When should I consider an aged care home?

If you feel unable to live independently at home – even with carer support or home care services to help you – you might consider moving into an aged care home.

What is the difference between and aged care home, residential care, and a nursing home?

There is no difference. They are all just different terms used to describe the same service.

Retirement villages or independent living units, however, are not aged care homes and are not subsidised or regulated by the Australian Government. They offer a range of services for older people who have lower care needs.

How do I apply for aged care services?

You can either call My Aged Care (MAC) on 1800 200 422 to talk about your needs and see if you are eligible, or you can apply online.

If you are eligible, you’ll be referred for a face-to-face assessment in your home. This is called an ACAT Assessment. One of their assessors will contact you within three weeks to arrange your face-to-face assessment.

The online application is quick and easy but if you need help, the team at My Aged Care are happy to talk with you about your needs and make the application for you.

It is important to note that just because you contacted MAC, does not assure you of an ACAT assessment. A face to face assessment in the home could also be an RAS (Regional Assessment Service) assessment which will not be enough to assure you of entry into a residential facility but could help secure entry level home support. It is also important to be aware that the team you first speak to at MAC are not trained clinicians. They are a call centre and only ask questions from a pre-determined script. They cannot discuss a person’s needs or make any suggestions. They simply pre-fill the answers to then submit your request for an ACAT assessment.

What is ACAT?

ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. If you need regular, and/or complex support, an ACAT assessor will provide a comprehensive assessment of your needs, the assistance you require and the options available to you. They will assist you to apply for aged care and determine if you require a Home Care Package, short-term care or an aged care home.

Is ACAS different to ACAT?

In a short answer, no it’s not. It’s just that in Victoria, the aged care assessment service is referred to as ACAS, which simply stands for Aged Care Assessment Service.

To access an ACAS please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or you can apply online.

This is called an ACAT Assessment and is provided free of charge.

What will I need to have ready for a face to face assessment?

You should ensure that you have:

• ID proof – your Medicare card, and one other form of ID
• medical and care information – referrals, contact details, and support information
• any support people you may need present, such as a family member, a trusted friend, or a translator
• any questions or information you want to discuss about the care you may receive.

How long does an Aged Care Assessment (ACAT) take?

Assessors are highly trained clinicians and will guide you through the process gently. An assessment usually takes between 45 minutes and 75 minutes.

It's normal to feel worried about 'getting assessed', but you will be able to ask questions and won't be forced to make any decisions on the day. You can also have a family member or friend with you.

After your assessment, the assessor will go away and make a formal decision about your care needs. If you are assessed as eligible for entry into an aged care home, you will receive an approval letter and support plan that sets out the care you are approved to receive. The support plan will include a unique referral code that you give to your chosen provider if and when you choose to go into an aged care home.

What if I am not approved for entry?

If you are not approved for entry into an aged care home, you will receive a letter stating why and who to contact for more help. Don’t worry, there are options and you may still be eligible for other care. You can also request your assessment to be redone as care needs can change quickly with additional care needed.

If I find a home I like, what happens next?

The aged care home will want to formalise the offer. This will involve some paperwork and contracts about your care, accommodation, and any extra services you may elect to receive. The home can help make sense of the information they need, and they will help you complete the paperwork if you need assistance.

How long does it take to be accepted into a residential aged care facility once I apply?

This process can take a minimum of 2 weeks once you have submitted all your information and applied to enter. The length of time is also dependent on room availability at the facility, and most homes have weekly limits on how many new residents they can admit each week.

What about if I need dementia specific care?

Most residential aged care facilities offer dedicated dementia care, many also have dedicated secure areas to cater specifically to those requiring memory support who may also pose a risk of wandering. Just ask the question when you contact a facility for more information, or we can help guide you to facilities in your area that are equipped to delivery care for dementia sufferers.

Can I tour a residential aged care facility to see if I like it before I apply?

Of course! A good idea to really get a feel for a home you may be considering moving to is to apply for a few days of respite care there. That way you really get to see the care first hand and speak to other residents to find out what their home experience is like in the home.

Can I apply at multiple places?

Yes. While you are trying to find the perfect place for you, or your loved one, you can apply to as many homes as you like. You just cannot sign a contract to enter multiple facilities at the same time.

Is there any reason I would not be accepted into a residential aged care facility?

Yes. Providers need to assess whether their home is a good fit for you and their other residents in that home. There are times where a home may not cater for your specific conditions or behaviours and this is best for all involved if your application is declined so you can find somewhere that suits you better.

Do I pay more if my care needs are higher? Do I pay less if my care needs are lower/minimal?

No, and no. When you come into care your needs are assessed and the costs determined according to your income and assets. Providers cannot legally charge you more than what has been determined, and they all offer both Government supported, and unsupported places.

What is RAD?

RAD stands for a Refundable Accommodation Deposit. A RAD works like an interest-free loan to an aged care home and is a good option if you need to pay for the full cost of your accommodation and make your payment as a lump sum.

The balance of the deposit is refunded (to you or your estate) when you leave the aged care home, less any amounts agreed to be taken out. Any deductions, such as extra services or care fees, must first have been agreed with you in writing and listed in the resident or accommodation agreement.

RADs are not included in Centrelink or DVA Pension Assets Tests. Daily Payments calculated on the total Accommodation Payment are payable from the date of entry on any part of the Accommodation Payment that has not been paid as a RAD.

What is DAP?

DAP stands for Daily Accommodation Payment. The DAP is interest payable, at a rate set by the Australian Federal Government, on the balance of any unpaid Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) amount. If you choose to pay for your accommodation using DAP you may choose to pay part or all of the balance of your Refundable Accommodation Deposit as a lump sum at any future time.

Daily Accommodation Payments unless you have paid in advance, are not refundable if you leave the aged care home.

We recommend you speak with your financial advisors as to whether it is best to pay for your accommodation by RAD, DAP or a combination of the two.

How can I work out how much residential care will cost?

The website My Aged Care helps explain the breakdown of costs associated with aged care.

What are 'additional' or 'extra' services?

They are extra options offered to residents at a fee that offer more choice around services available. It may mean additional meal options, access to additional technology, extra care, or allied health. These can be negotiated when you enter and can be ongoing dependent on the provider.

What is a provider?

Whether you need help at home, short-term care, or an aged care home, providers are the ones who deliver your care.

I am eligible for an aged care home. What happens now?

When you find out you’re eligible, we can help you find and connect with an aged care home you like, that suits your needs. We can also help you understand the costs and fees. This will be based on your income, assets and the level of care you are eligible for through your ACAT assessment.

What is RAD?

RAD stands for a Refundable Accommodation Deposit. A RAD works like an interest-free loan to an aged care home and is a good option if you need to pay for the full cost of your accommodation and make your payment as a lump sum.

The balance of the deposit is refunded (to you or your estate) when you leave the aged care home, less any amounts agreed to be taken out. Any deductions, such as extra services or care fees, must first have been agreed with you in writing and listed in the resident or accommodation agreement.

RADs are not included in Centrelink or DVA Pension Assets Tests. Daily Payments calculated on the total Accommodation Payment are payable from the date of entry on any part of the Accommodation Payment that has not been paid as a RAD.

What is DAP?

DAP stands for Daily Accommodation Payment. The DAP is interest payable, at a rate set by the Australian Federal Government, on the balance of any unpaid Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) amount. If you choose to pay for your accommodation using DAP you may choose to pay part or all of the balance of your Refundable Accommodation Deposit as a lump sum at any future time.

Daily Accommodation Payments unless you have paid in advance, are not refundable if you leave the aged care home.

We recommend you speak with your financial advisors as to whether it is best to pay for your accommodation by RAD, DAP or a combination of the two.

How can I work out how much residential care will cost?

The website My Aged Care helps explain the breakdown of costs associated with aged care.

What are 'additional' or 'extra' services?

They are extra options offered to residents at a fee. These may include private consultations with allied health providers (Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist), group exercise classes (yoga, tai chi, meditation etc), hire of iPads, access to smart TV with Netflix or Foxtel etc.

What is the Charter of Aged Care Rights?

On 1 of July 2019 the Australian Government introduced a new and simpler Charter of Aged Care Rights (the Charter). The Charter is designed to make it easier for older people receiving aged care services, their families and carers to understand what they can expect from an aged care service provider. The Charter places the consumer at the centre of their care by giving them choice and recognising their right to be treated with respect. It acknowledges that identity, culture and diversity are to be valued and supported. These changes also support aged care service providers in delivering care to consumers and provides protection for the aged care workforce. For more information please click here