Current location
You are here: where to start > aged care in australia > who is responsible?Where to start
Who is responsible?
In 2008–09 subsidies for aged care homes totalled approximately $5.5 billion.
Service providers who offer aged care in the community and through aged care homes include a mix of private and religious or charitable organisations, as well as state, territory and local governments. More than 60 per cent of providers are religious or charitable organisations, about a quarter are run by private companies and the remainder are run by state, territory or local governments. All service providers, regardless of who they are must meet Australian Government standards.
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, the Australian Government regulates the maximum charges that a service provider may request. No one is denied a service based on the inability to pay.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).The Aged Care Act 1997 governs all aspects of residential care, flexible care and community packaged carei. 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
The Home and Community Care Act 1985
This Act provides the framework for the Home and Community Care (HACC) (more information) program, outlining the original agreement between the Australian Government and the states and territories. It allows for financial assistance to be paid to the states and territories to run the program.If you would like to read the Home and Community Care Act 1985, it can be found on the Commonwealth of Australia Law website.
