The cost of Aged Care Homes is influenced by a number of factors, including whether you pay the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) in full or opt for Daily Accommodation Payments (DAP), or a combination of the two.

Location also has considerable influence on the cost, with Aged Care Homes in major cities costing considerably more than those in more remote locations. And, a single, private room will cost more than a shared room.

CareAbout’s searchable database includes cost estimates – where available – for Aged Care Homes throughout Australia, while a CareAbout Advocate can consider your budget while helping you to find Homes that meet your needs, and even try to negotiate fees on your behalf.

The Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) can be negotiated, but you ultimately have little control over whether or not the Home accepts any offers you present. The same applies to many of the other fees, aside from means-tested fees that are determined by your income and assets.

For a one-time fee a CareAbout Advocate can work with you in finding a facility that matches your care needs and preferences, and your budget, along with assisting with the paperwork and negotiating all fees on your behalf.

The decision to move in an Aged Care Home isn’t always an easy one and using a CareAbout Advocate can make the entire process a little less stressful for you and your family. And can help save you money.

Yes.

You first need to register for an assessment with My Aged Care. This assessment is done by a local assessor from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), and will look at what type of services are most suited to your needs.

To be assessed for an Aged Care Home government subsidy, you first need to register for an assessment with My Aged Care. This assessment is done by a local assessor from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), and will look at what type of government-funded services are most suited to your needs, and that you might be eligible for.

Options include:

• a Home Care Package,
• residential care in an Aged Care Home,
• residential respite care,
• short-term restorative care,
• transition care, and/or
• other services that you need.

Unlike Home Care, the Australian Government does not offer an Aged Care Home Package. However, they do offer government subsidised care in Aged Care Homes if the Home has been accredited by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency. Applying for government subsidised care has to be done through the My Aged Care service.

This varies, so you would need to ask any Aged Care Home you are interested in about their policy about furniture. Many will already have all the furnishings you could need but will allow you to bring some personal belongings with, such as family photos and mementos.