Navigating My Aged Care

Navigating My Aged Care & Support at Home can be daunting…

…but this guide breaks it down into simple steps to help you access the right support at the right time.

What is My Aged Care (MAC)?

My Aged Care (MAC) is the Australian Government’s main entry point for aged care services for people over 65. It helps older people access support to stay independent, safe, and connected—whether at home or in a care facility. NOTE: if you are on NDIS you DO NOT have to switch to MAC *unless* you move into residential care or opt for Support at Home. NDIS is often better for those people who got on the scheme before the age of 65 to remain on it.

Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.

What is an ACAT assessment?

Before receiving government-funded aged care services, you’ll need an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment. This is a free evaluation by a nurse, social worker, or allied health professional to understand your care needs.

What to expect:

Takes place at home or in hospital.
Assesses mobility, memory, daily tasks, and support needs.
Helps determine eligibility for services like Home Care Packages or residential care.

You can request an ACAT assessment through My Aged Care or ask your GP or hospital team to help.

Learn more from Australian Carers Guide

What are Home Care Packages?

Home Care Packages (HCPs), aka Support at Home, provide ongoing support for people with more complex needs who want to stay at home. There are four levels of packages, from basic to high care.

Services may include:

Help with showering, dressing, and meals
Transport to appointments
Allied health (e.g. physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, podiatry)
Medication management
Home modifications (e.g. no step into the shower, grab rails, shower seat, bed modifications).

You must be assessed by ACAT to access a package. Wait times vary depending on priority and location.

Explore Home Care Packages: Depending on the level of Home Care Package you receive, you can get assistance with a range of different services.

What is a Transitional Care Package?

If you’ve been in hospital and need short-term support to recover, a Transitional Care Package (TCP) can help. It provides care for up to 12 weeks at home or in a care facility.

Services may include:

Nursing and personal care
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Help with meals and medications
Support to plan long-term care

You must enter TCP within 24–48 hours of hospital discharge.

Learn more from the Department of Health or visit My Aged Care TCP Info

What is the Commonwealth Assistance Program (CAP)?

CAP is a general term sometimes used to describe Commonwealth-funded aged care supports, including:

CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme) for low-level help
Support at Home/Home Care Packages for more complex needs
Residential aged care for full-time support.

If you hear “CAP” mentioned, it’s likely referring to one of these programs. All are accessed through My Aged Care.

What happens when an elderly person is discharged from hospital?

Discharge planning is key to a safe return home. If your loved one has Parkinson’s, make sure the hospital team:

Refers them for Transitional Care if needed
Provides a medication list and follow-up appointments
Connects with My Aged Care for ongoing support.

Ask for a discharge summary and speak with the hospital’s discharge planner or social worker.

Parkinson’s medications & possible interactions

Some Parkinson’s medications, like levodopa, can interact with supplements or other drugs. See Drugs.com overview of levodopa interactions & our symptom management admission checklist to complete before you go into care and give to any treating professionals on your care team.

If you can’t afford your aged care costs, you may be able to get financial hardship assistance. This is available if you access Support at Home or live in an aged care home, including residential respite.

You, or your representative, can apply for financial hardship assistance through Services Australia. Before you apply, check the eligibility criteria.

If you’re approved, Services Australia pays a supplement to your provider to cover some or all of your costs for a set period of time. This amount depends on your personal situation. You’ll be responsible for paying any remaining costs that are not covered by the government.

If you use Support at Home services, tell your provider when you apply for hardship assistance. Your provider should pause contributions while your application is being assessed. If your application is not successful, you will need to pay the contributions.

Learn more about financial hardship. You can start an application on the Services Australia website or call 1800 227 475.

How to get help

If you’re unsure where to start, here are some steps to take:

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
Request an ACAT assessment.
Ask your GP or hospital team for help with referrals.
Contact your local state/territory Parkinson’s organisation for tailored advice on local services to access.
Request a Home Medicines Review (HMR) to check for medication interactions.
Check out MAC Education and Training online courses

Key Statistics

As of 2021–22, approximately 1.5 million Australians accessed aged care services, including home support, home care packages, and residential care. (1)
In 2021–22, around 800,000 people aged 65 and over used Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services. (2)
In the 2021–22 financial year, the Australian Government spent $24.8 billion on aged care services. (3)
Around 80% of people living with Parkinson’s in Australia are over 65. (4)

How do I access general supports?

It’s advisable to explore all available pathways to find the support that best suits your needs. Look to:

get a GP Chronic Disease Management Plan
get a referral to a social worker with Parkinson‘s experience
your state-based Parkinson’s organisation for advice on local services to access
private health to see what is covered in relation to consultations and expenses
DVA, NDIS or My Aged Care plan supports.

Services Australia staff can help you with general information about My Aged Care. For more detailed help, you can speak with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO).

An ACSO can:

give you information about different types of aged care services
refer you for an aged care assessment
help you register support relationships
give you financial information about aged care services
connect you to local support services.

ACSOs are experts who can help you understand your options in person. This makes sure you have the right support for your specific needs.

To book a free ACSO appointment, visit the Services Australia website or call 1800 227 475.

Infosheet under review

References

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Older Australians: Aged care. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/older-people/older-australians/contents/aged-care
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). GEN aged care data: Home support recipients by age group and sex, 2021–22. https://www.gen-agedcaredata.gov.au
Department of Health and Aged Care. (2022). Report on the operation of the Aged Care Act 1997: 2021–22. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/report-on-the-operation-of-the-aged-care-act-1997-2021-22
ECOSYSTEM OF PARKINSON’S IN AUSTRALIA REPORTS (MELL ICK, 2024)

Lou, Y., Li, Y., & Chen, Y. (2024). The palliative care needs and experiences of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease: a qualitative scoping review. Frontiers in Medicine, 11, 1362828.
Leavy, B. et al. (2024). Health care utilisation at the end of life in Parkinson’s disease: a population-based register study. BMC Palliative Care, 23(3), 251.
Your Aged Care Weekly Newsletter (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) You can sign up here or read previous issues.