Accommodation choices for older Australians 065-11000000

This document outlines the various accommodation choices available to older Australians.

Government intent

When a customer is retirement age or nearing retirement age, they may decide to change their accommodation to suit their needs. Home and residence choices can affect the assessment of income and assets, entitlement to Rent Assistance (RA) and in some cases eligibility for payment.

Customers with care needs may choose from a range of care options, including home care, transition care or residential care. Services Australia provides home care income test assessments and residential aged care asset and income means test assessments for customers.

If a customer or family member is considering care options, they can have a face-to-face appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) if there is one available in their area. ACSOs provide free, independent and confidential end-to-end access and navigation services for aged care including;

The Aged Care General Service Officer (GSO)
Access and navigation of My Aged Care services
In-depth information on the different types of aged care services

Help at Home (Commonwealth Home Support Programme, Home Care Packages)
Short term care (Respite and transition care)
Aged Care homes (permanent residential aged care)

If an ACSO is not available in the customers local area, they (or their family member) can be referred to the Financial Information Service (FIS) if they request an interview in relation to their home and residence choices.

Customers can speak to a Financial Information Service (FIS) Officer about their accommodation options. FIS is a free education and expert information service provided by the Government. FIS helps people make informed decisions about investment and financial issues by helping them to understand their own financial affairs and options. The service is available by phone, appointment and through seminars.

Home and residence choices or changes

The accommodation choices or changes are numerous and are not limited by the following:

The Resources page contains links to organisations customers can be referred to for more information.

Retirement villages

Supported Residential Services (SRS)

Operational Information

Accommodation choices for older Australians 065-11000000

Government intent

Home and residence choices or changes

Contents

Related links