Aged Care Resources In Australia: Where to Turn For Help

Whether you’re just starting to look into aged care, are supporting a parent, caring for a partner, or facing a difficult decision, there’s a support service for almost every situation in Australia – and many are free and confidential.

Here, we compile your essential list to well-known organisations in Australians for where to turn to when you need it most (grouped by the kind of help they offer). Bookmark it, share it with family, and keep these numbers handy. And if it’s the right provider you’re trying to find, that’s where CareAbout comes in – we’re an independent service that helps you compare and connect with quality home care and aged care providers, free of charge.*

*Please note: In an emergency, always call 000. For health advice any time, HealthDirect is available 24/7 on 1800 022 222. If you or someone you care about is struggling, please know, you can speak to someone at Lifeline by calling 13 11 14.

1. Getting Started & Finding Services

The front doors to government-funded aged care, and where to begin.

My Aged Care

Who it’s for: the starting point for everyone

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s single entry point for subsidised aged care. It’s where you register, arrange a free assessment, learn about your options, and find approved providers. It connects you to the Support at Home program, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), residential aged care, respite and short-term restorative care. Registration, assessment and ongoing access are free – co-contributions only apply once you start receiving care.

• Call1800 200 422 (Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–2pm)
• Find out more: myagedcare.gov.au

For further information, you may also explore our guide to My Aged Care here for simple yet informative guidance on how to apply for an assessment (and reassessment when needed).

CareAbout

Who it’s for: Free Quality Provider Matching

Once you’re assessed, approved, and allocated funding for Support at Home, the next challenge is knowing who to choose from thousands of providers nationwide. CareAbout is an independent service that takes the time to understand your needs and matches you with only quality, vigorously vetted home care and residential aged care providers – at no cost to you, with no obligation. We’re not affiliated with the government, you can learn more about how we vet providers here.

• Call 13 13 00
• Find out more: careabout.com.au

2. Advocacy & Your Rights

Free, independent help to understand your rights and resolve concerns.

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)

Free · Independent · Confidential

OPAN provides free, independent and confidential support to older people who are seeking or receiving government-funded aged care, along with their families and carers. Through its national network of advocates, OPAN can help you understand and exercise your aged care rights, navigate the system, speak with your provider on your terms, and raise concerns or complaints about your care. An advocate is always on the side of the older person – they won’t talk to anyone unless you want them to. OPAN also runs free education sessions on what to expect from your aged care.

• Call 1800 700 600 (Aged Care Advocacy Line, Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 10am–4pm)
• Find out more: opan.org.au

3. Dementia Support

Expert information, counselling and support at every stage.

Dementia Australia

Who it’s for: People with dementia, Families & Carers

Dementia Australia is the national peak body for people living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It offers trusted information, education, counselling and peer support — whether you’ve just received a diagnosis, you’re caring for someone, or you simply have questions. Its free National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, with expert advisors who can talk through anything from changed behaviours to navigating My Aged Care, the NDIS and Carer Gateway. No issue is too big, and no question too small.

• Call 1800 100 500 (National Dementia Helpline, 24/7)
• Find out more: dementia.org.au

4. Support for Carers

If you care for someone, support exists for you too.

Carer Gateway

Who it’s for: National Carer Support

Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program offering free services for anyone caring for a family member or friend with disability, a medical condition, mental illness, or who is frail due to age. Through a national network of local providers, it offers in-person and phone counselling, peer support groups, self-guided coaching, online skills courses, tailored support packages, and both planned and emergency respite so you can take a break.

• Call 1800 422 737 (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; emergency respite 24/7)
• Find out more: carergateway.gov.au

Carers Victoria & State Carer Associations

Who it’s for: State-based Carer Organisations

Each state and territory has its own carer association offering local advice, support groups, events, education and advocacy – often working alongside Carer Gateway. Carers Victoria serves Victorian carers, with equivalent bodies in every state and territory, including Carers NSW, Carers Queensland, Carers SA, Carers WA, Carers Tasmania, Carers ACT and Carers NT. These organisations are a great first port of call for carers who’d like to connect with others in their own community.

• Find out more: carersvictoria.org.au
• Search “Carers,” together with your state, to find your local body

5. Multicultural & In-Language Support

Culturally sensitive support for migrant and refugee communities.

Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre (SMRC)

Who it’s for: Melbourne Migrant & Refugee Communities

Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre has supported migrants and refugees in Melbourne for more than 40 years, with services across migration, settlement, family, employment and aged care. Its team speaks more than 35 languages, and many staff have lived the migrant or refugee journey themselves. For older people, Spectrum delivers culturally tailored in-home aged care, social support groups and a Support for Carers program – helping people stay active, independent and connected in their own language and community.

• Find out more: smrc.org.au
• For Translating & Interpreting Services (TIS): Call 131 450

6. Planning Ahead & End-of-Life

Making your wishes known, so your voice is heard.

Advance Care Planning Australia

Who it’s for: Anyone planning their future health care

Advance care planning means thinking about, discussing and recording your wishes for future health care – so that if you ever become too unwell to speak for yourself, your goals, values and preferences are known and respected. It can ease the burden on loved ones and ensure your voice is heard. Advance Care Planning Australia is a national, government-funded program offering free advice, resources and starter packs through its National Advance Care Planning Advisory Service. They can help you get started, choose a substitute decision-maker, and understand the rules in your state or territory.

• Call 1300 208 582 (National Advisory Service, Mon–Fri 8am–4pm AEST)
• Find out more online: advancecareplanning.org.au

Alternatively, if you’re looking for additional information on the End-of-Life Pathway under Support at Home, please see our in-depth guide here.

Quick Contacts At A Glance

Organisation	What they help with	Phone
My Aged Care	Registering & accessing government-funded aged care	1800 200 422
CareAbout	Free help comparing & choosing providers	13 13 00
OPAN	Free, independent aged care advocacy	1800 700 600
Dementia Australia	Dementia information & support (24/7)	1800 100 500
Carer Gateway	Support, counselling & respite for carers	1800 422 737
Advance Care Planning Australia	Planning your future health care	1300 208 582
healthdirect	Free 24/7 health advice	1800 022 222
Lifeline	Crisis support, any time	13 11 14

Need Help Finding the Right Care?

The resources above are wonderful for advice and support. When it comes to actually finding and comparing quality providers, CareAbout does the legwork for you – free, independent, and tailored to your needs.

When you call us at 13 13 00, we’ll match you with a registered NDIS provider from our trusted network. They’ll reach out the way you prefer – phone, email or text, to introduce themselves and arrange a time to talk. You stay in control the whole way through, and if a provider isn’t the right fit, we’ll help you explore other options.