Residential aged care is for older people who can no longer live at home. Reasons can include illness, disability, bereavement, an emergency, the needs of their carer, family or friends, or because it is no longer possible to manage at home without significant help. Australia’s aged care system aims to ensure that all older people receive support and quality care when they need it 1.
Residential aged care can be offered as either permanent or short-term care. Short-term care is called ‘respite care’. If you need less care than that offered by aged care homes you may wish to consider independent living units or retirement villages.
Respite care
Residential respite care provides short-term care when you need it and if you intend to return to the community. Residential respite care may be used on a planned or emergency basis, for example if you are ill, or to help if your carer is absent for any reason such as illness or holidays 1.
Home Care Packages
The Home Care Packages (HCPs) Program provides care in the home for those residents who are able to, and wish to stay in their own homes, with the support of personal care services. Packages are flexible to respond to the needs of individuals. See the HCPs page for further information.
Explanation of Fees and Charges
Residential Aged Care Facilities – Explanation of Fees and Charges [PDF 165kb]
1. Source: Department of Social Services. Application for respite care or permanent entry to aged care homes. Last accessed: 15 February 2016.
Accessed from: https://www.dss.gov.au/ageing-and-aged-care-for-providers-forms/application-for-respite-care-or-permanent-entry-to-aged-care-homes
Further information can be obtained from the Aged Care Placement Coordinator.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
To find out more about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme click here