Types of aged care

As you get older, living independently in your own home can become more difficult. If you’re finding it harder to do the things you used to, you can ask for some help. There are different types of aged care including:

• help at home (to allow you to stay at home but support you with some tasks)
• short-term and respite care (after a hospital stay or if your carer needs a break)
• residential aged care (you move and live at the facility for full-time care).

Learn more on the My Aged Care website

Being assessed

• To find out if you are eligible for subsidised aged care you need to be assessed.
• This process works out your needs and what services could help you.
• The first step is an eligibility check. You can do this online or over the phone.
• Then you will have an in-person assessment.

Check your eligibility at the My Aged Care website

Residential aged care

Residential aged care (also known as a nursing home) is a place for older people to live if they:

• can no longer live at home
• need ongoing help with everyday tasks or health care.

The Australian government funds a range of aged care homes across Australia. Learn more about residential aged care on the My Aged Care website

We have Department-funded state residential aged care services in Tasmania:

• Beaconsfield District Health Service: Residential Aged Care
• Campbell Town Health and Community Service: Residential Aged Care
• Flinders Island Multi-Purpose Centre - Residential Aged Care
• King Island District Hospital and Health Centre - Residential Aged Care
• Lyell House (West Cost District Hospital) - Residential Aged Care
• Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre - Residential Aged Care

To access these services Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 for information about respite care services in your area.

Home care packages

Home Care Packages (HCP) can provide affordable care services to get some help at home. They can help if you have complex care needs beyond the Commonwealth Home Support Programme Depending on your package, you can get assistance with:

• bathing, hygiene, and grooming
• nursing
• podiatry, physiotherapy, and other therapies
• meals and food preparation
• impairments or continence
• cleaning, laundry, and other chores
• home or garden maintenance
• changes to your home
• aids to stay independent
• transport
• social outings, groups and visitors.

Learn more about home care packages on the My Aged Care website

Commonwealth Home Support Programme

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps you access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. This helps you maintain your independence rather than doing things for you.

Learn more about the CHSP on the My Aged Care website

Learn more about services provided in Tasmania