What Are My Aged Care Options?

Finding the right aged care option in Australia can feel stressful, but understanding your choices makes it easier. Whether it’s home care, respite, residential care, or retirement living, this guide explains the services available, how much they cost, and how to access them, helping you make confident decisions for yourself or a loved one.

In Australia, most older individuals’ care needs fall into three main categories:

1. Home Care

Delivered to the comfort of your own home, home care services include nursing support and personal assistance, such as help with medication, bathing, dressing, and mobility. After an aged care assessment, you’re allocated a certain number of care hours per week.

2. Respite Care

This service offers a temporary break for family carers, allowing older people short-term assistance either at home or in a facility, providing vital relief and flexibility.

3. Residential Aged Care

For individuals who can no longer safely live at home, residential care facilities offer 24/7 support, accommodation, meals, nursing care, and social activities.

Additional Aged Care Options

• Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Offers entry-level support with services like domestic help, personal care, and home modifications for those not yet requiring full Home Care Packages.

• Retirement or Independent Living Communities: Designed for older adults who wish to maintain independence while having access to supportive services and an engaging community environment.

Accessing Aged Care: What You Need to Know

Step 1: Start with My Aged Care

As the official entry point for government-subsidised aged care services, My Aged Care guides you through assessment, eligibility, and provider selection.

Step 2: Undergo an Assessment

Through an aged care assessment you’ll receive a support plan outlining the services you’re eligible for, whether that’s home care, respite, or residential care.

Step 3: Find and Manage Services

A My Aged Care Online Account (via myGov) lets you manage your services, view referral codes, track progress, and stay up-to-date, whether for yourself or as a representative.

Aged Care Comparison Table

Across Australia, a wide array of aged care services is available, from residential aged care and home care packages to retirement communities and respite services.

Understanding Aged Care Costs

The cost of aged care in Australia depends on the type of service, your financial situation, and whether you are eligible for government subsidies through My Aged Care. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Home Care Costs

• Government Contribution: If you’re approved for a Home Care Package (HCP), the government pays a large portion of the cost directly to the provider.

• Client Contribution: You may be asked to pay:

  • A basic daily fee (set at up to 17.5% of the single basic age pension).

  • An income-tested care fee, depending on your income.

• Private Home Care: If you don’t go through My Aged Care, you can pay privately, with costs typically ranging from $40–$70 per hour depending on the service.

2. Respite Care Costs

• Residential Respite: Fees may include the basic daily fee (around 85% of the basic age pension).

• Home Respite: Costs vary depending on provider and service duration. Many families choose respite through CHSP or as part of their Home Care Package.

• Government Support: Subsidies are available, but there are limits on the number of subsidised respite days per year (generally up to 63 days).

3. Residential Aged Care Costs

• Basic Daily Fee: Everyone pays a daily fee, set at up to 85% of the basic age pension.

• Means-Tested Care Fee: An extra contribution based on your income and assets.

• Accommodation Payment: Either:

  • RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) – a lump sum (often between $200,000–$500,000, but can be higher depending on location/facility).

  • DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment) – a daily fee based on the unpaid portion of RAD.

  • Or a combination of both.

• Extra/Additional Services Fee: For “hotel-style” extras such as premium meals or activities.

4. Retirement Living Costs (Non-Subsidised)

• Entry Contribution: Often called an “ingoing contribution” or “purchase price” of the unit/villa.

• Ongoing Fees: Monthly service fees for maintenance, communal facilities, and administration.

• Exit Fees/DMF: A Deferred Management Fee is usually charged when you leave, often 20–35% of your entry contribution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I know which aged care option is right for me?

It depends on your health, independence, and personal preferences. Home Care is ideal if you want to stay at home with support, while Residential Care is best for high-level needs. Respite care works well for short-term relief.

2. Is aged care in Australia free?

No. The government subsidises a large part of aged care costs, but most people are still expected to contribute something depending on their means.

3. Do I need an assessment to get aged care?

Yes. An aged care assessment is required for Home Care Packages, Residential Care, and Respite Care under government subsidy.

4. Can I pay for aged care privately?

Yes. If you prefer not to wait for government funding, you can purchase private home care or residential respite directly from providers.

5. What if I can’t afford residential aged care?

Nobody can be refused care because of financial hardship. There are government hardship provisions and some providers accept lower RADs or offer financial flexibility.

6. What is the difference between RAD and DAP?

• RAD: A lump sum accommodation payment (refundable when you leave).

• DAP: A daily fee calculated on the unpaid RAD amount. Many people choose a mix of both.

7. How does the upcoming Support at Home Program affect me?

From 1 November 2025, home care will be streamlined under one program, replacing CHSP and HCP. By 1 July 2027, all home-based care will be delivered under this single system.