Step-by-step
aged care guide
Starting your aged care journey?
Here's a quick guide to the steps you'll take.
1. Research
Everyone wants to stay at home for as long as possible. But if illness, a fall, accident or change makes this hard, you might consider aged care. Take a look online, ask your friends and family, and search for aged care homes near you.
Find an aged care home
2. ACAT assessment
The Australian Government determines who's eligible for government-funded aged care and support through its Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) process. If you're planning to apply for aged care, you'll need to do a face-to-face ACAT assessment first and then be notified that you're eligible for aged care. Not eligible? You can still access our aged care services - you'll just need to pay more for private - or 'self-funded' care.
Learn more: ACAT
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3. Book a tour
If you've found an aged care home you like, book a tour. It may not have any rooms available right now, but some may be free soon. You'll get a clear sense of the safe and welcoming communities we create, specially designed and purpose-built for older Australians. Ask for a copy of the home's Handbook and Resident Agreement. You may wish to visit a few homes.
Book a tour
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4. Read documents
Read the Handbook and Resident Agreement for the aged care home you're considering. Always call them with any specific questions you can't find answers to.
5. Seek independent advice
We recommend you seek independent financial and legal advice when considering moving into an aged care home.
Senior financial advice
6. Arrange an income and asset test
If you're applying for funded aged care, you'll do this Australian Government assessment online, and find out if you're able to contribute financially to the cost of your care, or if the government will help pay your costs.
Take the first step
7. Select your aged care home
Contact the aged care home you're interested in to begin the application process. They'll tell you if there is a waiting list, or if you're able to move in immediately. If there's a waiting list, it's a good idea to apply to a few different homes - especially if you're in hospital and wanting to leave as soon as possible.
Find an aged care home
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8. Accept an offer
You'll be contacted by a home that has availability and be invited to accept a room offer. You'll be asked to accept the offer and sign the Resident Agreement.
9. Select your accommodation option
You can choose to pay a lump sum (Refundable Accommodation Deposit), rental-style daily payment or a combination of both. Once selected, you'll receive your contract - your legal right to move in.
Learn more about costs
10. Leaving your home
If you choose to sell your home, a local real estate agency can help you learn more about the market, arrange a valuation and sale. If you're moving from a retirement village, the village can help with your relocation to aged care and will help you finalise exit fees.
11. Moving in
Your aged care home will meet with you, your family and healthcare team to build a detailed understanding of you, your personality, history, hobbies and care needs. You'll make your first accommodation payment and begin your care payments.
Upfront costs
12. Living in
While living in your aged care home, you'll enjoy everything it has to offer - fun social activities you might choose to join, beautiful grounds and facilities. You'll pay a basic daily care fee to cover things like meals, cleaning, laundry, heating and cooling.
Day-to-day costs
13. Leaving
If you paid a lump sum Refundable Accommodation Deposit when you moved in, the balance will be returned to you or your estate when you leave.
Exit costs
Stories from our residents
