Eligibility/Application for Retirement Homes

Your eligibility. Retirement homes are generally offered to seniors, but it may vary in age requirement: 55+, 60+ or 65+. Some are more specific: “seniors who require rent-geared-to-income,” “seniors who are able to live independently” “seniors with limited incomes who are able to live independently,” ”elderly women on their own who have a physician's certificate stating their ability to care for themselves,” “seniors who are reasonably mobile,” or “all senior citizens and people with disabilities.”

In order to establish if you are eligible for a government supported place in a residential aged care facility you need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). ACATs are teams of health professionals who provide assistance and advice for older people struggling to cope with home living. ACATs provide free assessments of your lifestyle and health needs and suggest the best option available for you. ACAT will determine the residential aged care best for you.

Application. Complete an application form which is available from the Department of Health and Ageing website, your local ACAT, the Aged and Community Care Info Line, or Commonwealth Carelink Centres. Secure several copies if you wish to send applications to all the aged care homes you have considered.