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 a 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.
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 a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
