Seniors care introduction

Our population is getting older and as a result, more people need aged care services. Here, you’ll find an overview of services that you may need now or in the future. 

Ku-ring-gai Council and Carers NSW are working together to provide you with the most up-to-date information on these services. Carers NSW also publish a Navigating My Aged Care Handbook.

My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the main entry point to the aged care system in Australia, particularly if you are looking for government funded aged care services. 

View My Aged Care to find out more. This site gives you an introduction to all the My Aged Care services and programs.

Through My Aged Care, there are three levels of services available:

  • Commonwealth Home Care Support (CHSP) services are for those requiring low level home care. This is determined by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment. For more information go to Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
  • Home Care Packages (HCP) are for more complex home care services. Access to these requires an assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). For more information go to Home Care Packages (HCP).
  • A Residential Aged Care Facility(RACF) is for older people no longer able to live at home. Eligibility is determined by ACAT.   Short-term help is available in aged care homes. For more information go to Aged Care Homes.

The federal government is making changes to aged care services over the next five years. More information about these changes can be found at Aged care reforms.

seniors care

The assessment process

Before anyone can access government funded services, they must have a My Aged Care assessment to determine their eligibility for services and identify the best level of support.

The first step is to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

You will be asked a series of questions to help work out the person’s needs and care arrangements. For more information go to Contact My Aged Care.

If a person’s care needs are basic they will be referred for a RAS assessment.

If a person has more complex home care needs or is no longer able to live at home they will referred to the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for a more comprehensive assessment. The person may then be eligible for a Home Care Package (HCP) or for a Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF).

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