A Step-by-Step Guide to Aged Care

STEP

01

Most older Australians who are no longer able to support themselves at home will be eligible for government funding when moving into residential care. An assessment needs to be organised prior to accessing residential care services. Your doctor or a social work team at any hospital can organise the assessment, or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

STEP

02

Daily care fee
This fee covers daily living costs, such as meals, cleaning, power and laundry. The current fee is $52.71 per day, and this fee changes on 20 March & 20 September in line with the increase to the aged pension

Accommodation cost
This is for your accommodation in the home. Some residents will pay nothing, and their cost will be paid by the Australian Government, while others will need to pay an amount based on their Asset & Income Assessment, and agreed with the aged care home. Manor Court’s maximum accommodation cost is $400,000.

Means tested care fees
If your assets and income are above a certain level as determined by your assessment, you may be asked to contribute an additional amount to your care, as assessed by the Australian Government. Means tested fees are capped at a maximum of $28,338.71 annually, and $68,012.98 in your lifetime.

An estimate of costs can be obtained by completing the Residential Care Fee Estimator via this link.

STEP

03

This process takes time (about 4-weeks), so you should lodge your Asset & Income Assessment as soon as possible. The Form SA-457 can be obtained from this link on the My Aged Care website.

STEP

04

You can find a list of homes in your area on the My Aged Care website. The best way to find the right home is to book a tour and view the facility, and talk with families and the residents.

STEP

05

To make an application to a home, you need to provide the home with:

  • A completed application form (available on the link)
  • A current Aged Care Assessment or referral number
  • Your Asset & Income Assessment

STEP

06

The facility will prepare a resident agreement which details the offer and the services to be provided.

You will be provided with a listing of items that you will need to organise and bring with you on the agreed date of entry.

More detailed information is included in the Australian Government publication, Steps to enter an aged care home.

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