Getting Started with My Aged Care: A Simple Guide

April 20, 2026

by admin
Reading Time: 5 minutes

Navigating the Australian aged care system for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking into support for a parent, a partner, or yourself, this guide walks you through the essentials: what to look out for, how My Aged Care works, and what to expect along the way.

Signs It Might Be Time to Seek Support

Recognising when extra help is needed is often the hardest part. Many older adults prefer to stay independent, and families may hesitate to step in too early. However, waiting too long can make things more difficult.

It’s not always obvious when extra help would make a meaningful difference. Here are some signs to look out for:

Struggling with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, bathing, or getting dressed
Difficulty moving around safely at home, frequent falls, or near-misses
A recent illness, hospitalisation, or surgery that has affected independence
Feeling isolated, lonely, or mentally overwhelmed by day-to-day life
Memory lapses or confusion that affect daily routines
Difficulty managing medications or appointments
Family or carers are concerned and finding it hard to provide enough support

If these changes are starting to impact quality of life, it may be time to explore aged care support services in Australia.

The earlier you register with My Aged Care, the better placed you’ll be to access services when you need them. Waiting until a crisis point often means decisions are made under pressure, and the right supports may not be in place quickly enough.

"Engaging in aged care services is not about giving up independence, it's about protecting it for longer."

What My Aged Care Is and How to Contact Them

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s official entry point for accessing aged care services. It helps older Australians and their families connect with approved service providers.

Through My Aged Care, you can:

Find out what types of aged care support are available
Register for an assessment of your needs
Search for approved service providers in your area
Manage your aged care profile and referrals online

You can get started by:

Visiting the website: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au
Calling 1800 200 422 to speak with the My Aged Care contact centre

Translating and interpreting services are available if English is not your first language, simply ask when you call.

When you make first contact, you’ll be asked about your situation, your health, and the kinds of tasks you’re finding difficult. From there, they’ll help determine the right type of assessment and next steps. The call usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and it helps to have Medicare details nearby.

Understanding the Aged Care Journey

The My Aged Care process follows a structured pathway, but it can feel complex if you are unfamiliar with the system.

Here is a simple overview:

Initial Registration
You register with My Aged Care online or over the phone.
Screening Process
Basic information is collected to understand your situation.
Assessment Referral
You are referred foran assessment to understand your care needs.
Assessment Outcome
You may be approved for services such as:
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Support at Home Packages (Levels 1 to 8)
- Residential aged care

Choosing Providers
You select service providers based on your needs, location, and preferences.
Receiving Care
Services begin and can be adjusted as your needs change over time.

What Is an ACAT Assessment and How to Prepare

An ACAT assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team) is required if you need access to higher-level care, including Support at Home Packages or entry into repsite or residential aged care.

What to Expect

A trained assessor will visit your home to understand your overall situation, including:

Physical health and mobility
Ability to manage daily living tasks
Cognitive health and memory
Support network and living environment

The assessment is free, voluntary, and carried out by a qualified health professional such as a nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist. It typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes and can take place in your home, a hospital, or another care setting.

How to Prepare for an ACAT Assessment

Preparation helps ensure the assessment reflects your actual needs:

Keep a list of current medications and medical conditions
Have recent medical reports or discharge summaries ready
Think about which daily tasks have become more difficult be specific and honest
Include a family member or carer in the conversation
Think ahead about the kind of support that would make life easier

While it can be difficult to talk honestly about the challenges you’re experiencing, it is important to be completely honest with the assessor to ensure you receive a level of support that will meet your needs. The assessor is there to understand your situation fully so that the right supports can be recommended, so being open and detailed in your responses will result in a more accurate outcome.

Following the assessment, you’ll receive a letter outlining the findings and any approvals. If the outcome doesn’t seem to reflect your actual needs, you have the right to request a review.

When Families Benefit from Additional Guidance

Many families begin the process independently but find themselves overwhelmed by how complex the system is. Aged Care in Australia involves multiple steps, departments, organisations, service options, and decisions that can feel difficult without having in-depth knowledge of how one choice will impact your outcomes compared to a different choice.

Here are the situations where having expert support alongside you makes the most difference:

You want to prepare properly for an ACAT assessment
You are comparing providers and services
You want to avoid delays or missed opportunities
You’ve had a poor experience with a current home care provider and want to explore your options
You’d like to better understand aged care costs and financial information
You don’t have a close-knit support network
Family members are not in agreement about the right path forward, or there is uncertainty about what options exist
A sudden health event such as a fall, stroke, or hospital admission means decisions need to be made quickly and under pressure

Working with independent aged care experts can simplify the process and help you be empowered to make informed decisions.

How My Care Journey Supports You

An aged care navigation service like My Care Journey exists precisely for these moments. Rather than working through the system alone fielding provider calls, trying to compare services, and deciphering government paperwork you can have someone with current, in-depth knowledge do that work alongside you. From the first conversation with My Aged Care to choosing the right provider, the goal is to find clarity in complexity and empower your on your journey.

“It’s a real privilege to support people through their aged care journey. When someone comes to us feeling confused, frustrated or unsure, and we’re able to help them find clarity and achieve the outcome they’re hoping for, that’s exactly why we do what we do. Those moments bring our whole team so much joy.” - Zabe Sharpcat, General Manager

If you’re unsure where to begin, the best first step is a conversation. My Care Journey’s team is available to talk through your situation; no jargon, no pressure, and no obligation. Whether you are just starting out or need help at a specific stage, having the right guidance can save time, reduce stress, and ensure better outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Starting the aged care journey is never easy, but understanding how Aged Care in Australia works can make a significant difference. By recognising early signs, preparing for assessments, and seeking the right support, families can make confident decisions that improve quality of life.

Taking the first step early gives you more control, more options, and more time to plan the right care. And if it all feels a little overwhelming, working with a navigation service like My Care Journey can help make the whole process clearer, simpler and far less stressful.