Introducing My Aged Care

Among the many shocking observations raised in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was the ‘frightening, confronting and confusing’ telephone and internet-based national aged care entry system called My Aged Care.

My Aged Care remains even after the March 2021 release of the final report by the Royal Commission, but there is some help in the form of navigation services within Services Australia offices.

My Aged Care was established in 2014 in partial response to a Productivity Commission recommendation following its 2011 Caring for Older Australians inquiry.

What was supposed to be a visible and user-friendly entry point for people’s early searches to make aged care more accessible, and the main vehicle for providing people with advice about aged care in Australia, is often a source of frustration at a time when people are already stressed and confused about their options.

So why would you need it?

For many people My Aged Care is the first point of call when, possibly after considerable angst, you put your hand up for help. It is hard to avoid if you are entering the aged care system.