Types of care

Aged care residents have rights under the Statement of Rights. These include the right to independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice; equitable access; quality and safe care and services; respect for privacy and information; person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal; and the right to advocates, significant persons, and social connections.

Next step: Read the Statement of Rights and speak with Helping Hand if you have questions about resident rights, advocacy or support.

Aged care nursing at home provides clinical support for older people who need health-related care while remaining at home. Services may include wound care, medication support, continence care, health monitoring, recovery support and coordination with GPs or other health professionals.

Next step: Contact Helping Hand to ask whether nursing care at home is available through your funding or as a private service.

Residential aged care costs vary depending on the home, room type, government funding and your personal financial situation. The Australian Government may contribute to care costs, and residents may also need to contribute depending on their means assessment. Costs may include care fees, accommodation costs and optional additional services. Helping Hand publishes fees on individual residential care home pages.

Next step: Review My Aged Care cost guidance, check fees on the relevant home page and speak with Helping Hand’s Admissions Team.

Retirement living is for people who want independent living in a community setting, while residential aged care is for people who need ongoing care and support in an aged care home. Retirement living focuses on lifestyle, independence and community. Residential care includes personal care, nursing, meals, daily support and 24/7 staff availability.

Eligibility for government-subsidised residential aged care is assessed through My Aged Care. An aged care assessor will discuss your health, safety, daily support needs and current living situation before confirming whether you are approved for residential aged care. Many people still know this as an ACAT assessment. Your approval letter will explain which services you are eligible to access and may include referral codes.

Next step: Contact My Aged Care to arrange an assessment, then speak with Helping Hand about available homes and next steps.

Transition Care, also known as TCP, offers up to 12 weeks of short-term support to help older people recover safely after a hospital stay. Support may include physiotherapy, personal care, nursing and help returning home. Hospital staff can help arrange an assessment while you are still an inpatient, or you can contact My Aged Care yourself.

Next step: Speak with hospital discharge staff as early as possible, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or contact Helping Hand to discuss available home support options.