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Aged care for people with disability

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Aged care support worker crouching down to talk with a wheelchair user.

The new Aged Care Act: 

If you are 65 years or older and ineligible for NDIS, the first step to accessing aged care is an assessment. This will determine what services you are eligible for, based on your needs. Check your eligibility for an assessment. If you are eligible, an assessor will conduct your assessment, and you will get: 

  • The results of your assessment  
  • A support plan if you're eligible for services 
  • Information about accessing the services 
  • Aged care services referral details. 

For more information, see What happens after your aged care assessment. 

Under the Act, the aged care system must offer accessible and appropriate services based on your needs, regardless of: 

  • Location 
  • Background 
  • Life experiences.  

This includes individuals: 

  • With disability or mental ill-health 
  • Who are neurodivergent 
  • Who are deaf, blind, vision impaired or hard of hearing. 

The new Support at home program is also designed to deliver for diverse needs, including disability and mental ill-health. 

The Act mandates equitable access for people with disability, ensuring that aged care services are: 

  • Accessible 
  • Culturally appropriate 
  • Adaptable to individual needs. 

Care of persons with disability may include assistive technology and home modifications for which funding is available. 

First Nations people 

From 1 July 2025, First Nations assessment organisations will ensure assessments: 

  • Are culturally safe 
  • Are trauma-informed 
  • Better connect older First Nations people with appropriate services. 

Read our article on your rights under the new Aged Care Act  

Read more about access to aged care services 

If you are under 65 years, you can access aged care services if you are: 

  • An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 to 64 years 
  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 to 64 years 
  • Already living in an aged care home or accessing aged care services. 

There are alternative support services you may be able to use.  

Resources for people seeking Aged Care services 

Available Resources

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