What are the three types of aged care services in Australia?

With an ageing population, understanding the support available is crucial for many Australian families. The Australian Government, through its My Aged Care system, offers a clear framework defining what are the three types of aged care services in Australia. This guide outlines the key features of each option to help you make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one.

Quick Summary

Australian aged care services are primarily categorised into three main types: residential aged care for ongoing facility-based support, home care services (including CHSP and HCP) for assistance at home, and short-term care for temporary needs like recovery or respite.

Key Points

• Residential Aged Care: Provides 24/7, high-level care and accommodation for those who can no longer live independently at home, including permanent and temporary (respite) options.

• Home Care Services: Supports independence by providing assistance within a person's own home through two government programs, CHSP for entry-level needs and HCP for more complex requirements.

• Short-Term Care: Offers temporary support options for specific circumstances, such as post-hospital recovery (Transition Care) or giving a carer a break (Respite Care).

• My Aged Care is the Entry Point: To access government-subsidised aged care, individuals must first contact My Aged Care for an assessment to determine their eligibility and suitable service types.

• Levels of Care: Home Care Packages provide four different levels of support, from basic assistance (Level 1) to high-level complex care (Level 4), allowing services to be tailored to specific needs.

Residential Aged Care

Residential aged care, often referred to as a nursing home or aged care facility, provides 24-hour support for older people who need ongoing assistance with daily tasks and health care. It is suitable for those who can no longer live independently at home.

Services in residential aged care

Residential facilities provide accommodation, personal care (like bathing and dressing), medical and nursing care, meals catering to dietary needs, and social activities. Respite care, or temporary stays, is also available in residential settings. Accommodation costs may be partly government-covered depending on a means assessment.

Home Care Services

Home care allows older Australians to receive support in their own homes, promoting independence. There are two main government programs for home care:

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The CHSP offers entry-level services for those with lower support needs on a short-term or ongoing basis. It focuses on wellness and reablement and includes services such as domestic assistance, personal care, meal preparation, transport, allied health support, and flexible respite.

Home Care Packages (HCP) Program

For more complex needs, the HCP Program provides coordinated services across four levels of funding. These packages can include high-level personal and nursing care, specialised support (e.g., for dementia), home modifications, allied health services, and social support. The HCP program will be replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025.

Short-Term Care

Short-term care is designed for temporary situations, offering support for a limited period.

Types of short-term care

• Respite Care: Provides temporary care to give carers a break, available in-home or in a residential facility.
• Transition Care: Supports recovery and independence after a hospital stay before returning home or moving to permanent aged care.
• Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC): An early intervention program up to eight weeks to help slow functional decline and support independent living.

Comparison of Aged Care Service Types

The table below outlines the key differences between the three main types of aged care services:

Feature	Residential Aged Care	Home Care	Short-Term Care
Purpose	Long-term accommodation and care	Maintain independence at home	Temporary support, respite, recovery
Setting	Aged care facility	Client's own home	Home, facility, or day centre
Care Level	High, 24/7 care	Basic to complex, tailored	Varies, short-term focus
Duration	Permanent or short-term	Ongoing, as needed	Short-term (weeks/months)

How to Access Aged Care Services

Accessing government-subsidised aged care begins with contacting the Australian government's My Aged Care service for an assessment.

1. Contact My Aged Care: Apply online or by phone.
2. Assessment: A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assesses for CHSP, while an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assesses for HCP and residential care.
3. Find a Provider: After assessment, use the My Aged Care website to find approved providers.

The official My Aged Care website is the central resource for accessing government-funded services: My Aged Care.

Conclusion

Australia's aged care system offers residential, home care, and short-term options to meet diverse needs. Understanding these three types is essential for finding the right support. The My Aged Care assessment process helps determine the most suitable services based on individual circumstances, enabling older Australians to maintain independence and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and a Home Care Package (HCP)?

CHSP offers entry-level, flexible support services for those with lower needs, while HCP provides a more coordinated and comprehensive package of care for individuals with more complex needs, funded at four different levels.

How do I know if I or a loved one is eligible for aged care services in Australia?

Eligibility for government-subsidised aged care is based on an assessment of your care needs by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS). You can start the process by contacting My Aged Care.

What is respite care and when should it be used?

Respite care is temporary care that provides a break for the primary carer. It can be used when a carer needs to attend to other commitments, is ill, or needs a rest, and it is available in-home, in a day centre, or in a residential facility.

Does the government cover all the costs for aged care services?

The Australian Government subsidises a portion of the aged care costs. However, you are expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to, with the exact amount determined by a means assessment.

Can I get both home care and short-term care?

Yes, depending on your needs, you can receive short-term care, such as respite or transition care, in addition to ongoing home care services, as part of a coordinated support plan.

What happens after I apply for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care?

After your application, a qualified assessor will arrange to meet with you to discuss your needs and circumstances. They will then approve you for the appropriate types of aged care services.

Are there other types of aged care services besides the three main ones?

While residential, home, and short-term care are the three main government-subsidised types, there are also flexible care options, such as specialised programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or veterans, and privately funded services.