Aged care jargon — in plain English

The team of health professionals who formally assess whether someone is eligible for government-funded aged care services and at what level.

The federal regulator of aged care — responsible for auditing providers, investigating complaints, and taking enforcement action against providers who fail to meet quality standards. Complaints: 1800 951 822.

The package of changes to Australia's aged care system introduced through the Aged Care Act 2024, commencing 1 November 2025.

A legal document where a person records their wishes about future medical treatment in case they lose capacity to make decisions. Rules vary by state.

The legislation that replaced the old Aged Care Act 1997, introducing the new Support at Home program, a Statement of Rights, and stronger regulation of providers.

The funding model for residential aged care — replaces the old ACFI system. Funding is allocated based on a resident's assessed care needs using the AN-ACC classification tool.

Separate funding within the Support at Home program for equipment (like wheelchairs or shower chairs) and home modifications (like grab rails or ramps) — comes from a different budget to regular care services.

The daily fee charged to all residential aged care residents — set at 85% of the single basic Age Pension ($65.55/day as at 1 November 2025, indexed March and September). Covers day-to-day living costs like meals, cleaning, and laundry.

The fee a Support at Home provider charges to coordinate a person's care plan and services. Legally capped at 10% of the quarterly budget under the Aged Care Rules 2025.

Entry-level government-funded support for older Australians — basic services like cleaning, meals, transport, and personal care — without needing a full aged care assessment. Often used while waiting for a Home Care Package.

The level (1–8) assigned to a Support at Home participant by ACAT, which determines the quarterly funding amount. Based on assessed functional needs.

The portion of Support at Home service costs that the person receiving care pays themselves, based on their pension status and income. Clinical services have zero co-contribution. Independence and Everyday Living services attract a co-contribution.

The ongoing daily fee option for residential aged care accommodation — an alternative to paying the RAD (lump sum). DAP is calculated as a percentage of the RAD.

Legal authority for someone to make personal and lifestyle decisions (not financial) on behalf of a person who has lost capacity. Called different things in different states — in NSW it's an Enduring Guardianship, in VIC an Enduring Power of Attorney (personal).

The former name for government-funded home care packages (Levels 1–4), replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025. Still referred to as HCP in older documents and by some providers.

The assessment tool used by ACAT assessors to determine a person's Support at Home classification level. It has 13 sections covering function, physical health, cognition, psychological state, social engagement, and home safety.

The financial assessment done by Services Australia to determine how much a residential aged care resident pays toward their accommodation and care costs, based on income and assets.

The interest rate used to calculate the daily accommodation payment (DAP) equivalent of a refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) in residential care. Set by the government.

The Australian Government's central entry point for aged care — the website and phone service (1800 200 422) where you register, request assessments, and find providers.

The government scheme for people under 65 with permanent and significant disability — separate from the aged care system. People over 65 generally access aged care services rather than NDIS.

A free, independent advocacy service for people receiving aged care — they can attend meetings with providers on your behalf, help with complaints, and explain your rights. Phone: 1800 700 600.

A legal document giving another person authority to make decisions on your behalf — financial, personal, or both. An Enduring POA continues to apply if the person loses mental capacity.

A lump sum payment for accommodation in residential aged care — fully refundable when the resident leaves (minus any agreed deductions). An alternative to paying the DAP daily fee.

The service that conducts assessments for entry-level CHSP support — less comprehensive than a full ACAT assessment. RAS was replaced by a single assessment system under the Aged Care Act 2024.

The mandatory reporting system requiring residential aged care providers to report serious incidents (including abuse, falls causing injury, and unexpected deaths) to the ACQSC.

The publicly available rating system for residential aged care homes — 1 to 5 stars — based on compliance, staffing levels, resident experience surveys, and quality indicators. Available at My Aged Care.

The formal statement of rights for people receiving aged care under the Aged Care Act 2024 — covering dignity, decision-making, safety, complaints, and cultural identity. Providers must act consistently with it.

The new home care program that replaced Home Care Packages and CHSP from 1 November 2025. It has 8 classification levels with quarterly budgets, separate AT-HM funding, and a 10% care management fee cap.

Short-term support (up to 12 weeks) after a hospital stay for older Australians — providing nursing, allied health, and personal care while they recover. Must be arranged before hospital discharge.