Australia has one of the most advanced aged care systems in the world and includes everything from quality aged care homes through to a wide range of schemes that give older people a chance to live in their own homes and maintain their independence.

Roughly one in every four older people makes some use of aged care. Of these, most use care that is provided while they remain in their own home. This is termed community care. At any one time there are about one in ten older people who have left their home to receive care in a residential care facility.

The aged care industry includes nursing homes, hostels, care package providers, home care and nursing services, retirement villages, independent living units and seniors' housing. The provision of community care services generally includes services to younger people with disabilities as well as older people. Some services are provided specifically for the carers of older people or younger people with a disability.

Aged care services in Australia are operated by religious, charitable and community organisations, private businesses and state/territory and local governments.

Useful Links

Aged Care Australia
Comprehensive, user-friendly information about aged care in Australia.

Carelink Centre
Commonwealth Carelink Centres are information centres for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia. 

Aged Care Guide
Guide to aged care offering information regarding residential and community aged care, retirement living and a variety of aged care services and products.

Aged Care Assessment Teams
ACATS help older people and their carers work out what kind of care will best meet their needs when they are no longer able to manage at home without assistance.

Call the Aged Care Information Line: 1800 500 853

Visit ACST Members

ACST Members
ACST members deliver residential aged care, community aged care packages and own and manage retirement villages.