Skip to main content

                    Navigating the aged care system

                    An older woman smiling
                    Find out how to access services to help you to remain at home.

                    The first step in accessing services if you are aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) is to contact My Aged Care – the Australian Government system that connects you with a full range of services for older people.

                    You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website.

                    Summary

                    If you're 65 and over (50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), you need to have a My Aged Care assessment to apply. Call 1800 200 422 to apply.

                    If you're under 65 (under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), contact the National Disability Insurance Agency on 1800 800 110.

                    Funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.

                    Aged Care Navigators

                    The aged care system is complex, and it can be hard to find your way around. Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria has a telephone information service that helps older people navigate the aged care system.

                    The service gives you free and independent help to find your way around the aged care system. You can get reliable information about:

                    • how to register with My Aged Care
                    • the aged care supports available in your area
                    • how to compare services, facilities and prices
                    • what is involved in the process of registration, assessment and linking with services
                    • other options if you are on a waiting list for services
                    • and much more.

                    For more information contact COTA directly.

                    Navigating the Aged Care System Webinar Series

                    Navigating aged care can be tricky. People are often unaware of how to begin their journey when entering aged care, and finding information on how to change/update services is not always easy.

                    The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a series of webinars to give a practical introduction on how to enter aged care, including how to contact My Aged Care, arrange an assessment and choose services appropriate to your living situation.​

                      Was this page helpful?

                      If you'd like to give more feedback or ask a question, please contact us.