Aged Care

Welcome to Your Aged Care Journey

Aged care in Australia can feel like a maze—full of unfamiliar terms, paperwork, assessments, and tough decisions. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one, understanding the basics of aged care can provide peace of mind and clarity. At Silver Lifestyle, we break it all down into friendly, easy-to-follow information.

This page gives you a broad overview of Australia’s aged care system, covering four main areas: support at home, residential aged care, fees and charges, and carer support. We’ll expand each of these topics into detailed guides in future pages, but for now, here’s the big picture.

Support at Home: Help That Keeps You Independent

What Is Home Care?

Most older Australians want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. The good news is that the government supports this through a range of home care services designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and independent.

Home care might include assistance with:

• Personal care (showering, dressing, grooming)
• Domestic help (cleaning, laundry, gardening)
• Transport to appointments or shopping
• Meal preparation
• Allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry, etc.)
• Social support and companionship

Types of Home Care Support

There are two main government-funded programs:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP is for people who only need a little help around the house. It’s low-level support, often on a short-term or ongoing basis, and is a great entry point to aged care services.

2. Home Care Packages (HCP)

HCPs are for those with more complex or ongoing needs. Packages are available at four levels—from basic care (Level 1) to high-level care (Level 4)—and are tailored to individual needs.

How to Apply

You’ll need an assessment through My Aged Care, the Australian Government’s aged care gateway. After assessment, you’ll be placed on a national waitlist and, when approved, can choose a home care provider that suits your needs and personality.

Advantages of Staying at Home

• Stay in a familiar and comfortable environment
• Maintain a sense of independence and control
• Tailor care services to your lifestyle and preferences

Residential Aged Care: When Home Isn’t Enough

What Is Residential Aged Care?

Residential aged care—often called “nursing homes”—provides round-the-clock care in a supported living environment. It’s designed for people who can no longer live independently, even with help at home.

What Services Are Provided?

• 24/7 personal and nursing care
• Meals, cleaning, and laundry services
• Social activities and recreational programs
• Palliative care and dementia support (if needed)

Types of Residential Care Facilities

Facilities range in size and atmosphere. Some are government-run, while others are not-for-profit or privately owned. You may also hear the term “aged care homes” or “residential facilities”—they’re essentially the same.

How to Access Residential Care

Just like home care, the first step is an assessment via My Aged Care. If approved, you can start touring facilities, comparing costs, and joining waiting lists. It's important to involve the person needing care as much as possible in this process.

What to Look for in a Care Home

• Cleanliness and comfort
• Friendly and respectful staff
• Activities and community feel
• Location (close to family or medical services)

Fees and Charges: Understanding the Costs

How Much Does Aged Care Cost?

This is one of the biggest concerns for families—and understandably so. Aged care costs can vary significantly based on your financial situation and the type of care you receive.

Home Care Costs

For both CHSP and Home Care Packages, you may be asked to contribute to the cost of your care. Fees are based on income and are regulated by the government. Some people may pay very little, while others contribute more.

Residential Care Fees

There are several types of fees to understand:

• Basic Daily Fee – A standard charge for meals, cleaning, etc. (currently 85% of the full Age Pension).
• Means-Tested Care Fee – An additional contribution based on income and assets.
• Accommodation Costs – These vary by facility and may be paid as a refundable deposit (RAD), daily fee (DAP), or combination.
• Extra Services – Some facilities charge for extra meals, larger rooms, or more entertainment options.

Financial Support

If your income and assets are modest, you may be eligible for government assistance to help pay for care. Centrelink conducts income and asset assessments to determine your contribution level.

Advice Is Key

Given the complexity, it’s a smart idea to speak to an aged care financial adviser. They can help you minimise costs, maximise entitlements, and avoid unexpected fees.

Carer Support: You're Not Alone

The Role of Family and Informal Carers

In Australia, hundreds of thousands of people provide unpaid care to older relatives or friends. Whether you're helping out occasionally or providing daily support, being a carer is both a privilege and a challenge.

Support for Carers

Help is available. You don’t have to carry the whole load alone. Some key supports include:

• Respite care – Gives carers a break by temporarily placing the person receiving care into short-term care at home or in a facility.
• Counselling and carer support groups
• Carer Gateway – A national service offering advice, peer support, and coaching.
• Centrelink carer payments – If you meet eligibility criteria, you may receive financial support for your caring role.

The Importance of Self-Care

Carers often neglect their own wellbeing. Remember: you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your own physical and emotional health helps ensure you can continue supporting your loved one in a sustainable way.

Putting It All Together: Planning and Choice

Australia’s aged care system is designed to be flexible and responsive. The key is to plan early, seek good advice, and stay informed. Everyone’s needs and preferences are different. Some people may thrive with a little help at home for many years, while others may benefit from the safety and support of a care facility.

At Silver Lifestyle, we believe aged care should be empowering—not disempowering. It’s about maintaining dignity, autonomy, and connection to the things that matter most.

Helpful Next Steps

• My Aged Care   to start an assessment
• Talk to your GP or health professional about care needs
• Compare providers using online tools and reviews
• Contact a financial adviser if residential care is being considered
• Look after yourself if you’re a carer—support is available

Coming Soon on Silver Lifestyle

We’ll be expanding on each of the topics you’ve just read about, with dedicated pages that include checklists, tips, provider directories, personal stories, and plain-English breakdowns of complex forms and fees.

• Support at Home: Your Guide to Home Care Services
• Residential Aged Care: What to Expect and How to Choose
• Understanding Aged Care Fees and Charges
• Support for Family Carers

We’re here to help you navigate aged care with confidence. Come back soon or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with new resources and guides.

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