Frequently asked questions

• 1. What is Residential Aged Care?

  Sometimes, even with help, it’s no longer possible to remain living at home. If you and your family are looking for peace of mind,  residential aged care could be the ideal solution with round the clock nursing and support within a managed care home. 

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

• 2. Who is eligible for residential aged care?

  Most Senior Australians who choose to move into a residential aged care Home will do so using a government subsidy to assist with the cost of aged care. In order to access a subsidy, assessment of your care needs must first be done by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). 

  You may be eligible for an ACAT 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.
• 3. How much does residential aged care cost?

  The cost of aged care is different for every individual and is determined by the Australian Government based on your financial situation -please see their handy fee estimator calculator at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/how-much-will-i-pay.

  
  You fill find there are three different types of fees and charges that may apply when moving into any aged care home as follows:

  • Basic Daily Care Fee - This is the standard charge for every resident in aged care set by the Australian Government and is calculated at 85% of your single Centrelink pension. This fee covers costs for meals, laundry and utilities.
  • Accommodation Payment - All residents who the Commonwealth Government determines to be non-supported will pay an Accommodation Payment. There are four options for paying the Accommodation Payment; Refundable Accommodation Deposit, Daily Accommodation Payment, a Combination Payment and a Drawdown Payment.
  • Means Tested Fee - This is a contribution towards the cost of your care. This fee is determined by Centrelink or DVA and may not be applicable to you.

  How much you pay depends on your financial situation, which is assessed by Centrelink and is based on your income and assets.

• 4. What is the difference between a RAD and a DAP?
  • Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) - A lump-sum payment option if you are required to pay for your accommodation in full. This is refunded when the resident leaves the aged care home.
  • Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) - A recurring rental type payment option to be paid in increments if you are required to pay for your accommodation in full.
  • Combination Payment - A payment option consisting of a part RAD payment supplemented with a Daily Accommodation Payment.
• 5. 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.