NDIS vs Aged Care
If you are trying to understand whether the NDIS or aged care applies to you, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions families ask, especially when someone is approaching 65 or supporting an older family member with a disability.
The two systems can feel similar because both can fund support at home and in the community. But they are designed for different stages of life and different needs. This guide explains the difference in plain English, so you can feel more confident about the next step.
NDIS vs Aged Care at a Glance
Area | NDIS | Aged Care |
Who it is for | People with permanent and significant disability, generally where the disability was acquired before age 65 | Older Australians, generally 65 and over, who need support to remain safe and independent |
Access pathway | Apply through the National Disability Insurance Agency | Apply through My Aged Care |
Main purpose | Disability-related support to build independence, participation and capacity | Ageing-related support to help with daily living, safety and wellbeing |
How funding works | Participants receive an individual NDIS plan with funded supports linked to goals and disability needs | People may receive entry-level CHSP support or a Home Care Package based on assessed care needs |
Common supports | Personal care, community participation, support coordination, therapy, assistive technology, daily living support | Domestic assistance, personal care, transport, meals, home maintenance, social support, nursing or allied health depending on package and need |
Choice of providers | Participants can choose providers based on how their plan is managed | People can choose approved providers or arrange services based on their aged care funding type |
What happens at 65 | Existing participants can often choose whether to stay in the NDIS or move to aged care | New support needs after 65 usually go through My Aged Care |
How Norella Supports People Across Both Systems
Norella Disability Support Services works with people across Sydney who need clear, compassionate and practical support. Our work reflects our purpose: Empowering Abilities, Enriching Lives.
We support:
NDIS participants
Home Care Package clients
CHSP clients
Private and self-funded clients
Families needing guidance around daily support options
This means we understand that people do not always fit neatly into one box. A younger person with disability may need community access and skill-building. An older person may need help with personal care, domestic tasks or transport. A family carer may simply need someone to explain the options without jargon.
Our team can help with everyday supports such as personal care, social and community participation, domestic assistance, transport, respite-style support and help at home. We focus on respectful care that protects choice, dignity and independence.
The Core Difference
The simplest way to understand the difference is this:
The NDIS supports people with permanent and significant disability, generally acquired before age 65.
Aged care supports older Australians, generally aged 65 and over, who need help to live safely and well as they age.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, is focused on disability-related support. It may help with personal care, community access, therapy, assistive technology, skill building and support to increase independence.
Aged care is accessed through My Aged Care. It includes programs such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, often called CHSP, and a Home Care Package. These supports are designed to help older people remain at home, stay connected, and manage daily living as their needs change.
A key point is that aged care does not require a person to have a disability. It is based on ageing-related support needs.
So, when comparing NDIS and aged care, the main question is not only “What support do I need?” It is also “When did the support need begin, and which system is designed to fund it?”
What Happens at Age 65?
Turning 65 can raise a lot of worry. Many people ask whether their current supports will suddenly stop.
If someone is already an NDIS participant before they turn 65, they can typically choose to remain with the NDIS or move into the aged care system. This is an important choice, and it should be made with good information about current supports, future needs and personal goals.
For new applicants over 65, the usual pathway is different. People who are 65 or older generally apply through My Aged Care rather than the NDIS. This is why people often search for terms like NDIS eligibility age 65 when trying to understand their options.
In practical terms:
If disability support began before 65 and the person already has an NDIS plan, they may be able to stay with the NDIS.
If the person is over 65 and is seeking support for the first time, they will usually be directed to aged care.
If the person is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, age thresholds may differ for aged care access, so it is best to check the current pathway through My Aged Care.
This information is general only. Individual circumstances can vary, so it is best to speak with the NDIA, My Aged Care, a support coordinator, advocate or planner before making decisions.
Can You Access Both?
This is where things can feel less clear. Some people may have contact with more than one system across their life, especially when disability, ageing, health services and private support all overlap.
For example, a person may receive NDIS support before 65, then later review whether aged care is more suitable. Another person may use aged care services and privately pay for extra help. In some situations, different services may be funded or arranged through different pathways.
The key point is that the same support is generally not funded twice. Rules can also change based on the person’s age, eligibility, existing plan and type of support needed.
If you are unsure about NDIS vs aged care, speak with a planner, support coordinator or trusted provider before making a change. A conversation can help clarify what applies to your situation without risking important supports.
Contact Norella for Guidance
Choosing between the NDIS and aged care can feel overwhelming, but you do not need to work it out alone.
If you are approaching 65, supporting an ageing parent, or unsure which funding pathway applies, contact Norella Disability Support Services. Our friendly team can talk through your situation, explain the types of support we provide, and help you understand the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m turning 65. Do I lose my NDIS support?
Not usually just because you turn 65. If you are already an NDIS participant before 65, you can typically choose to stay in the NDIS or move to aged care. Get advice before making a decision, as the best option depends on your supports and goals.
Can my elderly parent access the NDIS?
If your parent is applying for support for the first time and is already over 65, they will generally go through My Aged Care instead of the NDIS. If they already had NDIS access before turning 65, different options may apply.
What is a Home Care Package?
A Home Care Package is aged care funding that helps older people receive support at home. Depending on assessed needs and package level, it may help with personal care, cleaning, transport, meals, nursing, allied health and social support.
The right pathway can make daily life safer, easier and more connected. With clear guidance and the right support team, families can make informed choices with confidence.
Comments