Aged care homes

Aged care homes provide both accommodation and 24 hour a day care for people who are unable to get the type of care and other assistance they need at home. Aged care homes are sometimes described as resident aged care facilities or nursing homes too. This journey may seem overwhelming but be reassured that you are not alone. Every year over 60,000 people enter aged care homes permanently. Our advice is to allow up to 3 months or more to find a home.

Video: What are aged care homes?

or read video transcript here

7 steps to an Aged Care home

Step 1

Get Informed

The aged care system has changed. You now have to pay part of your aged care costs. Everyone has to register in the system and reveal how much wealth...

Step 2

Get Set-Up

You can’t talk to the aged care system or banks or others unless you have ‘capacity’, meaning you can prove you are mentally healthy, or you have ‘...

Step 3

Get Assessed

You need to organise an assessment to decide how much care support you need. You book an appointment through the my aged care call centre or web...

Step 4

Working Out Your Finances

Everybody has to complete the government’s 130 question Assets & Income test. The results tell you how much you have to pay for each aged care...

Step 5

Applications

There are four separate fees and costs you may have to pay. Depending on your wealth will decide if you can afford your first, second or third choice...

Step 6

Agreements

You will be entering a contract that requires a financial commitment by you. It will need to be negotiated. You may need to prove that you can pay...

Step 7

Moving

You may have to raise money to pay daily fees plus a possible large lump sum, usually requiring the sale of the family home. Respect and emotions are...