What is aged care?
Answer
Services supporting elderly people
Explanation
Aged care in Australia is the system of services that supports older Australians to live well at home and to transition to higher levels of care when needed. The system is funded primarily by the federal government, regulated by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and accessed through the My Aged Care portal at myagedcare.gov.au or by phone on 1800 200 422.
There are three main types of aged care services. Home support services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme deliver low-level help such as cleaning, transport, meals, and minor home modifications. Home Care Packages provide higher levels of in-home care for people with more complex needs, with four levels of funding (Level 1 lowest to Level 4 highest, ranging from about 10,300 dollars to 60,300 dollars per year as of 2024). Residential aged care provides accommodation, personal care, and clinical services in approved facilities for people who can no longer live safely at home.
Access to aged care begins with an assessment by the Regional Assessment Service (for low-level home support) or the Aged Care Assessment Team (for Home Care Packages and residential care). Both are delivered through My Aged Care. After assessment, the person is placed on the National Priority Queue for Home Care Packages or referred to providers for service. Wait times for higher-level Home Care Packages can extend to several months. Residential aged care is generally available immediately when needed, subject to a place being available at the person's chosen home.
Aged care has been the subject of major reform following the 2018 to 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Aged Care Act 2024, taking effect from 1 July 2025, replaces the long-standing Aged Care Act 1997 with a new rights-based framework, expanded home care under the Support at Home programme, strengthened quality standards, and a tougher complaints and compliance regime. Some clients pay means-tested contributions for residential care or home care services, with safety nets to protect those with limited assets or income.
Why this matters for your test
Aged care touches almost every Australian family at some point, and knowing the My Aged Care entry point and the difference between home care and residential care helps new citizens support older relatives.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (2024)
