Governa Glossary

Wellness is the ongoing practice of caring for your body, mind, and relationships to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life. 4o

A wallet check is the routine of reviewing your wallet to ensure you have all essential items like ID, cash, cards, and documents before leaving home.

The Veterans’ Supplement is a financial payment provided to eligible veterans to help with extra living and healthcare costs related to their military service.

Veterans' Home Care is support provided to help veterans live independently at home by offering services like personal care, nursing, and household assistance based on their needs.

Veteran and war widow/widower pensioners are individuals who receive financial support due to their or their spouse’s military service, recognizing their sacrifices with ongoing assistance for their well-being.

Transport services help people and goods move from one place to another, making daily life, business, and travel possible through systems like public transport, private vehicles, and commercial delivery.

A translating and interpreting service helps people who speak different languages understand each other by converting written or spoken words, making communication clear and accessible in important settings like healthcare, legal matters, and education.

Transition care is short-term support that helps people move smoothly from one stage of care to another—like from hospital to home—so they can recover safely and confidently with the right kind of help.

A supported resident is someone who lives in a care setting and receives personalized help with daily tasks and health needs, allowing them to live safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

A support plan is a personalized guide that outlines the care and help someone needs in their daily life, making sure they get the right support to reach their goals and live well.

Staying physically active means moving your body regularly through fun and healthy activities like walking, dancing, or playing sports to keep your mind and body strong.

A staffing policy is a set of clear rules that guide how a business hires, manages, and supports its employees to ensure fairness, organization, and legal compliance.

Staff on-site means employees are physically present at the workplace, helping boost teamwork, provide quick support, and keep things running smoothly and safely.

A staff development and training policy is a clear plan that shows how a workplace supports learning and growth, helping workers feel valued, prepared, and ready to succeed.

Staff development and training help workers grow their skills, stay confident, and work better together—building stronger teams and safer, more caring workplaces.

Specified care and services are clearly written plans that ensure people get the exact help they need—personalised, consistent, and delivered with care.

Discover how culturally respectful services empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through care that honours identity, connection, and community.

Specialised programs for people with a particular health condition are carefully designed support plans that help individuals manage their illness, stay healthy, and live more comfortably.

Specialised programs for people with a particular disability are carefully designed to support individual needs, helping each person learn, grow, and thrive in their own way.

Special relationships are meaningful bonds built on trust, care, and mutual support that help people feel valued, connected, and less alone.

Special needs groups include people who may need extra support because of physical, mental, emotional, or learning challenges, and with the right help, they can thrive just like anyone else.

Social support means having people in your life who care, listen, and help you through life’s ups and downs—whether it's with kind words, practical help, or simply being there.

Social leave is a special time away from a residential aged care home that lets residents reconnect with loved ones, celebrate special occasions, and enjoy life outside the facility while keeping their place and care needs in mind.

Short-term care provides temporary support—like help after surgery, during illness, or to give caregivers a break—so people can recover safely and comfortably before returning to their regular routine.

Services and items available at a cost means you have to pay money to use certain help or buy specific things because they take time, skill, or materials to provide.

A service provider is someone who helps others by doing tasks or offering support, rather than selling physical products.

A self-funded retiree, also known as a non-pensioner, is someone who pays for their retirement using personal savings, superannuation, or investments instead of relying on government pension payments.

Rights are the freedoms and protections everyone is given, while responsibilities are the actions we’re expected to take to show respect and help create a fair and caring community. 4o

Respite care is temporary support for someone with daily needs, giving their regular caregiver a much-needed break while ensuring the person still receives quality care in a safe and supportive environment.

Residential aged care is a supportive living option for older adults who need daily help with personal care, medical needs, and feeling safe at home.

A Resident Agreement in aged care outlines the terms of your stay, detailing the services, costs, and your rights and responsibilities to ensure transparency and quality care.

A resident in aged care is someone who lives in a care facility and is entitled to personalized care, rights, and responsibilities, contributing to the facility's community.

Rent assistance helps older Australians cover housing costs, providing financial support to make rent more affordable and maintain stability in aged care.

Rehabilitation in aged care helps older adults regain strength, mobility, and independence after illness or injury through personalized therapy and support.

A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is an upfront payment for aged care accommodation in Australia, fully refundable when you leave, minus any agreed deductions.

A Refundable Accommodation Contribution (RAC) is a government-assessed payment for aged care accommodation in Australia, refunded when you leave the facility.

A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so, ensuring your finances, health, and aged care needs are managed.

Phone counselling provides confidential support to older Australians, helping them manage emotional challenges and mental well-being in aged care settings.

Personal care in aged care involves assisting with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming, all while respecting your dignity and preferences to maintain independence.

A peak body represents aged care providers, advocating for better policies, funding, and standards to improve care for older Australians.

Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care helps aged care providers support older Australians from diverse backgrounds by respecting their language, traditions, and beliefs.

A part-pensioner receives a reduced Age Pension based on income and assets, which can help with living costs, aged care expenses, and government benefits.

Palliative care provides comfort, support, and dignity for people with serious illnesses, focusing on pain relief, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

A nursing home provides care, support, and a safe living environment for older adults who need assistance with daily activities and medical needs.

Nursing care in aged care is more than just medical support—it’s a lifeline of skilled, compassionate care that keeps you safe, comfortable, and in control of your health as you age.

A Non-Compliance Notice (NCN) is a red flag for aged care providers, signaling they must improve care quality—because you deserve safe, respectful, and high-standard support as you age.

A nominee is your trusted representative, helping you manage aged care, finances, and government services—so you stay in control while getting the support you need.

Stay connected and independent with the National Relay Service—a vital phone service that helps older Australians with hearing or speech difficulties make calls effortlessly and stay in touch with loved ones.

Learn how the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program brings culturally respectful, community-driven care to elders—so they can age with dignity while staying connected to home, family, and country.

Discover how the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Strategy ensures First Nations elders receive culturally safe, respectful, and community-driven care—because aging should feel like home.

The means-tested care fee is a payment some aged care residents make based on their income and assets. It helps cover care costs, with limits to prevent financial strain.

Meals in aged care provide essential nutrition, support health, and improve well-being. Balanced diets help older adults maintain strength, prevent illness, and enjoy life.

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's medical care preferences if they become unable to communicate, ensuring their treatment aligns with their wishes.

A live-in setting in aged care provides full-time support for older adults in a residential facility or private home, ensuring continuous care, safety, and social engagement.

An independent advocate supports the rights of older people by providing unbiased advice, guidance, and representation, ensuring they receive fair treatment and proper care.

Independent Living Centres are community-based organizations that provide support, advice, and social opportunities to help older people maintain independence and live comfortably at home.

The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority is a government body that sets fair and transparent pricing for health and aged care services, ensuring sustainable funding for providers and accessible care for consumers.

An income-tested care fee is a charge for Home Care Packages based on an older person's income. Those earning above a set threshold pay more, while lower-income individuals pay less. This ensures a fair contribution system, balancing government support and personal financial capacity.

Hostel care is a type of accommodation for older individuals that offers basic living arrangements and support services, promoting independence while encouraging social interaction in a shared environment.

Hospice care is a type of support provided to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focused on ensuring comfort and quality of life during their final days, rather than curing the illness.

Home modification involves making changes to a living space to enhance safety and accessibility for older individuals, such as installing ramps, grab bars, and improved lighting.

Home maintenance involves the regular upkeep and repair of a home to ensure it remains safe, clean, and comfortable, especially for older individuals in aged care.

Home Care Packages provide tailored services to help older people live independently and safely at home, offering support with personal care, household tasks, and health needs.

A guardian in aged care is a legally appointed individual responsible for making decisions on behalf of residents who cannot do so themselves.

A government-subsidised aged care facility is a care home that receives financial support from the government, allowing older residents to access essential services like personal care, health support, and social activities at a lower cost.

Goods and equipment in aged care refer to essential items and supplies that support residents' daily living, health, and safety, including furniture, medical devices, hygiene products, assistive tools, and kitchen appliances.

A full pensioner is someone who qualifies for and receives the maximum government pension without reductions, helping cover living expenses, aged care, and essential services.

Learn how aged care standards support socially and financially disadvantaged elderly individuals, ensuring dignity, proper care, and a better quality of life.

Flexible care in aged care offers adaptable, personalized support—including short-term restorative, transitional, and innovative care options—to meet changing needs while maintaining independence and quality of life.

Financial hardship provisions provide government assistance to eligible older Australians struggling to afford aged care costs, potentially reducing or covering fees for basic care, accommodation, and means-tested charges.

Dementia care facilities provide secure, structured environments with specialized support, tailored activities, and 24/7 supervision to enhance safety and quality of life for those with memory loss.

Extra or additional optional services in aged care offer personalized enhancements—such as upgraded amenities, specialized therapies, and leisure activities—to improve comfort, enjoyment, and quality of life beyond standard care.

Ex-prisoners of war (Ex-POWs) in aged care require sensitive, trauma-informed support that acknowledges their past suffering, respects their triggers, and prioritizes their emotional and physical well-being with dignity.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows a trusted person to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so, ensuring your decisions are respected as you age.

End-of-life care in aged care focuses on comfort, dignity, and respecting individual wishes through advance planning, palliative support, and grief assistance.

Domestic help provides professional assistance with household chores and personal care, helping older adults maintain a safe and comfortable home while preserving their independence.

A discharge plan is a coordinated care strategy that ensures safe transitions from hospital or aged care by outlining medical needs, support services, and follow-up arrangements for ongoing recovery.

Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) provide free, 24/7 expert support and practical strategies to help carers manage challenging behaviors associated with dementia.

The Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is a means-tested daily fee for aged care residents, covering accommodation costs and adjusted based on individual financial circumstances.

Counselling and support in aged care provides emotional and psychological assistance to help seniors and caregivers navigate life changes, mental health challenges, and daily stresses through professional guidance and peer connections.

The Daily Accommodation Contribution (DAC) is a means-tested daily fee some aged care residents pay toward their accommodation costs, with the amount determined by their income and assets.

The Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) is an Australian government program providing an annual payment to eligible individuals with permanent incontinence to help cover the cost of essential continence products.

Consumer Directed Care is an aged care approach that empowers older individuals to choose and manage their own support services based on their personal needs and preferences.

Consent is a resident's voluntary agreement to receive care or treatment after understanding its purpose, risks, and alternatives. It upholds their rights, ensures respect, and involves clear communication, informed decision-making, and proper documentation. If a resident cannot consent, a legal representative steps in. Obtaining consent fosters trust, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes dignity in aged care.

Community Nursing and Health Centres are local healthcare facilities providing accessible medical services, preventive care, chronic disease management, and home visits—particularly for older adults—to support independent living and well-being within the community.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is an Australian government-funded initiative providing basic in-home support services to help older adults maintain independence and safety in their own homes.

A client record is a comprehensive, up-to-date file containing a resident's personal details, medical history, and care plans, ensuring accurate, personalized care while maintaining privacy and security.

A chronic disease is a long-lasting health condition that requires ongoing management to maintain quality of life.

The Charter of Aged Care Rights is a document outlining the rights of elderly individuals in care, ensuring respectful, fair, and safe treatment while promoting dignity, choice, privacy, and transparency in aged care services.

Carer Payment is a government financial support for individuals caring for someone with significant needs, offering financial relief through a transparent eligibility and calculation process while complementing other support services to aid carers effectively.

Carer Gateway is a supportive service providing carers with easy-to-access information, advice, and resources to help them manage caregiving tasks and find local support services.

Carer Allowance is a government payment that provides financial support to individuals caring for someone with significant needs due to disability, illness, or aging, helping cover additional costs and recognizing their efforts.

A care recipient is an older person receiving support in aged care, actively participating in their care plan to ensure their needs and preferences are met through services like personal care, health support, and social activities, all delivered with clear communication and respect for their dignity.

A care plan is a personalized written guide outlining the support and services an older person needs for daily activities, health, and well-being, created through assessments and regular updates to ensure tailored and effective care.

A care leaver is a young person transitioning from state care (like foster or residential care) to independent living, often facing challenges but supported by various services to build a stable future.

Care finders are services that assist older individuals and their families in navigating aged care options by providing personalized guidance, comparisons, and support to help them choose the best care for their needs.

Care fees and charges in aged care are payments made by residents for services like personal care, health support, and accommodation, with transparent calculations and clear communication to ensure fairness and trust.

The Basic Daily Fee is a daily charge paid by residents in aged care facilities to cover essential services like meals, cleaning, and maintenance, with its calculation based on facility costs and transparently outlined in resident contracts.

The Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) is a funding and care needs assessment system that classifies aged care residents based on their individual care requirements to ensure fair and transparent government funding allocation.

The Assistance with Care and Housing – Hoarding and Squalor Sub-program supports older individuals struggling with hoarding or unsanitary living conditions by providing personalized care, housing assistance, and mental health support to improve their safety and well-being.