Australia’s aged care system offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support the health and well-being of older Australians.  

Understanding these services is crucial for individuals and families navigating care options.  

This article provides an in-depth look at the primary types of aged care services available in Australia, aligning with government provisions as detailed by the Department of Health and Aged Care.​ 

The Three Main Types of Aged Care Services in Australia 

The Australian Government funds and regulates three primary categories of aged care services:​ 

1. In-Home Care Services 
2. Residential Aged Care Services 
3. Flexible Care Services 

Each type of service caters to diverse needs and preferences, ensuring that older Australians receive the necessary support. The Aged Care Act of 1997 plays a vital role in regulating and funding these services, making sure that government spending and service delivery align with the needs of the aging population. 

Understanding Aged Care 

What is Aged Care? 

Aged Care refers to the comprehensive support and services provided to older Australians who need assistance with daily living tasks. These tasks range from personal care activities like bathing and dressing to managing health conditions and medications. The primary goal of aged care services is to help older individuals live independently and maintain their quality of life, whether they choose to stay in their own homes or move into an aged care home. 

The Australian Government is crucial in funding and regulating aged care services. This ensures that the services provided are high quality and accessible to those in need. Individuals can visit the My Aged Care website or contact a local aged care provider to access these services. The My Aged Care platform serves as a central entry point, offering information and guidance on the various aged care options. 

One significant advancement in the aged care system is implementing the new single assessment system. This system simplifies the process of accessing aged care services by allowing individuals to undergo a single, comprehensive assessment. This assessment determines their eligibility for various services and clearly explains their care needs. By streamlining the assessment process, the new system ensures that older Australians receive timely and appropriate support tailored to their specific requirements. 

1. In-Home Care Services

In-home care services are designed to assist older individuals in maintaining their independence while living in their homes. These services can help with tasks around the house, such as cleaning and meal preparation. Depending on the individual’s requirements, these services range from basic support to more complex care.​ 

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Offers entry-level support for those who need minimal assistance with daily tasks. Services under CHSP include:​ 

• • Personal care (e.g., bathing, dressing)​ 

• • Domestic assistance (e.g., cleaning, laundry)​ 

• • Meal preparation and nutrition​ 

• • Transport services​ 

• • Social support and activities​ 

• • Home maintenance and modifications​ 

• • Allied health services (e.g., physiotherapy, podiatry)​ 

• Home Care Packages (HCP) Program: Provides more comprehensive support through tailored packages that cater to individuals with more complex needs. The HCP program offers four levels of care packages:​ 

• • Level 1: Basic care needs​ 

• • Level 2: Low-level care needs​ 

• • Level 3: Intermediate care needs​ 

• • Level 4: High-level care needs​ 

Services may include nursing care, allied health support, personal care, and assistance with daily activities. ​

2. Residential Aged Care Services

Residential aged care is intended for individuals who can no longer live independently at home and require continuous care. Residential aged care services can involve significant costs, and government assistance may be available to help cover these expenses. These services are provided in aged care homes (also known as nursing homes) and include:​ 

• Accommodation​ 

• 24-hour personal care​ 

• Access to nursing and general health services​ 

• Meals and dietary support​ 

• Social and recreational activities​ 

• Assistance with daily living activities​ 

Residential care can be permanent or short-term, such as respite care. ​

3. Flexible Care Services

Flexible care services address the needs of individuals who may require a mix of care types or specialised support that doesn’t fit neatly into the standard in-home or residential care models. Flexible care services are a type of aged care service designed to meet specific needs that do not fit into standard care models. These services include:​ 

• Transition Care Programme: Provides short-term care to help individuals recover after a hospital stay and regain independence.​ 

• Short-Term Restorative Care Programme: Offers services aimed at improving functional ability and reversing or slowing the difficulties associated with ageing.​ 

• Multi-Purpose Services Program: Delivers a combination of health and aged care services in rural and remote communities.​ 

• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program: Provides culturally appropriate aged care services for Indigenous Australians.​ 

Comprehensive List of Aged Care Services 

Aged care services in Australia encompass a wide range of support options tailored to older individuals’ diverse needs. Below is a comprehensive list of services available:​ 

• Personal Care: Assistance with daily personal activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.​ 

• Domestic Assistance: Help with household chores, including cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation.​ 

• Nursing Care: Medical care provided by registered nurses, including wound care, medication management, and health monitoring.​ 

• Allied Health Services: Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise physiology, and other health professionals.​ 

• Transport Services: Assistance with transportation to appointments, social engagements, and community activities.​ 

• Social Support: Opportunities for social interaction, companionship, and participation in group activities.​ 

• Respite Care: Short-term care options that provide relief for primary carers, available in-home or in residential settings.​ 

• Home Modifications: Alterations to the home environment to improve safety and accessibility, such as installing ramps or grab rails.​ 

• Meal Services: Provision of nutritious meals, including meal delivery services and assistance with eating if required.​ 

• Continence Management: Support and products to assist with bladder and bowel control issues.​ 

• Dementia Support: Specialised services tailored to individuals living with dementia, including memory support programs and secure residential units.​ 

• Palliative Care: Services focused on providing comfort and support for individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their families.​ 

Aged care providers are crucial in delivering these services and ensuring quality care for older Australians. 

These services are designed to be flexible and responsive to the changing needs of older Australians, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate level of care and support at different stages of ageing.​ 

Accessing Aged Care Services 

To access government-funded aged care services in Australia, individuals must first undergo an assessment through My Aged Care, the central entry point for aged care services. Individuals can access aged care services by navigating the My Aged Care website for assistance and information. 

Steps to access aged care: 

1. Contact My Aged Care Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au to start the process. 
2. Aged Care Assessment A trained assessor (from an Aged Care Assessment Team, or ACAT/ACAS in Victoria) will evaluate the individual’s care needs. Individuals and families should look into aged care options to find the best fit for their needs. 
3. Approval & Referral Based on the assessment, you’ll receive approval for specific services and be referred to appropriate providers. 
4. Choose a Service Provider Individuals and families can then choose a service provider that best suits their preferences and goals. 

Final Thoughts 

Australia’s aged care system is built to offer flexibility, dignity, and choice. Selecting the right service providers is crucial for ensuring quality care and support. Whether seeking support to remain at home, transitioning to residential care, or needing specialised short-term services, understanding the available options helps individuals and families make empowered decisions. 

As reforms like the Support at Home Program (starting July 2025) roll-out, the aged care system will become even more streamlined and focused on individual needs.