Aged care services

There are a range of aged care services available in the Top End and Central Australia.

Aged care assessment program

This program provides support for people who are frail aged, and have complex needs, to stay at home and in the community.

This is aimed at non-Indigenous people 65 years and over, and Indigenous people 50 years and over.

The program assesses people for eligibility and approval for the following Australian Government services:

• residential aged care
• residential respite
• home care packages
• transition care program for older people after a hospital stay.

For more information call the Australian Government's Aged Care Centre on 1800 200 422.

Or go to the myagedcare website.

Psychogeriatric service

This service aims to help clients with age-related mental issues, such as any of the following:

• dementia
• depression, anxiety and mood disorders
• late onset schizophrenia
• psychosis
• organic brain-related disorders.

The psychogeriatric service provides the following:

• early intervention services
• assessments
• case management
• help through development plans
• education and advice to service providers.

This service is for non-Indigenous people who are 60 years and over, and Indigenous people who are 50 years and over.

For more information contact the psychogeriatic service:

• Top End Aged Care Unit: (08) 8922 7392
• Central Australia Aged Care Unit: (08) 8951 5248.

Aged care equipment

The Australian Government Home and Support Program helps people by loaning basic equipment such as the following:

• showering aids
• toileting aids
• transfer aids
• mobility aids
• home modifications such as grab rails, hand rails and ramps.

An occupational therapist or a physiotherapist will determine if you need equipment or a home modification.

This service is available for Indigenous people 50 years and over, and non-Indigenous people 65 years and over.

For more information call the Office of Disability on 1800 139 656.

Memory service

This service provides a diagnostic pathway and support to people with cognitive impairment.

The team includes the community geriatrician, the Commonwealth Home Support Program dementia nurse and an occupational therapist.

Find out more about dementia services in the Northern Territory.