Helpful numbers
and resources
If you or a loved one are currently receiving aged care,
knowing where to find support and having the right
resources at hand can make a huge difference.
As we get older, there’s a good chance that we’ll need a little extra help along the way. If you or a loved one are currently receiving aged care, knowing where to find support can make a huge difference. Whether it’s for emergency assistance, accessing services, or finding trusted resources, having the right numbers and contacts on hand is crucial. We’ve gathered some of the most important numbers and resources that can provide valuable support for individuals in aged care. From government hotlines to local community services, these resources ensure that you or your loved ones can navigate the complexities of aged care with confidence.
Most of the organisations listed below are available 24/7 and you can contact them for free from anywhere in Australia.
Emergency Support
Centre
Call this number if you think someone has taken an overdose, made an error with medicine or been poisoned. You can call 24/7 from anywhere in Australia.
Phone: 13 11 26
Crisis Care provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing. Additionally, they provide information and referrals for people experiencing crisis and can be contacted for advice around homelessness services. Those experiencing Family and Domestic Violence may also contact Crisis Care to discuss accommodation assistance and support services.
Phone: 13 14 50
Other Drug Hotline
This hotline provides confidential support for people struggling with addiction. You can call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24/7 for free.
Phone: 1800 250 015
1800 ELDERHelp is a free call phone number that automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the phone service in their state or territory. The phone line has been set up in collaboration with state and territory governments.
Phone: 1800 353 374
Health Concerns
Call 000 if it is an emergency, for example if you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in any part of your body.
Call this number to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24/7.
Phone: 1800 022 222
Service
13SICK - National Home Doctor offers home visit services and a doctor can come to your home when the regular GP is closed for the day.
Phone: 13 74 25
Mental Health Support
Free and confidential crisis support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from anywhere in Australia 24/7.
Phone: 13 92 76
Email: enquiries@13yarn.org.au
If you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts, you can call them 24/7 from anywhere in Australia for crisis support. You can also send a text message or contact their confidential online chat.
Phone: 13 11 14
Services
Immediate, professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Phone: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Phone: 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns. They’re available 24/7 and men contact them for free professional support from anywhere in Australia.
Phone: 1300 789 978
Parents, carers & kids can contact them for support or guidance via a free phone call, email or webchat 24/7.
Phone: 1800 551 800
Improving he health, wellbeing, resilience and financial security of carers and to ensure that caring is a responsibility that’s shared by family, community and government. They also aim to raise greater awareness of carers and deliver initiatives to meet consider carers’ needs.
Phone: 1800 422 737
Dementia
Help Line
Phone: 1800 100 500
Email: helpline@dementia.org.au
Australia
Dementia Support Australia helps health care professionals and family members supporting a person living with dementia. They provide 24/7 helpline, specialised clinical support and advice for carers of people living with dementia when they experience changes in behaviour.
Phone: 1300 740 398
Cognitive Impairment
guide for people with a
cognitive impairment
This guide is for people with cognitive impairment, carers, families and support people. It provides information about keeping you safe and supported when you are in hospital and other healthcare environments.
Different languages: https://cognitivecare.gov.au/resources/commission-resources/
Grief Services
Griefline provides free and confidential counselling and support to people experiencing grief and loss across Australia, inclusive of remote, regional, rural and metropolitan regions.
Phone: 1300 845 745
Home Care Resources
Program Operational
Manual
The Department of Health and Aged Care provides a guidance manual on the policy context and operational requirements for the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program for approved home care providers.
- Home Care Packages (HCP) Program Operational Manual - Nov 2024 PDF
Program Manual for
Care Recipients
This manual by My Aged Care takes you through the Home Care Packages Program from how to access a Home Care Package, what costs are involved and the care and support you can get as a recipient.
The Department of Health and Aged Care also provides a FAQ fact sheet that might be useful for support providers and care recipients to further clarify inclusions and exclusions.
- Inclusions and Exclusions FAQ - Nov 2024 PDF
My Aged Care, established by the Australian Government, can help you find and access the right government-funded aged care services.
Phone: 1800 200 422
National Relay Service: 1800 555 660
Safety Commission
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is the national regulator of aged care services.
Phone: 1800 951 822
Email: info@agedcarequality.gov.au
Peak Bodies
The Older Persons Advocacy Network provide free, independent and confidential support to older people receiving government-funded aged care.
Phone: 1800 700 600
Email: enquiries@opan.org.au
End of Life Directions for Aged Care provides information, guidance, and resources for all aged care staff to support palliative care and advance care planning.
Email: eldac.project@flinders.edu.au
The Translating and Interpreting Service is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
Immediate phone interpreting: 131 450
Pre-booked: 1300 655 082
Email: tis@homeaffairs.gov.au
Client Code (HCP): C043395