Are you trying to access aged care services for yourself or a loved one? Are you new to the aged care system and don’t know where to start? Then follow our simple step-by-step guide for tips on how to get started.

1. Discover what services best fit you or your loved one’s needs

There are a number of aged care services available to access as we get older and our support needs change. Discovering the types of services best suited to you or your loved one is the first step in maintaining a good quality of life, and can look like:

• Residential Aged Care

If you or your loved one are having difficulty living independently, or have changing care needs that require 24/7 support, then moving into a Residential Aged Care home may be the best option to receive expert care in a supportive, safe environment. Warrigal has 13 award-winning Residential Aged Care homes across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Queanbeyan and Canberra regions.

• Home Services

These are services provided to you in the comfort of your own home, and can include assistance with grocery shopping, meal prepping, personal care, domestic duties (e.g. cleaning, laundry), home and lawn maintenance – the list goes on! Warrigal’s expert team currently provides Home Services across the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Goulburn and Queanbeyan.

• Respite Care

Respite Care packages can include support for short periods of time to provide a well-deserved break for yourself and your primary carer.

2. Contact My Aged Care for an Assessment

To access subsidised aged care for the first time, you need to find out if you or your loved one are eligible to receive the services you have identified by contacting the My Aged Care Team.

• Check your eligibility

Check your eligibility online or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to talk about your support needs.

• Apply for an assessment

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for an assessment online.

• Attend your assessment

If your application is successful, you will be referred for an assessment. Assessments are done in person, in your own home, or over the phone or in hospital if the situation arises.

• Receive your support plan

After your assessment you will receive an assessment result, and if you are eligible for services, a support plan. Your support plan outlines the services that you are eligible for, and the information you need to access these services.

3. Arrange your Services

Now that you have completed your assessment and received your support plan, it is time to find a provider.

Warrigal offers a variety of services, including Home Services, Residential Aged Care, Respite, Community Villages, and social support at Warrigal Social across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Queanbeyan, and Canberra regions.

For more information about our services, and how to get started with us, contact our friendly Customer Relations team today by emailing customer.relations@warrigal.com.au or call 1800 927 744.