Getting started

Before you can access Government subsidised aged care supports, such as in home care, community supports or moving into a nursing home, you need to register with My Aged Care and be assessed to work out exactly what level of support you need.

My Aged Care

The agency looking after all Government funded aged care programs is My Aged Care. The service can help you find information about subsidised aged care options including the different types of Government funded services available, eligibility for those services, and the associated costs.

You, a family member, carer or client representative can register your details with My Aged Care so that you can be assessed to access any Government subsidised services.

When you first call the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422, an operator will register you and ask you a number of questions about your personal circumstances and care needs.

These questions will be quite basic and shouldn’t take too long. All you will need when you call is your Medicare card, as this information is stored with your other details on the My Aged Care database.

Examples of the questions you will be asked are:

Are you currently receiving aged care services?

Are you getting support from a carer or family member?

Can you prepare your own meals and do housework?

Do you need assistance taking a shower or bath and do you need help getting dressed?

Are there any health concerns or did you have a recent fall?

Do you feel lonely or isolated?

Are there any safety risks in the home?

The aim of this screening is to figure out what needs and support you require and whether you are eligible for a further assessment in person. My Aged Care will assign you an aged care client number and will open a central client record. This record will include the information you have provided as well as document your assessed needs and any Government funded care services you have been found eligible for.

Aged care assessments

If you are successful in your initial application with My Aged Care, the contact centre operator will refer you for an aged care assessment to determine what level of support you would benefit from the most.

If the operator decides that you are eligible for basic home support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) you will be assessed by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

Otherwise, if the operator believes you require higher care support, either through a Home Care Package (HCP) or moving into an aged care home,