Special needs groups Special needs groups

There are a number of groups of people that the Government recognises as ‘special needs’ groups when it comes to aged care services.

Aged care providers are required to consider the needs of these groups in the provision of care:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) – The care needs of older ATSI people can be quite specific and there is a cultural element that needs to be considered in the delivery of care. See page 177 for an overview of service providers that have indicated to cater for ATSI clients.

Care leavers – A care leaver is a person who, as a child or youth, spent time in institutional care or other types of out of home care like orphanages, children’s homes or foster care. Because of their experiences in institutionalised care, aged care has been flagged as an area that can cause distress and anxiety.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse people (CALD) – Aged care services that cater specifically for people who are culturally and linguistically diverse might have staff that speak a foreign language, have specific cultural activities or meet spiritual needs.

The ‘National Ageing and Aged Care Strategy for People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Backgrounds’ strategy helps providers deliver quality care and aims to make culturally appropriate aged care more accessible. See page 177 for a list of culturally appropriate homes and services.

Disability – If you have a disability, are over 65 years of age and currently receive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110 to find out what services are available to you.

Financially disadvantaged – If you have genuine difficulty paying aged care fees and charges, financial hardship provisions may apply These allow for your fees and charges to be reduced or waived.

Homeless – If you are currently homeless, or if you’re at risk of becoming homeless, there are Government funded services that can help solve your housing problems, or assist with financial or legal issues.

LGBTIQ – Through the National LGBTI Ageing and Aged Care Strategy, the Government aims to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) people have access to the same options in aged care that are available to all Australians. Rural & Regional clients – Services offered in rural and regional areas will depend on the needs of the whole community and sometimes aged care, health and community services are combined to meet local health needs.

Veterans – Veterans have a ‘special needs’ status to support complex medical requirements including high levels of emotional and cultural support in old age, as a result of a veterans’ wartime experience. Contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 1800 838 372 or visit www.dva.gov.au for information about support for veterans.