What are the different types of aged care services in Australia?

There are many Government-funded aged care services that can help Australians maintain a good quality of life as they get older.

These aged care services include:

• care in your home
• residential care in aged care (nursing) homes
• short-term care (such as after-hospital  and respite care)

Care in your home

In-home aged care provides support to help you stay independent for as long as possible. It can help with things like personal care, transport, food, shopping, housework, physio, social activities, and modifications to your home.

Residential care in aged care homes

Residential care in aged care (nursing) homes is for older people who:

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

Residential care can be short-term (respite care) or permanent.

Short-term care

Short-term care can help you to improve your wellbeing and independence or get back on your feet after a hospital stay. It can also give you or your carer a break.

You can receive short-term services in your home, an aged care home or in the community.

The Australian Government subsidises:

• after-hospital or transition care
• support for up to 12 weeks to help you recover after a stay in hospital
• short-term restorative care
• support for up to 8 weeks to help you improve your wellbeing and independence
• respite care
• support for a few hours, days or longer to give you or your carer a break

Interested in learning more about the different types of aged care and looking to kickstart your career in aged care? Check out our extensive aged care courses.