Aged care organisations in Australia - quick reference list

Trying to co-ordinate services and get the help you need can be confusing. A number of key organisations will be able to help you.

Aged Care Assessment Teams

Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) help carers and older people find and organise aged care services in their area. An ACAT assessment is needed before accessing government aged care services. 
www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au
Call 1800 200 422.

Carers Australia 

Carers Australia works with carers associations in each state and territory to provide help and support to carers by way of counselling, advice, education and training. 
www.carersaustralia.com.au 
Call 1800 200 422.

Centrelink 

Centrelink can provide information on carer payments and allowances, referral to Home and Community Care Programs and other services in the community. Centrelink can assist carers by helping them make decisions regarding care options and help with any financial concerns.
www.centrelink.gov.au
Call 13 27 17

Commonwealth Carelink Centres

Commonwealth Carelink Centres provide a point of contact for carers, older people and professionals to link them to information on community care and other services available around Australia. You can get information on local services in your area and information about eligibility and costs of aged care services.
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au
Free call 1800 200 422.

Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres

Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres give support, information and counselling to carers. Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres help carers find services and support groups in the local area.
www.carersaustralia.com.au
Free call 1800 1800 052 222.

Department of Veterans Affairs 

The Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) has community advisors in all capital cities and other areas who can give advice and information to veterans and their spouses about pensions, health care entitlements and community health services.
www.dva.gov.au
Call 13 32 54

Independent Living Centres 

Independent Living Centres around Australia showcase equipment, home care aids and assistive technology that helps keep people independent and safe in the home for longer. Independent Living Centres give advice about suppliers and provide fact sheets comparing different products and brands. 
www.ilcaustralia.org
Call 1300 885 886

Office of The Public Guardian

The office of the public guardian act as substitute decision makers for people or families that need help making decisions for someone with reduced capacity.
www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Call (02) 9265 3184

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 

For information about medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
www.pbs.gov.au 

Public Trustee NSW 

Provide information regarding wills and attorney services.
www.pt.nsw.gov.au
Call 1300 364 103

The Aged Care Rights Service (TARS)

This service promotes the rights of older people receiving aged care services and can help ageing people through The National Aged Care Advocacy Program with making complaints or protecting their rights.
www.tars.com.au
Call (02) 9281 3600

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency 

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency monitors the standards of government funded aged care homes around Australia. Contact the agency to make a complaint or comment about an aged care home.
www.accreditation.org.au 
Call 1800 288 025