Eligibility for residential aged care. Photo of glasses, greeting card, stamps and cup of tea and sauce sitting on a wooden tabler

Eligibility- who is residential aged care for?

Who is residential aged care for?

Residential aged care is for Australians aged 65 and older who can no longer live independently at home. The Australian Government funds residential aged care to make it more affordable and accessible.

What is are the criteria for residential care?

Eligibility is based on need, determined through a face-to-face assessment meeting with the government’s Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS).

You must be unable to live independently at home and can be either:

  • an older person, 65 years or older; or.
  • a younger person with a disability, dementia or other special care needs not met through other specialist services. Not all aged care facilities provide care for people aged under 65 years, they must be registered as an NDIS provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is permanent residential aged care?

A: Permanent residential aged care is long-term accommodation and support for older Australians who can no longer live independently. It includes daily care, meals, medical support, and social activities.

Who qualifies for permanent aged care in Australia?

A: Eligibility is determined through an ACAT assessment, which evaluates a person's health, mobility, and care needs. Approval is required to access government-subsidised care.

What services are included in permanent aged care?

A: Services typically include personal care, nursing, meals, cleaning, laundry, social activities, and access to allied health professionals.