Did you know that you can make an appointment to see one of Services Australia’s Aged Care Specialist Officers (ACSOs) anywhere in Australia with the agency’s video chat option?
There may come a time in your life, or in the lives of your loved ones, when extra support is needed. You might need more help at home, or the level of care an aged care home provides. With all the options and alternatives out there, it’s only natural that you might have lots of questions about services and costs.
Services Australia’s ACSOs can help. They are aged care experts and provide a free and confidential service that can help you navigate the aged care system. They make that journey easier by discussing your specific situation and answering your questions.
Start the discussion
They can talk to you about:
- the different types of aged care
- your eligibility for government-funded aged care services
- the process of accessing services
- aged care costs and how much you might pay.
They can also register you for My Aged Care, talk to you about the level of services needed and refer you for an assessment, whether that’s for Meals on Wheels or for home-based or residential care.
You can book a face-to-face appointment with an ACSO in person at some service centres or through video chat. To use video chat with an ACSO, you’ll need access to a smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop with a microphone and a camera. You’ll also need access to the internet and a myGov account.
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When you book a video chat appointment, we’ll send you the link and details for the chat. To get started, sign in to myGov and access your video chat appointment letter from your inbox.
We know people often want to sit down and talk with someone in person about their options. That’s why our ACSOs continue to offer in-person appointments in Services Australia service centres across the country. You can go to servicesaustralia.gov.au to find out if there is an ACSO near you. Just search for ‘Aged Care Specialist Officer’ on the website.
Make an appointment
If you’d like to make an in-person or a video chat appointment with an ACSO, please call 1800 227 475 or visit any Services Australia service centre.
You’re welcome to have a family member or loved one with you at the appointment. If you like, the ACSO can also help you appoint them as your representative with My Aged Care, so they can deal with them directly on your behalf.
The My Aged Care website is also a great place to access information about government-funded aged care services. It has lots of information and tools to help keep your home liveable, keep you well, help you stay social or explain care options.
Were you aware of the Aged Care Specialist Officers? Have you ever used that service? Share your experience in the comments section below.
Also read: What are the differences between the carer payments?
Hank Jongen is general manager, Services Australia
