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Disability Services for Older Australians 

(DSOA)

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A smiling elderly woman in a wheelchair, wearing a yellow coat and scarf, looks up at two caregivers. They are outdoors on a sunny day, with buildings in the background. The caregivers are smiling and engaged with her.

What Is DSOA?

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DSOA (Disability Support for Older Australians) is a government-funded program that provides essential support for older individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It ensures continued access to services such as personal care, therapy, and assistive technology, helping individuals maintain independence and quality of life.

Designed specifically for those aged 65 and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), DSOA bridges the gap between disability and aged care services, ensuring that older Australians receive the support they need to live safely and comfortably.

CCA has many years experience in connecting older Australians with the services they need and we are a registered DSOA provider.

For more information please refer to the Australian Government DSOA website.

a man in a warm hat sitting in a wheelchair smiles widely, supported by another man standing beside him, both on a stone path amidst trees and greenery.
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CCA Support For DSOA

At CCA, we are dedicated to helping older Australians access the support they need through the Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) program.

Our experienced and supportive team provides a range of personalised services, including personal care, mobility assistance and assistive technology, ensuring you can continue living independently and comfortably within your community.

We can guide you through the eligibility process, help coordinate your support, and tailor services to meet your unique needs.

The relationship we build with each person we support, their families and their networks are the cornerstone of how we provide our support.

DSOA At A Glance

Eligibility Criteria

  • Aged 65 or over (50+ for First Nations people) at the time of NDIS rollout in their region.

  • Not eligible for the NDIS.

  • Previously received specialist disability services from state or territory governments.

Program Objectives

  • Maintain high-quality, timely services tailored to individual needs.

  • Support transitions to aged care services when appropriate.

  • Provide respite services to assist carers.

Services Offered

  • Funded services include personal care, domestic assistance, and community access.

  • Excluded services are those covered under other programs like the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

Individual Support Packages (ISPs)

  • Customised plans outlining the specific supports for each person.

  • Subject to annual reviews or updates upon significant changes in person’s needs.​

Service Coordinator Responsibilities can include

  • Developing and managing ISPs in collaboration with the person they are supporting.

  • Conducting annual reviews to assess and adjust services as needed.

  • Facilitating transitions to other programs when the person they are supporting’s needs evolve.​

Quality and Safety Standards

  • Services must comply with NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards.

  • Regular monitoring and reporting to ensure service quality and persons safety.