23 September 2024

Stories | Aged Care Homes

Navigating major life changes like loved ones entering residential aged care can be an emotional and overwhelming time, particularly when there are health concerns and fears of the unknown.

Below, you will discover clear steps to enter an aged care home and the information you need to make an informed decision if you or your loved one are exploring aged care.

Assessing your care needs: My Aged Care’s Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment process.
Understanding aged care costs and fees: Learn important fact about Basic Daily Fees, Accommodation Fees and Means Assessments.
Finding a suitable aged care home: Tips and considerations to determine the right home.

Step One: Accessing your care needs

The ACAT assessment is the first step required to begin the process of entering an aged care home.

The Government’s Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) are a group of health professionals who determine whether someone is eligible for subsidised aged care.

You may have previously come across ACAT if you or your loved one have required home care or respite care.

To apply for an ACAT assessment you must be:

Over the age of 65 years (or 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).
An Australian resident with a valid Medicare card.
Meet the ACAT eligibility criteria.

How to apply for an ACAT assessment

There are a few parts in the process of applying for an ACAT assessment. This includes registering for an assessment through an initial phone call, an in-person assessment by the ACAT team, and gaining the final assessment results.

You may also choose to speak with your General Practitioner for a referral to receive an ACAT assessment.

To help you navigate the ACAT assessment process, this article walks you through how to apply for an ACAT assessment.

Step Two: Understanding your aged care costs and fees

Everyone’s financial circumstances are different, however, understanding what fees are involved before entering an aged care home can help ease any concerns for you or your loved one.

The Australian Government can subsidise aged care services and accommodation. This is determined by an income and asset assessment by Services Australia.

You can call Services Australia on 1800 227 475, visit a service centre (including Centrelink locations), or visit their website to find out more. The means assessment outcome is valid for 120 days and you can make updates to your financial situation at any time.

Depending on your financial situation, the Government may ask you to contribute towards some of the costs associated with aged care services. These will look different for everyone and will depend on:

The level of care you or your loved one needs.
The outcome of your income and means assessment.
The aged care home you choose.

The fees associated with aged care homes

There are three main types of fees when it comes to the cost of aged care homes, and the price varies depending on your means assessment.

The Basic Daily Fee
This covers daily living expenses such as meals, cleaning, laundry, utilities, and leisure activities. It is 85 per cent of the single-aged pension and is increased twice a year in March and September by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Based on current rates at 20 September 2024, the maximum basic daily fee is $63.57 per day.
The Means Tested Care Fee
The income and assets assessment determine how much the Means Tested Care Fee is, in addition to a Basic Daily Fee, and some people will not be required to pay it at all. The maximum means tested care fee changes with indexation and can change over time. You can get an estimate of the fees by using this online calculator.
The Accommodation Payment
This is the amount that covers the cost of the room at the aged care facility, and it depends on the outcome of the means assessment. Some people will have their Accommodation Payment covered in full or partially by the Government, while others will be required to pay the agreed amount set by the aged care home of their choice.

All fees are agreed to in writing before entering an aged care home. There are three different ways you can contribute to the Accommodation Payment.

Lump-sum ‘Refundable Accommodation Deposit’ (RAD)
Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
Combination of RAD and DAP

Some providers also charge an Additional Services Fee. This fee covers services, such as WiFi, a telephone, transport for outings or arranging a hairdresser, that go beyond the minimum care and services.

You can learn more about the standard fees involved in BaptistCare Aged Care Homes in this helpful article.

At BaptistCare, we recommend speaking with a financial advisor who can help make sure that your loved one enters aged care in the best financial position possible. This may include advice on when to sell a house, which aged care fees are right, and more.

We’ve provided more helpful insights into the costs of residential aged care homes in Australia here.

Step Three: Finding an aged care home

Finding suitable aged care homes

Choosing the right home should be all about the person entering care, what they like, where they want to be located, and the care they need.

At BaptistCare, we are committed to providing person-centred care that promotes independence, quality of life, and a sense of belonging. Our homes are defined by their strong and supportive communities, with caring, attentive staff who will welcome and support your loved one as they settle in – and provide ongoing, tailored care to meet their individual needs and preferences.

You might find it helpful to start by making a shortlist of the homes you and your loved one are considering and discuss the pros and cons of each. Look at finances and decide on a responsible budget that will still allow your loved one to live the life they want.

Here’s a few considerations that may determine the best decision:

Quality of care and reputation of provider.
Does it meet the care level required (such as specialist dementia or palliative care)?
Strength and connection in the community and types of leisure activities available.
Availability of rooms.
Costs and finance options.

Next, book a tour with the aged care homes that are on the shortlist. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, form connections with the staff, and envision what you or your loved ones’ life might be like in the space.

Then it’s time to weigh up your options and decide what is best. Remember to consider more factors than just the care options – make sure the decision will support your loved ones’ mental, spiritual and social wellbeing as well as the physical.

How can I find a residential aged care home near me?

At BaptistCare, we have more than 30 residential aged care homes across NSW, ACT and WA, providing person-centred care focused on enhancing wellbeing and quality of life.

Look on our helpful map to locate a BaptistCare Aged Care Home near you and take a virtual tour, or book a tour today.

Applying to aged care homes

To apply to your ideal aged care homes, fill out an application form, and have copies of the ACAT assessment and advice letter from the means assessment available. Remember, you can apply to multiple locations.

Most aged care homes will assess the application against their suitability criteria and ask your loved one to undergo a pre-admission screening assessment. It’s a good idea to ask about the home’s process during the tour.

Accepting an offer from an aged care home

Once a room is available at your preferred aged care home and you have accepted the offer, an agreement will be issued and admission paperwork is finalised. You can then organise to move into the aged care home and the date has been confirmed.

At BaptistCare, we support people with dignity and respect, whether your loved one is independent, has more complex clinical needs or requires dementia care, right through to end-of-life palliative care.

You can learn more about BaptistCare’s people-first approach and quality care here.

Find BaptistCare aged care services near me

If you would like to know more about BaptistCare residential aged care services, why not chat with one of our friendly team – we’d be happy to talk with you about your situation and care needs and can arrange a tour around your nearest BaptistCare residential aged care home.

Use our simple online search tool to explore BaptistCare Aged Care Home locations across NSW, ACT and WA.

Click the link below to learn more about BaptistCare services:

Residential Aged Care | MyTeam | Understanding Aged Care | Financial Guide | Find a centre

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Three important steps to enter an aged care home

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