Residential aged care

Residential
Aged care

Residential Aged Care - where Ageing is Living

Aged Care Near Me

Commonly asked questions about Residential Aged Care

  • 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.

  • Visiting a range of Care Communities is often one of the best ways to decide which one suits your needs. To help you assess the suitability of the Care Communities you visit, we have attached a short checklist at the end of this section. This will help you assess each Care Community and ask some important questions to the providers you meet with.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • If you are moving into care for the first time after the 1st November 2025 and have not previously been approved for Home Care then these fees apply to you.  For other situations, please go to our cost page here.

    • Accommodation Charge (the cost of your room) - These charges are set by individual Care Communities and varies between them.
    • Basic Daily Care Fee - This covers your day-to-day living costs in residential aged care, such as meals, cleaning and laundry, heating and cooling. This fee is the same for every resident in every aged care residence across Australia, regardless of your financial situation. 
    • Hotelling Contribution - This Means-Tested Care Fee applies to residents who are assessed to have sufficient means to contribute to their overall residential aged care costs, including nursing and personal care. If you’re required to pay a means-tested care fee, the amount will be clearly stated on the determination letter you receive from Services Australia after completing your Means Assessment.
    • Non-Clinical Care Contribution - A means-tested contribution you may be asked to pay to supplement your non-clinical care costs, such as bathing, mobility assistance, and provision of lifestyle activities. The Australian Government determines the amount you pay based on your Means Assessment and may change over time if your financial situation changes.   

    For further information download our 5-step guide

  • Family pets are welcome to visit, although we ask our families to ensure that pets don’t enter the dining room during mealtimes. In some circumstances, you may be able to bring your pet to live with you although this needs to be agreed in advance with the General Manager. For more information, click here

  • Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a term used to describe the symptoms of a range of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in the ability to think and perform everyday tasks. It can also lead to changes in personality and behaviour. While there is no cure for dementia, it’s important to keep in mind that it is possible to continue to maintain a good quality of life for many people. For more information, click here.

  • There are many types of dementia but the most common causes include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. Understanding the symptoms associated with each type of dementia can help in ensuring each person’s care needs are met.

  • 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 Communities offer day respite, which offers caregivers some flexibility to attend to personal needs and obligations as they arise.