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As we age, finding the right support to maintain our health, independence, and quality of life becomes increasingly important. In Australia, My Aged Care serves as the primary gateway to accessing government-funded aged care services. This guide will help you understand what My Aged Care is, how it operates, and how you can navigate the system to access the support you need.
What is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is a free government service designed to simplify the process of finding information and accessing government-funded aged care services in Australia. The My Aged Care website is your starting point for registration and assessment to determine eligibility for various aged care subsidies, including Residential Aged Care Homes and Home Care Packages.
Getting Started with My Aged Care
Before you can access any aged care services in Australia, you must register with My Aged Care. The process can be a bit complex, so we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the registration and assessment steps.
Registering with My Aged Care
To register with My Aged Care, you need to call their contact centre at 1800 200 422 or visit their website. During registration, you will answer a range of questions to help determine your individual needs and current situation.
Services Provided by My Aged Care
My Aged Care offers a range of services to support older Australians:
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): Provides low-level support services, accessible through a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment.
Home Care Packages (HCP): Offers more complex in-home and community support services, accessible through an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each offering different funding amounts based on your needs.
Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF): Provides high-level care in residential aged care facilities, accessible through an ACAT assessment.
Home Care Packages are often considered the best option for those who prefer to receive care at home. There are four levels of Home Care Packages, each providing different levels of funding and services:
Level 1: Basic care needs
Level 2: Low-level care needs
Level 3: Intermediate care needs
Level 4: High-level care needs
Contacting My Aged Care
You can contact My Aged Care through their website or by calling 1800 200 422. They are available to assist with any questions and provide guidance on the registration and assessment process.
Eligibility for My Aged Care
To be eligible for government-funded aged care services, you must be:
65 years or older (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Meeting the age criteria allows you to register and be assessed through My Aged Care, although this does not guarantee approval for government funding.
Referral and Assessment Process
Getting a Referral to My Aged Care
You do not need a referral to register with My Aged Care. You can self-register via their website or by calling 1800 200 422.
My Aged Care Referral Code
Once your Home Care Package is approved, you will receive a unique My Aged Care referral code. This code is essential for accessing services and support from various providers.
My Aged Care Assessment
After registration, you may be referred for an assessment. My Aged Care will organize an assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) member, who will visit your home to evaluate your needs and determine the level of support required.
Using the My Aged Care Portal
If you have a MyGov account, you can access the My Aged Care portal using your MyGov login details. The portal allows you to:
View and update your personal information
Access your client record
Track your assessment status
Review your support plan and service information
Navigating the aged care system in Australia can be challenging, but My Aged Care is designed to make the process easier. By understanding how My Aged Care works and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can access the support you need to maintain your independence and quality of life. For more detailed information, visit the My Aged Care website or contact their helpline.
For additional resources and step-by-step guides, explore the articles linked throughout this guide.
