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 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.

  Please click here to read more.

• 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. 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 know more about the fees and charges for residential aged care, please visit:
  Schedule of fees and charges for residential and home care  
  Factsheet on understanding fees for aged care homes

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

  You have three options as to how you can pay for your accommodation. 

  Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) 

  A lump-sum payment of the accommodation cost. If this is 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. Otherwise, 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 unpaid parts of the RAD amounts. The interest rate is set by the Australian Government. DAPs are indexed twice annually. 

  Combination Payment 

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

  • non-refundable daily payments, or
  • a combination of both

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

   

• 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.