The latest Intergenerational Report says that the population is expected to reach nearly 40 million by 2055 with nearly a quarter of that over the age of 65.
Aged Care services have changed significantly over the last 15 years.
One major change is the setup of My Aged Care, a call centre and website service launched by the government in July 2015 where elderly people can request aged care services tailored to their needs.
My Aged Care services range from basic chores like mowing the loan, doing the shopping or cleaning, to complex needs, such as alternative support for accommodation.
Payment options vary and tailored to individuals needs.
Ethnic Communities Council of NSW Multicultural Ageing and Disability Access Program Officer Terrie Leoleos says there is also support for people who are in financial hardship.
The Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australias (FECCA) 2020 Vision for Older CALD Australians report says migrant communities are aging at a much faster rate than the population at large.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics says in a few years, 30 per cent of the population aged 65 years and above will be from CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) backgrounds.
My Aged Care system includes information in many languages.
However, advocates and professionals from the sector believe accessing information and services is often too complex.
Community consultant and former Aged Care worker Rafaela Lopez says computer literacy is a challenge.
Resti Sanz is an 81 year old woman originally from Spain who lives on her own in Melbourne.
She recently underwent a knee operation and organised her aged care services before going to hospital.
After the operation, Resti can now use new facilities at home that help her accessing the shower and toilet, for which she paid a low fee.
She now finds it easier to navigate the system and enjoys a package from which a person comes once every two weeks to do cleaning at her place for $15 per month.
There are certain cultural barriers which can prevent some people from using Aged Care services.
Rafaela Lopez says in some communities the children are expected to care for their elderly parents.
Rafaela Lopez insists that people have the right to use these services.
In January 2017 the Federal Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, Ken Wyatt announced more than $8.5 million in additional funding for the Multi-Purpose Services (MPS) Program for Aged Care in regional, rural and remote communities, stating that aged care services must be available to communities across the nation and all its diversity.
