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Who is responsible?
In 2009–10 Government funding for aged care homes totalled approximately $7.1 billion.
Aged care services are available to older Australians, either in the community or in aged care homes. These services are provided by a mix of service providers; more than 50 per cent of providers are religious, charitable or community based organizations, almost a third are operated by private companies and the remainder are operated by state, territory or local governments.
All service providers funded by the Australian Government, regardless of who they are must meet Australian Government standards. To ensure high standards of care and accommodation in aged care services, the government applies an accreditation system for residential care providers and a quality reporting system for community care providers. Each system emphasises the provider’s responsibility for providing, maintaining and improving service.
Who pays for aged care?
People receiving services, whether in the community or in an aged care home, are expected to make a financial contribution to the cost of their care if they can. However, no one is denied a service based on their inability to pay. The Australian Government regulates the maximum charges that a service provider may request.Read more: About who pays for aged care?
Eligibility and the law
Eligibility for many publicly-funded aged care services is first determined by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria) (more information).Australian Government funded residential care, community care and flexible care are governed by the Aged Care Act 1997. The Act sets out matters relating to the planning of services, the approval of service providers and care recipients, payment of subsidies and the responsibilities of service providers.
Read more: Eligibility and the law