Aged care

Last updated: 21 July 2026

Learn about aged care options, what they cost, and how to plan ahead.

Where to start

As you get older, your care needs may change. You may want support at home or be considering a move into residential aged care.

It can help to talk with family, friends or someone you trust about what matters most to you.

You can also contact My Aged Care. They can:

• explain your options
• check if you're eligible
• arrange an assessment of your care needs
• provide information about costs and fees.

It's a good idea to plan ahead, as some aged care services have waiting lists.

To talk through your options, you can speak to an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at a Services Australia service centre. Call 1800 227 475, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, to book a free face-to-face appointment.

Care and help at home

If you want to stay in your home for as long as possible, the government offers subsidised home care.

Home care can help with everyday tasks like shopping, cooking and transport. It can also help with personal care and nursing support.

There are 2 types of home care:

• Entry level support — the Commonwealth Home Support Program is for people who mostly manage on their own but need help with a few everyday tasks, like cleaning, meals or transport.
• Ongoing support — the Support at Home program is for people who need regular or more complex help, such as personal care, nursing support or help with daily activities.

What you pay

You may need to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to. The amount you pay depends on the program, the support you receive and your personal circumstances.

Find out more about current fees and contributions at My Aged Care.

If you can't afford to pay, you may be able to get financial hardship assistance.

Residential aged care

If you cannot live at home, you may choose to move into a residential aged care home. This is sometimes called a nursing home or residential aged care facility. Care is available 24 hours a day. You may stay for a short time or move in permanently.

What you pay

If you move into an aged care home, you may need to pay:

• a basic daily fee — a standard amount everyone pays
• means tested fee — an amount that will vary depending on your income and assets
• accommodation costs — the cost of your room
• extra costs based on your finances and optional extra services chosen — these costs can help cover everyday living and care services.

When you first move into aged care matters.

• If you moved in before 1 November 2025, you usually keep the same types of fees under the ‘no worse off’ rule.
• If you moved in on or after 1 November 2025, new fee rules apply. 

If you can't afford some costs, you may be able to get financial hardship assistance..

Accommodation payment

The accommodation payment can be one of your biggest costs. 

You can pay it in different ways:

• refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) — a lump sum you pay upfront. The aged care home refunds the balance when you leave, but a retention amount may apply for some people who moved in on or after 1 November 2025
• daily accommodation payment (DAP) — a daily amount you pay instead of a lump sum 
• combination — part RAD and part DAP.

Read more about accommodation payments and contributions. 

Selling or keeping your family home

You may be thinking about selling the family home or using its value to pay the RAD. Or you may consider renting out your home to help cover the DAP.

You pay the daily amount until you pay a refundable deposit. The RAD can be paid in full or part at any time after you enter care. From 1 November 2025, a retention amount may reduce the refundable balance for some people.

Professional financial advice can help you compare your options.

What you do with your home can affect your Age Pension.

If you sell the home, its value counts towards the Age Pension assets test.

If you rent out your home, its value may count towards the Age Pension assets and income tests, depending on when you moved into aged care.

If you keep your home and do not rent it out, it is exempt from the Age Pension assets test for 2 years after you moved into aged care. This may differ if you are, or were, part of a couple.

You can contact a Services Australia Financial Information Service (FIS) officer for more information.

Short-term help

Short-term care is available at home or in an aged care home.

There are different types of care:

• transition care (after-hospital care) — support to help you recover after a hospital stay
• respite care — care for a short time when you and your carer need a break (a few hours, a few days, or longer)
• restorative care — short-term support to help you regain your independence.

Private retirement accommodation

There are also private retirement accommodation options, separate from government-subsidised aged care homes. With private accommodation, you pay the full cost yourself.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has information about types and costs of retirement homes.