If people with HIV are under 65 and experience disabilities, they may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).  If they are 65 years old or older, or over 50 if they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, they may be eligible for Aged Care services. 

Some older PLHIV may be concerned about accessing services due to fear of stigmatisation and discrimination when their HIV status is disclosed, and to a perceived lack of knowledge and experience of carers and care workers in caring for this group (51). 

Nurses can support PLHIV through advocating for and navigating services including the National Disability Insurance Scheme, My Aged Care, residential, respite or community care.  Outreach programs, community-based and district nurses, peer and carer support agencies in various states and territories and general practitioners can advise on options for people with HIV in their local areas, as well as services that can support carers.    

The Commonwealth Home Support Program helps facilitate respite in a person’s or their family member’s home, in community centres or aged-care facilities. Home care packages are now consumer-directed: that is, people and carers can choose how their home care package of services is provided.  Assessment for respite and for home care packages are obtained via My Aged Care