, when it becomes necessary, and how it can provide vital support.
When Does Aged Care Become Necessary?
Aged care may become necessary when an individual begins to experience difficulty with daily tasks such as personal hygiene, preparing meals, mobility, or managing medication. This need can arise gradually due to ageing, or more suddenly following an illness, injury, or hospitalisation.
Common triggers that prompt families to consider aged care include:
- Ongoing or worsening health conditions
- Cognitive decline, including early signs of dementia
- Increased reliance on others for everyday activities
- Safety concerns around living alone
- Carer fatigue, when family caregivers are no longer able to meet the demands of care
It’s important to act early by discussing aged care preferences and exploring available options before an urgent need arises.
The Benefits of Aged Care
Aged care services in Australia are designed to support older Australians to live with dignity, independence, and as much autonomy as possible. Whether delivered at home or in a residential setting, aged care provides a range of benefits including:
- Personalised care: Services are tailored to meet individual needs, including assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, cleaning, and medication management.
- Safety and security: Residential care facilities offer 24/7 support and supervision, reducing the risks associated with living alone.
- Social connection: Many aged care services provide opportunities for social interaction, recreational activities, and community engagement—crucial for emotional wellbeing.
- Health support: Access to nursing care, allied health professionals, and chronic disease management improves long-term health outcomes.
- Respite for families: Carers can access temporary respite care, offering relief and support to maintain their own wellbeing.
How Aged Care Supports a Person’s Quality of Life
The ultimate goal of aged care is to help older individuals live as well and independently as possible. For many, remaining in their own home with the help of services such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or a Home Care Package is the ideal arrangement. For others with more complex needs, residential aged care provides a safe and supportive environment.
Importantly, aged care isn’t just about meeting physical needs—it’s about enhancing quality of life, preserving dignity, and fostering emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in the later stages of life.
Accessing Aged Care Services: The Role of My Aged Care
The first step to accessing government-funded aged care services in Australia is through My Aged Care, the national gateway for aged care information, assessments, and referrals.
How to Get Started:
- Contact My Aged Care
Individuals or their representatives can call 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au to begin the process. My Aged Care provides guidance on the types of care available and helps coordinate access to services. - Assessment for Eligibility
To access subsidised services, individuals must undergo an aged care assessment:- For entry-level support such as cleaning, meals, and transport, a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will conduct the assessment.
- For more complex needs, including Home Care Packages or residential care, an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or ACAS (in Victoria) will conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
Assessments are usually conducted in the person’s home and evaluate physical, mental, and social needs.
- Receive a Care Approval
Once assessed, the person will receive an approval letter outlining the level of care they are eligible for. This approval is necessary to access most government-subsidised services. - Select and Arrange Services
Following approval, individuals can compare service providers using the My Aged Care provider finder tool. Support is available for selecting providers and managing service agreements.
Understanding Aged Care Costs and Funding
Aged care services are subsidised by the Australian Government, but individuals may be required to contribute toward the cost of care depending on their financial circumstances.
Key Funding Elements Include:
- Home Care Packages
These are tiered (Level 1 to Level 4) based on care needs, with funding allocated accordingly. Recipients may need to pay:- A basic daily fee
- An income-tested care fee (subject to financial assessment)
- Residential Aged Care
Fees may include:- A basic daily fee (up to 85% of the Age Pension)
- A means-tested care fee (based on income and assets)
- Accommodation payments, which can be paid as:
- Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
- Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
- A combination of both
Financial assessments are conducted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and concessions are available for those with limited means.
Planning Ahead and Final Thoughts
Aged care plays a vital role in supporting older Australians to live fulfilling, safe, and independent lives.
By understanding when care may be needed, the range of services available, and how to access them, families can be better prepared to make confident, compassionate choices for themselves or their loved ones.
Given the complexity of aged care services and funding, early planning is essential. At Elixir Private Wealth, we can provide support and guidance to assist you in making an informed decision to prepare for future aged care considerations.