What Is My Aged Care?
- 6 mins read
A Quick Snapshot
If you’re over 65 and need help to live safely and independently at home, My Aged Care is where the process starts.
But you don’t have to work it all out yourself.
Before you register, call My Guardian. We can explain how the system works, what to expect from your assessment and what you can do to prepare. We can also join a three-way call with you and My Aged Care to help you get the information you need.
What is My Aged Care?
Think of My Aged Care as the Australia’s government-funded aged care system front door to the service that assesses your needs and determines what aged care support you may be eligible for.
It is not a “one size fits all” process, as each individual’s circumstances are different – which means things can get a bit complicated. But you don’t need to navigate the system alone.
My Guardian can explain the process before you start, help you prepare for your assessment and, when appropriate, join you on a call with My Aged Care.
What support can you access?
Depending on your needs and circumstances, My Aged Care may help you access:
- Support at Home: Government-funded support to help you remain independent and living safely at home.
- Residential aged care: Ongoing accommodation and care when living independently at home is no longer suitable.
Both are accessed through My Aged Care and an assessment of your needs.
How the process works
1. Register with My Aged Care
You’ll need to contact My Aged Care and answer some questions about your situation.
Before you do, talk to My Guardian. We can explain what happens next and help you prepare for the conversation.
2. Have your assessment
My Aged Care will arrange an assessment to understand what support you need. Assessment may take place at home, by phone or by video.
You can have a family member, friend or other trusted person with you.
My Guardian can also help you understand what the assessment is about and what information you may need to provide.
3. Receive your outcome
Following your assessment, My Aged Care will let you know what support you are eligible for and provide your support plan.
If you are approved for Support at Home, you can then choose an approved provider such as My Guardian.
4. Choose your provider
This is where My Guardian can help turn your approved funding into practical support at home.
We’ll explain what your funding can be used for, discuss the services that suit your needs and help you get started.
How long does it take?
The time between contacting My Aged Care, being assessed and receiving support can vary depending on your circumstances, location and priority.
If your need for support is urgent, tell My Aged Care. There are pathways for people with urgent or specific needs. You shouldn’t wait until you receive your funding before asking questions.
The earlier you understand the system, the better prepared you’ll be for your assessment and the decisions that follow. Call My Guardian first. We can help you understand what to expect before you contact My Aged Care.
Frequently asked questions
How do I contact My Aged Care?
Call My Guardian at
Who is eligible for My Aged Care?
Generally, My Aged Care is for older Australians who need help to maintain their independence, health and wellbeing. Eligibility for particular services depends on your age, circumstances and assessed care needs.
Do I need a doctor's referral for My Aged Care?
Generally, no. You can contact My Aged Care yourself to begin the process. If you’re unsure what you need or how to start, call My Guardian first and we’ll explain the steps.
What is a My Aged Care referral code?
A referral code is a reference number associated with a referral for aged care services. You may receive one after contacting My Aged Care or following an assessment. Keep it handy when discussing your application or services.
Who can help once my Support at Home funds are assigned?
My Guardian can help you understand your funding, work out what support may suit your needs and get your services started at home.
The important thing is that you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. You can choose any approved Support at Home provider.
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