Additional aged care supports

Access our guide, ‘Aged care supports in Victoria’

Many Victorians are eligible to receive a combination of government-funded, community, and private supports. The following programs may complement, or in some cases substitute for, the major funded programs.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is a separate program from the aged care system. It supports Australians of any age who have a permanent, significant disability, but you must be under 65 when you first apply. If you are already a NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can choose to remain on NDIS or transition to aged care. You cannot enter the NDIS for the first time after turning 65, and you cannot receive both aged care and NDIS supports.

Veterans: Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

Eligible veterans and their dependants may access a broad range of free or subsidised health and home care services through DVA, including:

• Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) programme.
• Community nursing.
• Aids, appliances and home modifications.
• Respite care.
• DVA home support packages for Gold and White card holders.

Medicare and your GP

Your GP is a central figure in connecting you with health and aged care services. Through Medicare you may access:

• Chronic Disease Management plans, which include up to five allied health visits per year.
• Mental health treatment plans.
• Dementia assessment and specialist support.
• Continence management programs.
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
• Community nursing via Medicare.

Victorian State Government Programs

The Victorian Government funds a range of programs that work alongside federal aged care services:

• State-funded home support for specific populations.
• Carer support programs and respite services.
• Housing and homelessness assistance.
• Mental health community teams.
• Palliative care and end-of-life services.
• Seniors’ Card discounts and concessions.

Support for Carers

Unpaid carers, such as family members, partners, and friends who provide support, are entitled to support. Services are free and do not require the person you care for to be involved.

• Free counselling and coaching for carers.
• Respite care, both planned and emergency.
• Peer support groups.
• Carer Payment and Allowance through Centrelink.

Community and Not-for-Profit Services

Many local organisations provide free or low-cost support, often without assessment or waiting lists:

• Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria programs, including the free COTAWise information line: 1300 13 50 90.
• Elder Rights Australia supports older people, their families and representatives in Victoria with issues related to aged care services. Their service is free, confidential, and independent. They can be reached at 1800 700 600.
• Charitable organisations, such as Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul, and Uniting.
• Volunteer transport and visiting programs.
• Men’s Sheds, seniors’ social groups, and friendship programs.

Residential Aged Care

For people who can no longer be safely supported at home, residential aged care is an option. This requires a local Single Assessment Service assessment. Placement may be permanent or for short-term respite. Government subsidies apply, and a means-tested fee may be payable. Dementia-specific and specialist units are available.

For quality concerns, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission at: 1800 951 822, or Elders Rights Advocacy (1800 700 600).

Foundational Supports

Foundational Supports are specific supports outside the NDIS – updates on the rollout can be found here. The supports will seek to improve access to evidence-based information, help build skills, improve confidence, and independence, develop connections between peers and within the community, improve service and resource access, and help community organisations become more inclusive and accessible.