© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions
Having helped many Australians with their care needs for 34 years, I am mindful that newcomers to the world of aged care and disability care are not necessarily familiar with the territory.
So let's get down to understanding how the provision of care is broadly organised in Australia.
Just a note from the outset, the Australian Federal Government subsidises care for eligible Australians. Latest figures show the Federal Government spends around $18 billion on aged care and $21.5 billion on disability care, annually.
In providing care subsidies, the Federal Government divides the world of care by age, namely whether you are under 65 years of age or over 65 years of age.
Under 65 Years
If you are under 65 years of age and seek government subsidised care, you need to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to establish if you are eligible to receive government subsidised disability support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You will be assessed for your eligibility.
Over 65 Years
If you are over 65 years of age and seek government subsided care, you need to contact My Aged Care to establish if you are eligible to receive government subsidised aged care support.
My Aged Care
Established in July 2013 and funded by the Federal Department of Health, My Aged Care was created to help people navigate the aged care system, find information and connect with aged care service providers.
My Aged Care provides:
A person eligible to receive government subsidised aged care services is called a "my aged care client".
For my information visit: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au or phone 1800 200 422.
NDIS
Established in March 2013 and funded by both Federal and State/Territory Governments, the NDIS was created to help people with permanent and significant disabilities with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life.
After a three-year trial period, the scheme started to rollout across Australia in 2016. The scheme is run by the Federal Government agency, the NDIA.
The NDIS provides:
A person eligible to receive government-funded disability support is called "a participant".
For more information visit: https://www.ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110.
What Happens When an NDIS Participant Turns 65 Years of Age?
If you are an NDIS participant and turn 65, you are given a choice as to whether you wish to continue to receive support through the NDIS or wish to change to receiving support through My Aged Care.
If you choose to remain with the NDIS, your support will continue. However, this support will be transferred to My Aged Care under either of the following two circumstances:
In Closing
As mentioned in prior blogs, the care sector is a difficult one to navigate. It is the very reason why I set up DR Care Solutions. I represent you as an independent Advocate in making sure you set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one, at the right time and in the right place.
If you seek aged care or disability care solutions, please feel free to contact me, Danielle Robertson at DR Care Solutions, for an initial discussion.