Thinking about aged care in The Hills? Do these 5 things first
There are many reasons you might consider moving to an aged care home. The support you’ll receive will enable you to enjoy a better quality of life, socialise more easily and participate in activities. However, you need a plan.
Five questions to answer before moving to aged care
When I’m helping people decide on what type of aged care they need or which aged care home would suit their needs, I ask them to answer the following five questions:
1. Do you want home help or do you need an aged care home?
Many people prefer to remain in their homes and get help with some housework and grocery shopping. However, if you’ve had a fall that led to subsequent mobility problems or you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition for which you need more care, then an aged care home is likely going to suit your needs better.
2. Where do you want to live?
Do you want to stay in your current area or move interstate to be closer to family and friends? Before I can help, I need to know some of your preferences.
3. What type of aged care home are you looking for?
For our purposes, the two main types of aged care homes are government-funded and non-government-funded facilities. You’ll need to get an aged care assessment to get a place in a government-funded aged care home. All aged care homes provide fully furnished accommodation, hotel-like services such as meals, laundry and social activities as well as cleaning, heating and cooling and general maintenance.
4. Have you had a government assessment?
A government assessment will determine what type of care would be most suitable for you. You or a family member can help you apply for an assessment through the My Aged Care website and going through a preparatory online assessment. You’ll need a government assessment to qualify for any government-funded aged care package.
5. What is your budget?
Just as ‘oils ain’t oils’, all aged care homes aren’t created equal. Although all aged care homes offer the obvious like accommodation, meals and cleaning, some offer extra services and facilities like an on-site hairdresser, hydrotherapy pool, barbecue area and a community bus for residents’ outings.
Aged care fees
Generally, you will need to pay a basic daily fee. From information I have to hand, the maximum basic daily fee is $60.86 per day ($22,213.90 per year). Other payments include means-tested payments and payments for other services.
The payments system is complicated and can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking at. This is where I can help you navigate the complexities of a RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) versus the DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment) or help you work out your eligibility for a government-funded place.
Funding your aged care place
To fund your aged care, you might need to sell your home. I advise getting help to declutter, clean and tidy your home. Remember, your aged care room will be furnished so you can’t take large items with you. You might manage some smaller items like a small desk, some cushions and the like. Everything else needs to be donated (either to a charity or to family and friends) or dumped.
Who to tell you’ve moved to aged care
Now we’ve found you a place and you’re ready to move, what happens next? There are things you need to take care of such as notifying organisations and businesses of your change of address. These might include your doctor and dentist, government authorities like Medicare and the Australian Electoral Commission, your neighbours, family and friends and more.
Let me help with your move to aged care
I’ve lived and worked in The Hills for most of my life. With my network of real estate, retirement village and financial contacts, I can guide you to the next steps you need to take to achieve your life goals. If you’re unsure of how much you need to move into aged care, I can help.
Should one of these steps include selling your family home, talk to me. I can help you sell your home or recommend an agent while I act as your seller’s advocate.
