NDIS to Aged Care Transition in Adelaide: Complete 2026 Guide for Participants Turning 65
Approaching your 65th birthday as an NDIS participant can feel overwhelming. You may be wondering whether you will lose your current support, whether your support workers will stay the same, or whether the aged care system is right for you. These are valid, important questions — and you deserve clear, honest answers.
This guide is written specifically for NDIS participants in Adelaide and across South Australia who are turning 65 in 2026. We walk you through your rights, your choices, and every step of the transition process — so you can make the decision that is right for you and your family.
At Nurse Aid Australia, we have been supporting South Australians with NDIS and disability services for over 25 years. You are not alone in this journey, and this guide is here to help.
Turning 65 on the NDIS: What Actually Happens?
Do You Have to Leave the NDIS When You Turn 65?
The short answer is no. If you were an NDIS participant before the age of 65, you have the legal right to remain on the NDIS for the rest of your life. The NDIS does not automatically remove you from the scheme on your birthday.
However, once you turn 65, you cannot make a new application to join the NDIS. This is why early planning is so important if you are approaching this milestone.
What Are Your Choices at Age 65?
When you turn 65, you face a genuine choice between two care pathways:
- Stay on the NDIS: Keep your existing NDIS plan, your disability-specific supports, and your current support workers. Your plan continues on its current review cycle.
- Transition to Aged Care: Move to the Commonwealth aged care system, which includes the new Support at Home 2026 program, Home Care Packages (HCP), or residential aged care facilities.
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends entirely on your individual support needs, goals, and living situation. Speaking with a qualified support coordinator before your 65th birthday is strongly recommended.
Understanding the Difference: NDIS vs. Aged Care in 2026
Many participants are unsure how the NDIS and the aged care system differ. Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you understand what each system offers:
Feature | NDIS | Aged Care System |
Primary Goal | Disability-specific support & independence | Ageing in place & personal care |
Eligibility | Permanent/significant disability | Age (65+) & functional decline |
Funding Model | Non-means-tested, goal-based budgets | Income-tested, package levels (L1–L4) |
Flexibility | High (self-managed, plan-managed, agency) | Moderate (package tiers) |
Provider Choice | Wide range of NDIS-registered providers | My Aged Care registered providers |
Cost to Participant | Typically no personal contribution | May involve co-contributions |
Plan Review | Scheduled NDIS plan reviews | Reassessment via ACAT/RAS |
Support Workers | NDIS-registered support workers | Aged care-qualified workers |
Key takeaway: The NDIS is designed around disability goals and independence. Aged care is designed around daily living assistance and ageing in place. If your primary needs relate to your disability rather than general age-related decline, staying on the NDIS is often the better choice.
The 2026 Transition Pathway: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Start Planning at Least 6 Months Before Your 65th Birthday
Do not wait until your birthday arrives. Contact your NDIS support coordinator or Nurse Aid Australia as early as possible — ideally six to twelve months before you turn 65. Early planning gives you time to compare options, gather documentation, and avoid any gaps in your care.
Step 2: Request an Aged Care Assessment (ACAT or RAS)
If you are considering moving to aged care, you will need a formal assessment. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment determines eligibility for higher-level services such as Home Care Packages or residential care. A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessment covers lower-level Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services.
You can request an assessment through My Aged Care or by calling 1800 200 422.
Step 3: Review Your Current NDIS Plan and Funding
Before making any decisions, review your current NDIS plan budget in detail. Understand which supports you currently receive and what equivalent (or non-equivalent) services might look like under aged care. Your support coordinator can help you map this out.
Step 4: Compare Providers in Adelaide
Not all providers are registered for both the NDIS and the aged care system. If you want to keep your existing support workers, verify early that your current provider is accredited under both frameworks. Nurse Aid Australia is experienced in supporting participants through this exact process across Northern Adelaide and the greater SA region.
Step 5: Finalise Your New Care Agreement Before Ending Your NDIS Plan
This is critical. Never end your NDIS plan before your new aged care arrangements are confirmed and in writing. Gaps in care can be distressing and difficult to resolve quickly. Always secure your new agreement first.
The Support at Home 2026 Program: What You Need to Know
In 2026, the Australian Government introduced the new Support at Home program to replace the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This is one of the most significant aged care reforms in decades.
Under Support at Home, participants are assessed into funding levels based on their care needs. Key features include:
- More personalised funding budgets aligned to individual assessments
- A greater focus on restorative and preventative care
- Clearer pathways for higher-need participants
- Enhanced protections and quality standards
For the most current details, visit the official myagedcare.gov.au website or speak with a Nurse Aid Australia coordinator who is up to date with the 2026 framework.
Can You Access Both NDIS and Aged Care at the Same Time?
Understanding Dual-System Eligibility
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the answer requires nuance. In general, the Australian Government prevents participants from receiving the same type of support from both the NDIS and the aged care system simultaneously — this is sometimes called the ‘no double-dipping’ rule.
However, in limited circumstances, dual access is possible when the supports are clearly distinct and cover different functional needs. For example:
- NDIS may continue to fund disability-specific supports such as specialist equipment, behaviour support, or communication devices.
- Aged Care may fund personal care assistance, domestic help, or social activities related to age-related decline.
These arrangements are complex, and compliance with Australian Government regulations is essential. A qualified support coordinator must manage any funding split carefully. Contact Nurse Aid Australia if you believe dual-system access may apply to your situation.
Maintaining Continuity of Care in Adelaide
Ensuring No Gaps in Your Support
The biggest risk during any NDIS transition is a gap in care. This can happen when a participant moves between systems without having confirmed arrangements in place. Gaps can affect your daily routine, your wellbeing, and your independence.
To avoid this, always follow the sequence: assess, compare, agree, then transition. Never cancel existing services until new ones are confirmed.
Keeping Your Support Workers
In many cases, you can keep your existing support workers if your provider holds dual registration under both NDIS and aged care frameworks. Ask your provider directly and early. Do not assume — confirm in writing.
Local Support in Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, Elizabeth and Beyond
Nurse Aid Australia supports participants across Northern Adelaide and the Greater Adelaide region, including Mawson Lakes, Salisbury, Elizabeth, Para Hills, and surrounding suburbs. We understand the local SA services landscape and the practical realities families face during this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If you were an NDIS participant before age 65, you have the right to remain on the NDIS for life. You are never automatically removed. However, you cannot apply to join the NDIS for the first time after turning 65.
Re-entering the NDIS after transitioning to aged care is very difficult and rarely approved. This is why it is critical to think carefully and seek advice before making the move. Once you voluntarily exit the NDIS, returning is not guaranteed.
This depends on whether your provider is registered under both the NDIS and the aged care system. Ask your current provider directly. Nurse Aid Australia holds the relevant registrations and can advise on continuity for our participants.
Start at least six months before your 65th birthday. This gives you enough time to request an aged care assessment, compare options, and finalise your care agreements without any gaps.
Yes. The NDIS is typically non-means-tested, meaning your income and assets do not affect your funding. Aged care may involve income-tested personal contributions, particularly for Home Care Packages and residential care.
Yes. Moving into a residential aged care facility permanently generally requires you to exit the NDIS. The aged care system then takes responsibility for your daily support needs.
Yes. Both the NDIS and the aged care system include specific pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access culturally appropriate, safe, and respectful support. Nurse Aid Australia is committed to providing culturally sensitive care and can help connect you with appropriate services.
Support at Home is the new Australian Government aged care program introduced in 2026, replacing the previous Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme. It provides funding for home-based supports based on individual assessment. Visit myagedcare.gov.au for full details.
How Nurse Aid Australia Supports Your Transition in Adelaide
At Nurse Aid Australia, we have been helping individuals and families navigate the NDIS and the Australian care system for over 25 years. We specialise in Northern Adelaide and understand the local SA services landscape better than most.
Our support coordinators are experienced in NDIS to aged care transitions and are fully up to date with the 2026 Support at Home framework. We offer:
- Personalised transition planning tailored to your goals and lifestyle
- Coordination across NDIS and aged care providers in Adelaide
- Guidance on ACAT/RAS assessments and what to expect
- Continuity of care planning to avoid gaps in support
- Culturally sensitive support for all participants
Do not face this transition alone.
Contact Nurse Aid Australia today for a free, personalised consultation.
Call: 1300 413 663 | Email: info@nurseaidaustralia.com.au | nurseaidaustralia.com.au