When you get the feeling it’s all getting too much and you know you need more supports for your parent or loved one, most of us don’t know where to start.

Maybe its small changes—they’re walking more slowly, they’re saying they’re tired all the time even though they’re not doing much, or they’re calling on you all the time because things are becoming harder to manage. Or it may be something more sudden, like a fall or hospital stay.

Either way, the first step into the aged care system is through My Aged Care—however for many people, that’s where confusion starts.

Step 1: Making contact

You (or your loved one) can register online or by phone. This creates a record and starts the process.

They need to give their consent, so it’s easier if you can physically sit and do it together.

Step 2: Screening and assessment

From here, an assessment is arranged to understand what support is needed. This may be:

• A basic assessment for entry-level services

• Or a more comprehensive assessment (such as ACAS) for higher-level support

This is a simple process but depending on where you’re living it can be a long wait for the appointment

Step 3: Understanding what’s available

Depending on the outcome, support may include:

• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

• Support at Home (SAH), including ongoing home support, Restorative care, End-of-Life Pathway and AT-HM Scheme

• Aged Care Home (ongoing residential aged care)

• Residential Respite (short-term residential aged care)

Step 4 Connect with suitable aged Care providers

There are two ways to do this;

1. Your assessor refers you

With your consent during the assessment your assessor will have sent a referral to the relevant provider/s and that prompts them to call you

2. You refer yourself or your parent. To do that, you need to find a provider and give them the reference information on your outcome letter

Where families get stuck

Many people:

• Wait too long to start

• Downplay how much help is actually needed

• Assume services will be immediate

In reality, delays are common—which is why early action matters.

What you can do now

Even while waiting for funded services, you can:

• Seek private supports

• Engage an Occupational Therapist early

• Address safety risks at home before they become urgent

The key takeaway:

Seeking support early is not about “needing aged care.” It’s about introducing supports proactively rather than reactively, helping older people maintain independence, reduce risk, and continue living safely, confidently, and well at home for longer.