Residential Care

Frequently asked questions

• What is residential care?

  Sometimes, even with help, it's no longer possible to remain living at home safely. If you and your family are looking for peace of mind, residential care in Sydney, New South Wales or South East Queensland could be the ideal solution, offering round-the-clock nursing and support within a managed care home.

  Alternatively, you may wish to use residential care for respite care — a short-term form of care, usually when family carers need a break or want to experience what a particular care home is like on a trial basis before deciding to move in permanently.

• Who is eligible for residential care?

  Most senior Australians who move into a residential care home do so using a government subsidy to help with the cost of care. To access a subsidy, your care needs must first be assessed by My Aged Care.

  You may be eligible for an assessment if you have:

  • Registered with My Aged Care (visit myagedcare.gov.au)
  • Noticed a change in what you can do or remember
  • Been diagnosed with a medical condition or reduced mobility
  • Experienced a change in family care arrangements, or
  • Experienced a recent fall or hospital admission
• How much does residential care cost?

  The cost of residential care is different for every individual and is determined by the Australian Government based on your financial situation. You can use the fee estimator to get an idea of:

  1. The basic daily fee
  2. Your means-tested care fee, and
  3. Whether you may be eligible for assistance with your accommodation costs.

  To find out more about the fees and charges for residential care, please visit: 
  Schedule of fees and charges for residential and home care  
  Factsheet on understanding fees for aged care homes

• What is the difference between a RAD and a DAP?

  There are three ways you can pay for your accommodation in one of our residential care homes:

  Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD):
  A lump-sum payment of the accommodation cost. If paid, Catholic Healthcare is entitled to retain 2% of the RAD, capped at 5 years. Under your accommodation and service agreement, we may also deduct other amounts from the RAD, e.g. unpaid contributions. The balance of the RAD is refunded after you leave the residential care home.

  Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP):
  A regular payment spread over time, equivalent to the RAD plus interest on the unpaid portion. The interest rate is set by the Australian Government, and DAPs are indexed twice annually.

  Combination Payment
  A payment option combining a part RAD with a DAP, e.g. 50% RAD + 50% DAP. Catholic Healthcare is entitled to retain 2% of the RAD, capped at 5 years.

  
  For more information, visit: Accommodation payments and contributions for residential care  

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• What is included in the cost?

  There are a wide range of services covered by the above-mentioned charges, including (but not limited to) care, accommodation, room furnishing, electricity, water, cleaning, general laundry, meals and refreshments.

• Is financial support available for residential care?

  True to our Mission, Catholic Healthcare is proud to provide care and accommodation to those who may need financial support. Speak to a member of our Customer Relations Team on  1800 225 474  to find out how we can help. 

• What support exists for older Australians in vulnerable circumstances?

  We also support older Australians facing significant hardship or complex housing challenges. See how we work with vulnerable communities to help people access care, stay safe and build stability.