Explore Care Options
  • AGED CARE QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common questions about home care, residential aged care, costs and next steps.
  • HOW WE WORK

Your Questions, Answered

Navigating aged care options can feel overwhelming — particularly when decisions involve assessments, funding, accommodation payments and long-term financial impact.

Below are answers to common questions families ask when exploring home care, residential aged care and funding options.

You can also explore our Aged Care Costs Guide or start with our Aged Care Financial Assessment.
Do you charge a fee?

Initial guidance is obligation-free. If further assistance or specialist support is recommended, any fees are clearly explained in advance so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

No. We are independent and not owned by any home care or residential aged care providers. This allows us to provide unbiased guidance based on your needs — not provider availability or incentives.

My Aged Care is the government entry point for assessments and approvals. We help families understand what those approvals mean in practice, what options are available, and how to navigate next steps with clarity and confidence.

Yes. We regularly assist families who need to act quickly — including following hospital discharge or sudden changes in health. We help prioritise the most appropriate options and clarify financial implications under time pressure.

We work alongside qualified advisers who specialise in aged care and retirement planning. They provide guidance on aged care costs, funding structures and common financial considerations, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your broader financial position.

Yes. We support families exploring home care packages, residential aged care placement and funding strategies — depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

Yes. We assist families across Australia, including metropolitan, regional and remote locations.

Timeframes vary depending on care needs, location and room availability. In urgent situations placement can sometimes occur within days, while in other cases families may wait several weeks while exploring preferred facilities.

A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump sum payment requested by many residential aged care providers. It is generally refundable when you leave care, subject to agreed deductions. Deciding how much to pay — and how it affects cash flow and pension entitlements — requires careful consideration.To understand how RADs work and how they compare to daily payments, see our Aged Care Costs Guide.
A RAD is paid as a lump sum. A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is an interest-style daily payment made instead of a lump sum. Many families choose a combination of both. The right approach depends on assets, income and long-term affordability. We explain this in detail in our RAD vs DAP guide, including strategies to reduce costs.

Aged care fees and asset structures can influence Age Pension entitlements, depending on how accommodation payments and other assets are arranged. Understanding these interactions before committing to decisions can significantly affect long-term outcomes.

Selling the family home is one of the most significant decisions families face. The impact depends on timing, pension treatment, cash-flow needs and long-term plans. It is important to consider all implications before proceeding.

Means-tested care fees are additional fees based on an individual’s income and assets. Annual and lifetime caps apply. Understanding how these fees are calculated can help families plan for long-term affordability.Learn how these are calculated and how they can be reduced in our aged care fees guide.
Do you charge a fee?

Initial guidance is obligation-free. If further assistance or specialist support is recommended, any fees are clearly explained in advance so you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

No. We are independent and not owned by any home care or residential aged care providers. This allows us to provide unbiased guidance based on your needs — not provider availability or incentives.

My Aged Care is the government entry point for assessments and approvals. We help families understand what those approvals mean in practice, what options are available, and how to navigate next steps with clarity and confidence.

Yes. We regularly assist families who need to act quickly — including following hospital discharge or sudden changes in health. We help prioritise the most appropriate options and clarify financial implications under time pressure. You can start with our Aged Care Financial Assessment.
Our qualified advisers specialise in aged care financial strategies and retirement planning. They provide guidance on aged care costs, RAD vs DAP decisions, Centrelink optimisation, funding structures and common financial considerations, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your broader financial position.Learn more about our aged care financial advice service.

Yes. We support families exploring home care packages, residential aged care placement and funding strategies — depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

Yes. We assist families across Australia, including metropolitan, regional and remote locations.

Timeframes vary depending on care needs, location and room availability. In urgent situations placement can sometimes occur within days, while in other cases families may wait several weeks while exploring preferred facilities.

A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump sum payment requested by many residential aged care providers. It is generally refundable when you leave care, subject to agreed deductions. Deciding how much to pay — and how it affects cash flow and pension entitlements — requires careful consideration.To understand how RADs work and how they compare to daily payments, see our Aged Care Costs Guide.

A RAD is paid as a lump sum. A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is an interest-style daily payment made instead of a lump sum. Many families choose a combination of both. The right approach depends on assets, income and long-term affordability.

Aged care fees and asset structures can influence Age Pension entitlements, depending on how accommodation payments and other assets are arranged. Understanding these interactions before committing to decisions can significantly affect long-term outcomes.

Selling the family home is one of the most significant decisions families face. The impact depends on timing, pension treatment, cash-flow needs and long-term plans. It is important to consider all implications before proceeding.

Means-tested care fees are additional fees based on an individual’s income and assets. Annual and lifetime caps apply. Understanding how these fees are calculated can help families plan for long-term affordability.

  • Let Us Talk

Still have questions?

Every family’s situation is different. If you’d like clarity around care options, costs or next steps, we’re here to help.
Explore Your Care Options
Request a Call

Supporting Australian families through aged care decisions — with clarity, structure and care.

Facebook Linkedin Youtube
Services
Company
resources
Legal

Need help understanding aged care costs?

Speak with an adviser

The information on this website is general in nature and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether it is appropriate for you and seek personalised advice before making any decisions.

© 2026 Senior Care Assist. All rights reserved.