Everyone wants to stay at home for as long as possible. But if illness, a fall, accident, dementia diagnosis, death of a loved one, loss of a carer or other change makes this hard, you might consider aged care. It's a personal decision that most people make after speaking with family, their GP and health care team.
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 an aged care home, you'll need to do a face-to-face ACAT assessment first. If you do the ACAT assessment and you're not eligible - you can still move to an aged care home as part of our private services.
The cost of living at an aged care home changes depending on your income, assets and the home and room type you're moving into. You may be eligible for assistance from the Australian Government, which might cover all or some of your costs.
No - but your home will be counted as an asset that you own, which may mean you will need to contribute more money toward your aged care costs.
With fun activity schedules, fresh menus and beautiful lounges and gardens for catching up with visitors and friends, life in our 28 aged care homes across Queensland and Melbourne is all about you.
While our 24/7 registered nurses and carers offer specialist care, our on-site lifestyle coordinators, chefs, cleaners and managers ensure your home really does feel like one.
Our homes can be social places, where you can join in with the activities on offer or spend time with visitors. Or you can choose to relax in your room or enjoy our peaceful, shared areas.
Our compassionate and dedicated carers are all fully qualified and receive ongoing training and support. Our registered nurses are all university-qualified and are fully trained professionals. Other staff include management, admin, chefs, cooks, lifestyle activity coordinators, maintenance and other healthcare professionals. We also have chaplains who can provide pastoral care.
All of our aged care staff are fully vaccinated against COVID.
If you downsize and sell your home to move into an aged care home, you may have more cash in the bank from the sale. The Australian Government sets the rules regarding its asset and income tests for those applying for government financial support to live in an aged care home.
If you have a valid will, we will deal with your nominated executor and follow the instructions you set out in your will. As with anyone who leaves (either to move to family, elsewhere or into another aged care home), we will settle your fees and any other costs - but this time, we will do it with the executor of your will. If you've paid a lump sum, this will be refunded to your estate.
State Trustees has information about what happens when someone dies without a will.
When you choose to downsize and live in one of our welcoming retirement villages, your contract outlines your 'license to reside'. You don't buy or 'own' your home - you have a license to live in it once your contract is finalised.
Costs change between villages, depending on its size, facilities, location, and the type of home you choose.
When you choose to downsize and retire with us, you'll sign a contract for your retirement home which outlines your ingoing contribution fee or 'sale price'. Moving in costs are different, depending on the contract option you choose.
There is also an additional administration fee that you'll need to pay when you move into one of our retirement villages - $660.
When downsizing, you'll need to look closely at the retirement village you're considering, as costs change. Here's a quick overview:
This is the fee you'll pay every two weeks to keep your retirement village safe and enjoyable. Costs differ a lot between different villages, depending on size, location and facilities on offer.
Your contract outlines the exit fee you'll pay when you leave. Exit fees change, depending on a number of factors. These include:
We pay to insure the buildings and common facilities. We also pay for general liability insurance for common areas. You'll need to arrange and pay for your own home contents insurance and any liability insurance for cover you want inside your home. Insurance companies have experts in retirement living insurance policies, so ask to speak with them when you contact your preferred insurance provider.
The Queensland Government has specific information about retirement home insurance.
This is covered in your fortnightly fees.
These are covered in your fortnightly fees.
We pay for maintenance of the grounds and common areas - this comes out of your fortnightly fee. We also cover maintenance inside and outside your retirement home.
No. We will cover any reasonable 'wear and tear' costs when you move out. But if there is more substantial damage inside your retirement home when it comes time for you to leave, you will need to cover these costs, for what's known as 'accelerated wear and tear'.
If you downsize and sell your home to move into a retirement village, you may have more cash in the bank from the sale of your home. The Australian Government sets the rules regarding its assets test and income test for the aged pension.
Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for rent assistance. Services Australia has special rules for assessing people in retirement homes to see if they're eligible.
Speak with the retirement village you're interested in about their pets policy.
Yes they can - this is your home.
If you have a valid will, we will deal with your nominated executor. As with anyone who leaves (either to move to family, elsewhere or into an aged care home), we will sell your retirement home and settle your exit fee, termination fee and any other costs - but this time, we will do it with the executor of your will.
State Trustees has information about what happens when someone dies without a will.
Interested in one of our aged care homes or villages but want to take a closer look around? Book in your own private tour today! You'll get to meet our friendly staff, view room options and chat with residents. We look forward to welcoming you.
Please submit what stories you want to hear about, and we'll keep you updated on the inspiring work happening in these areas.