What should I do if an older person's needs become urgent while waiting?

If an older person’s health, safety or ability to manage at home worsens while they are waiting for an assessment, funding or services, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. If an assessment is already underway, you can also contact the assessment organisation directly.

Be specific about what has changed, for example:

• recent falls or hospital visits

• difficulty eating, bathing, dressing or taking medication

• worsening memory, confusion or wandering

• the loss or exhaustion of a family carer

• the person being unsafe when left alone

• a risk of homelessness, neglect or abuse

My Aged Care may help arrange urgent services, organise a reassessment or determine whether the person’s priority should be reviewed. People approved for Support at Home may also receive interim funding equal to 60% of their full ongoing budget while waiting for the remaining funding, although this is not guaranteed in every case.

For urgent medical concerns, contact the person’s GP, an after-hours medical service 

Always call 000 in an emergency. 

For emergency respite when a carer can no longer safely continue, contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

Families can also ask providers whether temporary private services are available while government-funded support is being arranged. These services generally need to be paid for privately and may not be reimbursed later.