Sometimes, a person younger than 65 finds themselves in residential aged care because of a lack of other suitable accommodation.
Residential aged care is not usually the best place for younger people to live, because it’s designed for the needs of older people.
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that by the end of 2025 no younger person lives in residential aged care unless there are exceptional circumstances
If you are a younger person living in residential care and wish to find alternative accommodation, there are supports available to help you. If you currently live in residential aged care and want to live in a different place, you can get help from a Younger People in Residential Aged Care System Coordinator run by Ability First Australia – call 1800 771 663 for assistance.
People with disability who need someone to speak up for them can use Ask Izzy to search for independent Disability Advocacy providers in their area.
Documents and external links
Learn more about younger people in residential aged care. These documents and websites offer help, strategies, and practical information. Brief descriptions are provided for each document or link.
The Commission’s role in supporting younger people in aged care
Information about younger people in aged care, including the role of the Commission in Quality Standards and how to make a complaint.
Support for younger people in, or at risk of entering, residential aged care
Information about the support available for younger people under 65 living in, or at risk of entering, residential aged care from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Ability First Australia’s Younger People in Residential Aged Care System Coordinator Program
Information from Ability First Australia. The Program is designed to reduce the number of younger people at risk of entering and living in residential aged care. It aims to give younger people greater choice and control over where they live and what supports they need to either transition out of, or avoid entering, residential aged care.
Providing aged care services to younger people
Aged care providers sometimes deliver services to younger people with a disability. Learn more about the NDIS and how it supports younger people to access services from the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
