Glossary
Aged care is full of jargon. Here’s what it all means in plain English.
A
ACAT / Aged Care Assessment Team
The old name for the teams that assessed whether someone was eligible for aged care. Under the new system (from November 2025), assessments are done differently, but you might still hear people use “ACAT.”
Advance Care Directive
A legal document where you write down your wishes for future health and personal care, in case you’re unable to make decisions later. Different states have different rules about these. Also sometimes called an “advance care plan.”
Aged Care Act 2024
The new law governing aged care in Australia, replacing the 1997 Act. It started on 1 November 2025 and puts older people’s rights at the centre of the system.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
ACQSC
The independent body that monitors and regulates aged care providers. They handle complaints, conduct audits, and can sanction providers who don’t meet standards.
Allied health
Health professionals other than doctors and nurses, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, podiatrists, and dietitians.
Assistive technology
Equipment or devices that help someone live more independently. Examples include walking frames, shower chairs, hearing aids, and medication reminders. Can be funded through Support at Home.
B
Basic daily fee
A standard daily fee everyone pays in residential aged care. It covers everyday living costs like meals, laundry, and utilities. Set by the government at approximately 85% of the single basic age pension.
C
Care management
The coordination of your aged care services — things like planning your care, organising providers, and reviewing your needs. Under Support at Home, providers can charge a maximum of 10% of your budget for care management.
CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Programme)
A separate, more basic home care program that provides entry-level services like occasional cleaning, transport, or social support. It will eventually merge into Support at Home, but not until at least 1 July 2027.
Classification
Under Support at Home, your “classification” is your funding level (1 to 8). It’s determined during your assessment and is based on how much help you need. Higher classifications mean more complex needs and more funding.
Clinical care
Health services provided by qualified professionals — nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry, etc. Under Support at Home, you pay no personal contribution for clinical care, regardless of income.
Complaints Commissioner
A new independent role created under the Aged Care Act 2024. The Complaints Commissioner handles complaints about aged care services and has stronger powers than the old complaints process.
D
DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment)
A way to pay for your room in a residential aged care home through daily rental payments, rather than a lump sum. You can also split it — paying part as a lump sum and the rest as a DAP.
Dementia
A term for a group of conditions that affect the brain, causing a decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type. Many aged care services provide specialised dementia care.
E
Everyday living services
Under Support at Home, these are non-clinical domestic services like cleaning, gardening, laundry, meal prep, and shopping assistance. They attract higher personal contributions than clinical or independence services.
H
Higher everyday living fee
An optional fee in residential care for premium services — better food, more activities, nicer rooms. You only pay this if you choose these extras. Replaced the old “additional” and “extra service” fees from November 2025.
Home Care Package (HCP)
The old system for government-funded home care, with 4 levels of funding. Replaced by Support at Home on 1 November 2025. If you were on a Home Care Package, you’ve been automatically moved to the new system.
Home modification
Changes to your home to make it safer or more accessible — things like grab rails, ramps, wider doorways, or stair lifts. Can be funded through Support at Home.
I
IAT (Integrated Assessment Tool)
The new assessment tool used to determine your aged care needs and funding classification. It replaced the old ACAT system. It’s been criticised by some clinicians for its accuracy, but it’s what assessors currently use.
Independence services
Under Support at Home, these include personal care (help with showering, dressing), assistive technology, home modifications, transport, and social support. They attract moderate personal contributions.
M
Means test
An assessment of your income and assets by Services Australia to determine how much you contribute towards aged care costs. It doesn’t affect your eligibility — only how much you pay.
My Aged Care
The Australian Government’s main entry point for aged care services. It’s a website and phone line (1800 200 422) where you register, get assessed, and find providers. It’s your starting point for everything.
N
“No worse off” principle
A protection for people who were assessed for aged care before 12 September 2024. It means you won’t pay more under the new system than you would have under the old one. Sometimes called “grandfathering.”
O
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network)
A free, independent, confidential advocacy service for older Australians. They help with complaints, rights issues, and navigating the system. Call 1800 700 600.
P
Personal care
Help with personal tasks like showering, dressing, toileting, eating, and grooming. This is one of the most common aged care services and is classified as an “independence service” under Support at Home.
Price caps
Government-set maximum prices for Support at Home services, coming into effect on 1 July 2026. After this date, providers can’t charge above the cap for each service type.
Provider
An organisation that delivers aged care services. Can be a not-for-profit, government, or private company. You choose your provider — nobody assigns one to you. You can compare them on the My Aged Care website.
Q
Quarterly budget
Under Support at Home, your annual funding is divided into four equal payments, one per quarter. You can carry over a limited amount of unspent funds to the next quarter.
R
RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit)
A lump-sum payment for your room in a residential aged care home. It’s fully refundable when you leave (minus any agreed deductions, up to 2% per year for a max of 5 years). You can also pay via daily rental (DAP) or a combination.
Respite care
Short-term care in a residential aged care home, usually while a carer takes a break or after a hospital stay. You can access up to 63 subsidised days per financial year, with the option to extend if needed.
Royal Commission into Aged Care
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (2018–2021) investigated serious problems in the aged care system. Its recommendations led to the reforms now being implemented, including the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home.
S
Services Australia
The government agency (formerly Centrelink) that conducts means tests for aged care fees. They assess your income and assets to determine your financial contributions.
Star Ratings
A government quality rating system for residential aged care homes, from 1 to 5 stars. Based on residents’ experience, compliance, staffing levels, and quality measures. Publicly available on the My Aged Care website.
Statement of Rights
A set of legally enforceable rights for aged care recipients, introduced under the Aged Care Act 2024. Includes the right to safe care, dignity, autonomy, privacy, and making your own decisions. Providers are legally required to uphold these.
Support at Home
The new government-funded home care program that replaced Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025. It has 8 funding classifications, quarterly budgets, and capped care management fees. Read our full guide.
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