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Overview for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, there are a number of government-funded aged care services available to you.

Home and Community Care (HACC) (more information)

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HACC Reference Group (more information) works with the national HACC program managers to increase access to and quality of services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.The HACC program aims to provide you with a basic range of maintenance and support services to help you stay at home. The services are provided by the community, privately, and by church or charitable organisations throughout Australia, including rural and regional areas.

Read more: About the Home and Community Care Program

Aged Care Homes

While all aged care homes are expected to provide culturally appropriate care (more information) for their residents, there are homes specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There are also some flexible aged care homes in rural and remote areas.

Read more: About how to find a home

The Network of Carer Associations

These associations provide counselling, support and educational programs for carers, with specific information for carers from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. Call the centres for free on 1800 242 636.

Short-term care

There are many Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres located in metropolitan, rural and remote areas across Australia. They can help to arrange respite care if your carer needs a break, including 24-hour emergency respite cover.

If you want additional information on these services, you can contact your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre (more information) on 1800 052 222 (free call) during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, call 1800 059 059 (free call).

Read more: About short-term care

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Aged Care Information Line
1800 500 853
Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) Central
(02) 6289 5291
National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Australia.
1800 259 666

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This page was last updated on: 02 September 2009