Older Australians facing homelessness, or who are homeless, may be able to access aged care services to help.
This can include people:
- on a low income
- in insecure housing, or
- facing other challenges that can lead to homelessness, such as hoarding behaviours.
If you, or someone you know, is facing homelessness the following programs may be able to help:
Aged care homes
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Care finders
Services Australia
State and territory services
Aged care homes
Aged care homes can provide accommodation for people facing homelessness. Some aged care homes specialise in providing this service.
The first step to accessing government-funded aged care home services, is to apply for an assessment to find out if you are eligible. Learn more about applying for an assessment.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
If someone is living with hoarding behaviour or in squalid conditions, and at risk of homelessness, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide specific support to help.
To access this service, you will need to apply for an assessment to find out if you are eligible.
Care finders
Care finders is a free service that supports vulnerable older Australians to access aged care services.
It is designed specifically for people who have no one else who can support them. This can include people who are:
- homeless or at risk or becoming homeless and on a low income
- in an insecure housing situation
- facing challenges finding a place to live.
Learn more about care finders.
Services Australia
There are housing programs offered by Services Australia depending on your situation and circumstances.
To find out if you’re eligible for housing support through Services Australia visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/housing.
State and territory services
In addition to the above services, each state and territory government is responsible for providing housing assistance, including public housing.
You can find direct links to housing assistance for your state or territory on the Department of Social Services website.