Application
Applying to an aged care community can be a daunting step, which is why we have tried to make our application process as simple and straightforward as possible.
- Our Opal HealthCare Enquiry Pack is a comprehensive guide to understanding the aged care process & navigating the fees and charges. It will also include an application form and a directory of independent financial advisors.
- Complete the application form and return to the administrative officer in your preferred Care Community.
- If you have appointed a Power of Attorney and they have signed the application form, please provide a copy of the Power of Attorney authorising document along with the application form.
- If you have been assessed by an ACAT or ACAS, please provide a copy of your report or the referrer code. If you do not have a copy, please let us know so we can help you obtain a copy.
- If you have already completed your Combined Income and Assets Assessment, please provide a copy of the determination letter that you received from the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA).
If you have any questions or are not sure what information is required or where to get it, please call the home to which you are applying, or you can call our general enquiry line on 1300 048 519 and a team member will assist you.
5 Steps into Residential Aged Care
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Ensure you have all relevant paperwork to apply for residential aged care.
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Commonly asked questions about Aged Care
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Once you have received your ACAT assessment, you can begin applying to as many care homes as you wish, but once you accept a place, it’s important that you let the other homes know that you no longer require their services.
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Visiting a range of aged care homes is often one of the best ways to decide which one suits your needs. To help you assess the suitability of the places you visit, we have attached a short checklist at the end of this section. This will help you assess each home and ask some important questions to the providers you meet with.
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The Department of Human Services (DHS) is the body that determines your financial situation. To do this, DHS conducts a Combined Income and Assets Assessment, which is a form that you need to complete and submit to the government.
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Respite care is short-term care, including day respite, to provide your caregivers a break from caring when they need it. It can be planned or on an emergency basis and can be used for up to 63 days in a financial year. Many care homes offer day respite, which offers caregivers some flexibility to attend to personal needs and obligations as they arise.
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The Combined Income and Assets Assessment form (SA457) is an extensive questionnaire with over 140 questions about what you and your partner/spouse own and earn. It’s important to understand that you are considered to own half your assets with your partner/spouse regardless of who holds the title to the assets. As part of your assessment, you will be asked to provide details of all assets owned by both of you.
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Accommodation Charge (the cost of your room) - These are set by individual homes and varies from home to home
- Basic Daily Care Fee (meals, laundry, cleaning and other day-to-day costs) – These are set by the Australian Government and is the same across every home in Australia.
- Means-Tested Care Fee (to supplement the cost of your overall care) - These are set by the Australian Government based on an assessment of your personal financial situation.
- Additional Services Fee or Extra Services Fee - (higher-end services and accommodation) These are set by individual homes and varies from home to home.In some homes, Additional Services or Extra Services are optional and in other homes, residents are required to purchase these services as a condition of entry
For further information download our 5 step guide.