Some older people find it too difficult to manage at home. 'Residential Care' refers to the care offered in a home-like environment by an aged care home and is available across Australia for older people who can no longer live at home.
There are two main types of residential aged care in Australia, high-level care (or nursing home) and low-level care (or hostel).
Aged care homes receive funding from the Australian Government and are for older people who can no longer live in their own home and who have been assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team as needing the type of care that an aged care home provides.
Aged care homes also cater for those who need short periods of care away from their home. This is known as respite care. Or you might be in hospital after an accident or illness, and you and your family feel you will not be able to manage on your own if you return home. This is known as transition care.
Useful Links
Aged Care Australia website
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 & 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.
