Everyone deserves to be healthy, live well and have the right to self-determination. By understanding the information and services available, you can increase your choices and control how you engage with the health and aged care systems.
Topics below include Australian Government-funded aged care services, My Aged Care, elder abuse, advocacy services and legal support.
Aged care provides support to older people to help them with everyday living and other needs. Government-funded aged care services include in-home care (care in your home), residential care in aged care (nursing) homes, and short-term care such as respite care.
Find more information here.
You can find more information about Navigating Aged Care in Australia here.
Types of aged care services
Care in your home
Residential care in aged care (nursing) homes
Short-term care
My Aged Care is your starting point to access government-funded aged care services. They have a range of resources and information to help you navigate the aged care system (external links below open in new tabs).
To access services, you need to check your eligibility and apply for an assessment online or by calling 1800 200 422.
Find information about accessing My Aged Care and generally navigating aged care in Australia here.
A search tool to help you locate service providers in your area here.
Access digital aged care information booklets, brochures, guides and checklists here. Some resources are also available in hard copy.
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single or repeated act (or lack of appropriate action) occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, causing harm or distress to an older person”.
It can take many forms, including psychological, financial, physical, sexual and emotional abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglectful abuse.
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing elder abuse, you can learn how to recognise the signs and what you can do if elder abuse is occurring. There are legal and emotional support services that can help you.
You may not be currently experiencing or witnessing elder abuse, but it’s important to know what you can do, should the situation arise for you or your loved ones.
Find Queensland Government information and resources here.
Download a guide to recognising risk factors and red flags for elder abuse when talking to older people on the phone.
If you’re experiencing any form of abuse, there are people you can talk to, who can help you.
If you’re concerned that an older person in your life may be experiencing abuse, find out how to help them access services and support by contacting the services below.
If you or anyone you know are feeling threatened or unsafe call Triple Zero (000).
The Queensland Elder Abuse Helpline is a confidential service providing information, support and referral for anyone experiencing or witnessing elder abuse.
A free case management service in Queensland providing assistance to those at risk of or experiencing elder abuse, through individualised support and referral. Operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm.
There are free legal advice services available to you if you’re experiencing or witnessing elder abuse.
Caxton Legal Centre provide a free legal and social work support service for older persons experiencing elder abuse including mistreatment, neglect or financial exploitation. Operates Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm.
Compass is an elder abuse navigation website delivered by Elder Abuse Action Australia. The website provides information and resources to understand, prevent and respond to elder abuse and has a tool to find service providers.
Dealing with complex legal matters such as the loss of a spouse or property relocation can be difficult and costly. There are many organisations providing legal services to older people at low or no cost, so everyone has access to effective legal support regardless of their circumstances.
Caxton Legal Centre provide a free legal and social work support service for older persons experiencing elder abuse including mistreatment, neglect or financial exploitation. Operates Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm.
An organisation providing free legal advice and other supporting services.
A Queensland Government-funded organisation providing help to financially disadvantaged people with legal problems including family and domestic violence, consumer rights, family law, and anti-discrimination.
ADA Australia provides a legal and advocacy service for adults with guardianship and administration matters as well as enduring powers of attorney and advance health directives.
A legal firm specialised in providing Veterans and their families with access to quality legal services. They are based in Clontarf.
Essential information
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We would like to express our gratitude to all the healthy ageing advocates, including people living with dementia, older people, families, carers and health professionals, who contributed to the development of this portal. Thank you for sharing your stories and transferring your knowledge to make this portal purposeful and meaningful to support people in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.