Acknowledging that it is time to transition from a fully independent lifestyle into aged care is often an overwhelming and emotional decision.

Whether circumstances changed suddenly as a result of a stroke or sudden fall or if you are planning for the future, the decision to employ aged care services should revolve around one aspect only: ensuring you or your loved one will live the best lifestyle they can get.

During this process you should first realistically consider whether you or your loved one can cope with their normal daily activities. If the answer is no, then you should evaluate what kind of help would they need and subsequently where to get it from.

With a seemingly infinite amount of choice, obtaining the right kind of help for ourselves, our friends and relatives has become exceptionally confusing. Through our comprehensive directory of products, services and facilities this page will guide you through an uncomplicated transition into elderly life.

It is often possible that an ageing person maintains their independence while still receiving aged care assistance. Where someone is able to stay in their own home there are a number of ways they can receive support.

First, it is very important that the home environment in which a senior chooses to live is appropriate for their needs. Whether home renovations or home health care aid products are necessary, there are various ways to ensure a safe and convenient space for you or your loved one.

Further, there are a variety of other support services people can receive in the comfort of their own home such as home maintenance, nursing, meal, social and financial services, transport assistance and many others. This page will allow you to access our directory of government subsidized and private aged care service providers that can help you or someone dear to you live a happy and fulfilling retirement.

If the decision is made for aged care accommodation, you will then need to assess what sort of care (level and kind) would best suit you or your loved one's needs.

Low Care Facilities

This type of facility is ideal for ageing persons who need some help (bathing, dressing and other simple activities) but do not have any complex ongoing care needs.

High Care Facilities

High Care facilities would best suit people who need 24hr nursing care.

Ageing in Place

This kind of facilities provide both low and high-care services enabling a person to access a full range of services without having to relocate (subsidies and accommodation fees may vary).

Specific Care Facilities

This sort of facility offers specialized services for conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's, continence management and also for patients with life threatening diseases with very little or no prospects of cure (palliative care).

Community Care

This type of facility provides low and/or high care services for particular groups of people such as veterans, aboriginal or specific religious groups.

Retirement Villages

Retirement villages consist of independent living units where aged care services are easily accessible within the neighborhood and are regulated by state or territory government.

Through this page you will be able to access our long directory of aged care facilities in Australia in order to find the right care for you.

While employing care is an option, it is not the only one. Often family members provide support to people who are no longer able to care for themselves. Carers can be partners, brothers, sisters, friends or children of any age full-time or a few hours a week. There are a number of courses and conferences carers can attend in order to better understand the needs of a frail aged person as well as the Australian Government standards and benefits for home aged care.

In this page you will be able to find a range of aged care course providers as well as conference locations and dates.

The Australian Government has a wide range of initiatives to guide and financially support seniors get the assistance they need. A Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre can provide you with information and advice on the care services available in your area, which may assist you. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink can be contacted on 1800 052 222 (free call) during business hours or, for emergency respite support outside standard business hours, call 1800 059 059 (free call) or the website may be accessed at http://www.commcarelink.health.gov.au/