Aged Care Glossary: Common Terms Explained
Cut through the jargon.
The aged care system in Australia can be full of confusing terms and acronyms — MAC, ACAS, CHSP, HCP and more. This plain-English guide explains what they all mean, so you can feel more confident understanding services, assessments, and what to expect at each stage.
MAC – My Aged Care
The government’s main website and phone line for aged care. It’s where you start if you want an assessment or information about services.
ACAS / ACAT – Aged Care Assessment Service / Team
The team that assesses whether someone is eligible for aged care services, including residential care or a Home Care Package.
ACAS is used in Victoria
ACAT is used in other states and territories
CHSP – Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Entry-level support for people who need help with things like cleaning, meals, or transport. It’s often the first type of aged care people receive.
HCP – Home Care Package
A larger funding package for people who need more complex or ongoing help at home. There are 4 levels, depending on need.
RACF – Residential Aged Care Facility
Also called a nursing home. A place where older people live when they need full-time care.
SaH - Support at Home
A new program replacing HCP and Short Term Restorative Care from July 2025. It’s designed to simplify and improve in-home aged care services.
NDIS – National Disability Insurance Scheme
Provides funding for people under 65 with a permanent disability. Not the same as aged care, but some people may move from NDIS to aged care services as they age.
NDIA – National Disability Insurance Agency
The government body that runs the NDIS.
RAS – Regional Assessment Service
The team that does initial assessments for CHSP services (entry-level support at home). However this term is not longer in active use as it has been replaced with the introduction of the Single Assessment system. However it is still incorrectly used throughout the industry and will be referenced historically.
DVA – Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Some veterans and their families may receive aged care support or funding through DVA programs.
Aged Care Quality Standards:
The rules that all aged care providers must follow to ensure safety, dignity, and quality of life for people receiving care.
Advanced Care Planning:
A process where someone makes decisions ahead of time about their future healthcare and wishes — in case they can’t speak for themselves later.
STRC – Short-Term Restorative Care
A flexible, goal-focused program that provides short-term support (up to 8 weeks) to help older people regain or improve their independence after an illness or setback, often to avoid hospital or delay needing ongoing care. Includes services like physio, nursing, personal care, and home help.
TCP – Transition Care Program
A short-term program (usually up to 12 weeks) that helps people recover after a hospital stay before returning home or deciding on long-term care. It provides rehabilitation, personal care, and case management to bridge the gap between hospital and home.
Service Finder
An online tool on the My Aged Care website that helps you search for aged care providers in your area based on the services you need.
Care Plan
A personalised document that outlines the care and support a person will receive — including goals, preferences, and services.
Care Minutes
The minimum number of care minutes required per day for aged care residents in nursing homes, based on their needs.
AN-ACC – Australian National Aged Care Classification
A system used to assess the funding level for residential aged care based on the care needs of each person.
Package Level
Refers to one of the four Home Care Package funding levels, from Level 1 (basic care needs) to Level 4 (high care needs).
Self-Management (of a Home Care Package)
A model where the older person (or their family) takes more control over how the package funds are spent — often reducing provider fees.
Income Tested Fee
An extra fee some people may need to pay for a Home Care Package, based on their income (not assets). Set by the government.
Basic Daily Fee
A standard fee that aged care providers can charge for home care or residential care. Not always charged, but it’s permitted.
Means Assessment
An assessment of your income and assets to determine what you might need to contribute toward your aged care costs.
Home Support Assessment
The initial assessment done by the RAS team for entry-level support (CHSP). Focuses on what services will help someone live independently at home.
Exit Fee
A charge that a Home Care Package provider may take out when you leave their service. Many no longer charge this, but it’s worth checking.
Supplements
Extra funding added to a Home Care Package for people with specific needs, such as dementia, oxygen, or enteral feeding.
Unspent Funds
Money in a Home Care Package that hasn’t yet been used. If you switch providers or stop care, you may be able to transfer it.