Getting started with residential aged care
Where to start
Aged care can seem complicated and we want to make it as easy as possible to make the right decisions for you or someone you love. Our range of guides and ‘Aged care made simple’ video can assist in answering some of the questions you may have when considering if aged care home is right for you or your loved one.
Once you have decided aged care is the right option, there are five main steps you’ll need to undertake
- Organise an aged care assessment
- Organise a financial assessment
- Find the right care home
- Arrange your finances
- Sign a resident agreement
Step 1 - Arrange an aged care assessment
An aged care assessment is completed by a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) if you live in Victoria. The assessment is normally organised through your doctor, another health professional or directly through the ACAT team. It is conducted to assess the care needs of an individual and helps them access the most appropriate types of care, including approval for Australian Government subsidised care services.
The assessor will spend time with you and your family discussing the process and will visit you at home or at hospital if an assessment is thought to be necessary.
An aged care assessment:
- Confirms eligibility for entry into aged care
- Allows you to be assessed for permanent care
- Allows you to be assessed for respite care
- Approves eligibility for a package of community care/home care to help you continue living at home, or refer you to other services that will help you to continue living at home
Having an ACAT assessment does not mean you have to enter a residential aged care home, but not having one will delay the process should you need care.
Step 2 – Complete a Centrelink Financial assessment form
Step 3 - Find the right aged care home
Once you have finalised your ACAT/ACAS assessment with the My Aged Care team, you will be ready to start arranging tours around aged care homes to find the right one for you or your loved one.
You can get information about aged care homes in your area from the My Aged Care website or find out where your nearest Bupa care home is via our care home search. Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of homes, it’s a good idea to visit as many of them as possible as although homes may offer similar services, they are all unique. Visiting them in person is always best to see for yourself the accommodation and services on offer.
Step 4 – Arranging your finances
Financial advice
We recommend you visit a financial professional who can guide you through the decisions in the transition into aged care.
Our Aged Care Financial Guidance Panel provides you with a list of financial advisers in your area who are fully accredited and have received comprehensive training in financial advice specific to aged care.
Costs and payment options
The cost of entering an aged care home is made up of two parts – care fees and accommodation fees. How much you can expect to pay and your payment options will depend on your individual circumstances.
We have provided comprehensive information about the costs of living in an aged care home including a helpful calculator to help you work out your accommodation and payment options.
