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 strong advice: Pull together the documents you will need at each stop. It will save you great frustration. Also, check out YourConcierge101 as a starting point. In 17 quick steps you will build your personal profile and receive the essential facts and tailored tools to make the best decisions and avoid the expensive and emotional mistakes.
What are 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 residential aged care facilities or nursing homes too.
Allow up to 3 months or more to find a home
If you think you need to find an aged care home for you or someone else and you don't know the first thing about what to do or where to start, then you've come to the right place.
9 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...
2 weeks
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 ‘...
4 weeks
STEP 3
Get Assessed
You need to organize an ACAT assessment to decide how much care support you need. You book an appointment through the my aged care call centre or web...
8 weeks
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...
6 weeks
STEP 5
Search Aged Care Homes
Not every home has all services. Location can be a big factor – close to family or transport. You will need to narrow down the search by elimination.
2 weeks
STEP 6
Aged Care Operators
Checking out the operator of your chosen home is important. They are being handed responsibility for medical and emotional care. Each has a unique...
1 week
STEP 7
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...
12 weeks
STEP 8
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...
2 weeks
STEP 9
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...
12 weeks
