Getting started with care
We’re here to guide you on your care journey, drawing on more than 90 years of experience in helping Australians find the right support.
Getting started with care
We’re here to guide you on your care journey, drawing on more than 90 years of experience in helping Australians find the right support.
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Find the best care for your situation
Get started with Home Care
Home care is aged support in your own home. Before applying for care, please check your eligibility with My Aged Care, your starting point for accessing Government-funded aged care. If eligible, they'll arrange a free assessment to better understand your circumstances.
Getting started with Residential Care
When needs are greater, residential care may be best. First, check your eligibility through My Aged Care, your starting point for accessing Government-funded aged care. If eligible, a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team will visit you to talk about your situation.
Getting started with Palliative Care
To access palliative and supportive care, just ask your GP or specialist for a referral. Our team will then get in contact with you to arrange a free assessment at a time and place that suits you. There is no cost to access palliative and supportive care.
Getting started with Respite Care
If you’re a carer, there are different levels of funding available to give you a short break. Just complete an eligibility check through My Aged Care, the Government’s aged care support service. They will let you know if you’re eligible for a free needs assessment.
Getting started with Healthcare Services
We have a range of expert healthcare services to support people's well-being. All your GP or specialist needs to do is choose a service and location, and then refer you to our care. If you’re a healthcare professional, ask us about our services and referral process.
Getting started with Independent Living
This is a popular step for seniors who want a full and active life, the security and freedom of retirement accommodation, the company of like-minded people, and access to age-friendly amenities and activities. Our team can help you explore your options.
Choosing between home and residential care
Home Care
Home Care could be best if you want to recieve the following type of care:
- Stay at home
- Keep your place tidy
- Receive quality personal and healthcare
Residential Care
Residential Care could be best if you want to recieve the following type of care:
- Move into accommodation
- Have 24/7 access to quality care
- Access on-site amenities
Simple steps to apply for aged care
Understand your options
Know you can get help no matter your situation, needs or background. Start by looking at types of care on myagedcare.gov.au.
Get assessed & apply
All subsidised care is accessed through My Aged Care, starting with an eligibility check. Then:
- Talk with the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) – for low-level needs
- Or, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) – for complex needs
To get started, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Receive a support plan
You could be approved for basic home support or higher-level care and/or residential care, it all depends on your assessed needs.
Get help organising care
When approved, we’ll work alongside you to choose the types of care that best suit (in your location) and help with processes, costs and how to start your care.
The Government subsidy goes toward your care, but there’s usually a contribution involved.
Getting help doesn’t have to be complicated – we’re here for you, 24/7. If you feel unsure at any time in your journey, call us on 1800 766 112.
Finding a care provider
Explore providers
Make a shortlist
Get to know them
Next, meet with us or the provider that ticked the most boxes. You should be able to quickly tell if they are a good fit, both in how they relate to you and their care services.
Ready to complete an ACAT Assessment? Head to My Aged Care now to get started.
Expert support for all your care needs
Serving with compassion, we’ve been proudly caring for people with unique health and ageing needs, including complex dementia, for more than 90 years.
Home Care
Want to stay at home for longer? Use our support and we’ll empower you to maintain your independence, even if you’re experiencing dementia.
Learn moreResidential Care
HammondCare’s relationship-based model of care is internationally regarded as the best approach for older people, including those with dementia.
Learn morePalliative Care
Our expert care for people with life-limiting illnesses supports the whole person, their family and their carers, wherever it’s needed, providing options for care.
Learn moreRespite Care
Enjoy a short break, either at home or one of our day centres, while you’re in the care of our expert team. Respite gives your carer some time to have a rest.
Learn moreHealthcare Services
Health professionals can refer patients to rehabilitation and mental health programs in hospitals and the community, plus pain management telehealth.
Learn morePositive Ageing
Promoting the health, happiness and wellbeing of older people is our priority. That’s why we have proven programs focused on ageing well.
Learn moreDementia Support
We have extensive support for support people living with dementia, their families and carers with expert care and informative resources proven by research and experience.
Learn morePastoral Care
The Pastoral Care team is passionate about helping people through spiritual care. We will be there to support you, no matter your faith or beliefs.
Learn moreIndependent Living
Enter a vibrant community that empowers you to live your preferred lifestyle. Village members can enjoy amenities and activities with like-minded people.
Learn moreIf you’re under 65, help is still available
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps people under the age of 65 who need home or residential care. This program gives Australians living with permanent or significant disabilities Government-funded support, so nobody goes without assistance.
To find out if you can receive NDIS support, simply complete the quick questionnaire below. Alternatively, you can visit the NDIS website or call them directly on 1800 800 110.
If you are over 50 and are a First Nations person, you may be eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. The Programme also assists people who are over 50, are experiencing homelessness and are prematurely aged.
Check your NDIS eligibility in 2 minutes
Are you between 7 and 65 years old?
If the answer is yes, you might be eligible for support. Go to the next question.
But if you’re over 65, you’ll have to look into getting help through My Aged Care.
Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency?
The NDIS is only available to people who live in Australia and are Australian citizens or have a Permanent or Special Category Visa.
If the answer is yes, you might be eligible. Go to the next question.
Do you usually need support from someone because of a permanent and significant disability?
If the answer is yes, you might be eligible. Find out how to apply by visiting the NDIS website.
If the answer is no, go to the next question.
Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
If the answer is yes, you might be eligible. Find out how to apply by visiting the NDIS website.
If the answer is no, go to the next question.
Do you need support now to reduce your future needs?
If the answer is yes, you might be eligible. Find out how to apply by visiting the NDIS website.
If the answer is no, you may be better suited to get help through My Aged Care.