Whilst the cost of aged care can vary from one individual to another depending on their financial situation, the government also subsidises aged care services and assessments.
You’ve likely come across a mix of aged care funding, assessment pathways, and local support. While there are a lot of options to sort through, it is easier to get started than you think.
This guide will cover what government funding is available for aged care in WA and how to get started.
Quick Summary
- Most aged care funding in WA comes from the Australian Government.
- Funding plays an important role in aged care assessments and access pathways.
- Funding may apply to support at home, residential aged care, or short-term care.
- Understanding the assessment process is one of the first and most important steps.
- Getting the right advice early can make the process simpler and less stressful.
What Is Included in Government Aged Care Funding?
WA government aged care funding, primarily orchestrated by the Australian Government, provides:
- Funding for home care services
- Funding for residential aged care
- Help with assessments and eligibility
Individuals are required to pay fees to contribute to care based on an assessment of their financial circumstances.
The State Government has recently announced an additional $140 million will be made available to support crucial programs and initiatives, such the Time to Think Program and the Transition Care Program. These programmes are essential to provide care to people following a hospital admission whilst they await home care services to be put in place or to find residential aged care placement.
Does Aged Care Funding in WA Come from the WA Government or Australian Government?
Most direct aged care funding comes from the Australian Government. The federal government regulates and subsidises residential and home care, along with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
While federal funding is a primary source, WA government aged care funding is crucial as well.
The Australian Government is responsible for funding and regulating most aged care services across the country, including:
- Residential aged care (nursing homes)
- Support at Home Programme
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Aged Care Assessments (via My Aged Care)
The WA Government has a more limited role. It mainly contributes to:
- Some community health services
- Support programs that may complement federal aged care services
- Public hospitals and certain transitional or respite services
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Government Funded Aged Care At Home in WA
Support at Home Programme
Government-funded aged care in WA can help support older people who want to stay at home longer.
The Support at Home program aims to support older individuals who wish to stay independent at home for as long as possible.
This program helps improve access to clinical care, independence and everyday living services.
For more details on home care packages in WA, see my guide here:
https://carematchsolutions.com.au/aged-care-reform-home-care/
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is typically a lower-level entry point for older adults seeking assistance at home.
This government-subsidised program aims to help with everyday tasks, such as meals, transport, and personal cares, to promote independence.
One of the aspects I appreciate most about CHSP is that it aims to empower and enable ageing individuals.
The programme states that one of its goals is to “focus on enabling older people, rather than doing things for them”.
To determine eligibility, an assessment needs to be completed through My Aged Care. Priority is given to older individuals with the most pressing needs.
The government are planning to transition the CHSP programme into the Support at Home Programme in the future, at this stage the planned date is 1st July 2027.
How Residential Aged Care Funding Works
The Australian Government helps fund residential aged care through approved providers.
Understanding fees, eligibility, and placement options is often one of the hardest parts for families, but here’s a simplified look:
- Residents are responsible for a portion of costs, based on an assessment of their income and assets
- Additional funding may be available to help with specific needs, such as dementia and palliative care
- All residents must pay a basic daily fee to cover daily living costs, such as laundry and meals. The Basic Daily Fee is 85% of the basic Age Pension.
- Residents in higher income brackets may need to contribute additional fees toward their care and accommodation
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How Do You Qualify for Aged Care Funding in WA?
Qualifying for aged care funding begins with a My Aged Care assessment. You can complete the application yourself or on behalf of a loved one or family member.
Aged care assessments help determine what support a person is eligible for.
I recommend applying early, even if you aren’t quite sure which care pathway is right for your loved one.
Getting guidance early is crucial to avoiding delays, extra stress, and confusion.
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Common Mistakes Families Make When Researching Aged Care Funding
Sorting through all the aged care funding WA options can be incredibly complex. Understandably, it can lead to confusion and mistakes.
Here are some of the common mistakes I see being made during aged care funding research:
- Assuming all funding comes from the Government
- Confusing older home care terminology with current systems
- Not understanding the difference between in-home care and residential care funding
- Waiting too long to get guidance
- Assuming provider funding automatically means direct help for families
I’d say the biggest mistake to avoid from this list is waiting too long to seek guidance. Early research helps give your loved one the most options, reduces stress, and prevents rushed decisions.
Knowing your options also helps regain a sense of control, something that is vital during an often uncertain time.
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When to Get Guidance on Aged Care Services
I always emphasise seeking aged care guidance early, but I know that is a broad statement.
Here are some specific situations that indicate it is likely time to seek guidance on aged care funding:
- You or a family member has care needs that are changing quickly
- A hospital discharge is approaching
- The family is deciding between care at home and residential aged care
- Funding rules and eligibility feel unclear
- You and your family want personalised solutions that meet your loved one’s unique needs
I cover more tips in my guide here: When to Consider Aged Care.
How We Can Help
Aged care funding and services can feel confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
My goal as an aged care consultant is to replace uncertainty and confusion with confidence and comfort.
I aim to provide clear, honest information and caring guidance to help families:
- Make informed decisions with less stress
- Understand their options clearly
- Compare in-home care and residential aged care pathways
- Make sense of how aged care funding works in WA and next steps
- Reduce stress during a difficult time
If you need help researching home care or residential aged care funding options, our team is here to help. We can help you explore a variety of funding options to support your family’s financial needs.
