The My Aged Care website (www.myagedcare.gov.au) has been established by the Australian Government to help you navigate the aged care system. My Aged Care is part of the Australian Government’s changes to the aged care system which have been designed to give people more choice, more control and easier access to a full range of aged care services.
My Aged Care is made up of website and a contact centre. Together they can provide you with information on aged care for yourself, a family member, friend or someone you’re caring for. You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and between 10am and 2pm on Saturdays. The My Aged Care contact centre is closed on Sundays and national public holidays.
How to get started with My Aged Care, from home support to aged care homes
It’s never too early to talk about getting some extra help. Knowing what services are available before you need them will help you be prepared to make decisions about your future.
What services are available?
1. Care at home
My Aged Care can help you access services at home which can improve your wellbeing and help you stay independent. Receiving help with regular activities at the right time can help you manage better at home.
You may be eligible to receive services such as:
- personal care like help with getting dressed
- transport
- modifications to your home like rails or ramps
- nursing, physiotherapy and other care
- meals
- household jobs like cleaning or gardening
- equipment like walking frames
- social activities
2. Short-term help
My Aged Care can also help you access short-term care services for situations such as:
- recovery from an accident or illness, including after a hospital stay
- when you have had a setback and want to get your independence back
- when you or your carer needs a break (respite care).
3. Care in an aged care home
If you find you need ongoing help with day-to-day tasks or health care, a residential aged care home lets you live in a supported environment where help is available 24 hours a day.
Are you eligible for services?
A call to My Aged Care can help you understand:
- what services may be available
- how much they cost
- how you can access them
My Aged Care may arrange a face-to-face assessment of your care needs.
Who pays for services?
The Australian Government contributes to the cost of aged care services. You are expected to contribute to the cost if you can afford to. How much you pay may depend on:
- your financial situation.
- the number and types of services you receive.
- the service provider
How to access services?
1. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422*
- You will be asked questions over the phone to help work out your needs and care arrangements – this takes at least ten minutes.
- You will need your Medicare card.
- If you’re calling for someone else, they will need to give their consent.
2. Have a face-to-face assessment
- My Aged Care may arrange for a trained assessor to come to your home.
- With your consent they will assess your care needs and eligibility for services and work with you to develop a support plan which addresses your needs, goals and preferences.
- Someone else can be with you during this visit.
3. Find out about costs
- My Aged Care and service providers can give you information about costs. You will be told if you need a financial assessment.
4. Choose services
- The service finder on the My Aged Care website can help you locate and compare some services in your area.
- Your assessor and My Aged Care can also help you find a service provider(s) in your local area that meets your needs.