Australian government supported helplines:

• Health Advice – HealthDirect – 1800 022 222

• Mental Health – Medicare Mental Health – 1800 595 212

• Disability – Disability Gateway – 1800 643 787

• Age Care – My Aged Care – 1800 200 422

• Domestic violence – 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732

• Child abuse – Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800

• Suicidal thoughts or intent – Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Emergencies – Triple Zero – 000

• Find a GP (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services/guided-search/general-practice)

• Find other types of health services including pharmacy, pathology, diagnostic imaging (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI), psychology, counselling, physiotherapy, dental services, hospitals (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services)

Australian citizens with a permanent disability under the age of 65 are eligible for financial support for acquired and developmental physical and neurological disabilities. Depending on the level and nature of the disability this may include:

• Core supports for everyday living and function (e.g. Support Worker, Nurse)

• Capacity building (e.g. Psychologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist)

Visit the official NDIS website for more information on how to apply. Visit the the Disability Gateway to find more local information, services and support for individuals with disabilities, families and carers.

Consult a general practitioner for relevant diagnostics and referrals for disability criteria.

The national Carer Gateway service help carers access a range of free services and support can be accessed in-person, over the phone or online through this website. This includes emotional and practical guidance to assist define the carer role and the person they care for, emotional well being, online coaching tools, and planning for emergencies or crises (e.g. respite, backup care) to allow for relief when needed. 

Government-subsidised aged care services are available to individuals aged 65 and older, or 50 and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as for individuals at risk of homelessness, subject to an assessment. 

Age care subsidy programs support cost of daily living and include:

• Support at Home program

• Commonwealth Home Support Program

• Residential care (aged care home)

To apply for an online assessment, visit the My Aged Care government website (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/apply-online).

Patients with life-limiting illnesses that have little likelihood of cure (e.g. cancer, motor neurone disease, dementia) may require medical support in the form of palliative care, at early or advanced stages of the disease. This may include doctors, specialists, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational and speech therapists, and psychologists that consult with the patient at home, or may involve a transfer of the patient to a palliative care facility with relevant support (https://www.health.gov.au/topics/palliative-care/about-palliative-care/what-is-palliative-care).

If a patient wishes to remain at home and a doctor or nurse practitioner estimates a patient to have life expectancy of 3 months or less and has greatly decreased mobility, they may access palliative care services (e.g. palliative care nurses and medication management) as well as funding support for an end of life pathway for personal care (e.g. meal preparation) (https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/delivering-services-for-support-at-home/end-of-life-pathway). Consult with a general practitioner to facilitate end of life care, and relevant mental health support.