Aged Care

The reality of entering an aged care home presents many emotional challenges for both the prospective resident and their family.

This is made no easier as the family embarks on dealing with the aged care system, from Centrelink to managing their loved one’s money and assets. Most find this a daunting and very confusing process.

There are things you will need to deal with and there are also considerations which can make a difference which care home you decide to choose and how much you pay. These include:

• How your assets are assessed,
• Whether you must pay a refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) or pay a daily accommodation payment (DAP), which is equivalent to paying rent,
• Can you meet the cost of aged care with your existing financial resources and assets,
• Selling the home,
• Dealing with Centrelink.

Sometimes, the family will be looking for guidance. They may just want to know there is no further complexities or they may just want someone to help communication with Centrelink and the aged care system.

Other situations may mean the family have some decisions to make. Having to pay a RAD and deciding whether to pay this in full or make a combination payment that includes a daily accommodation payment can have repercussions that need to be outlined and understood.

Chris Galanis is an accredited aged care professional through Aged Care Steps. He can help guide you through the aged care system and map out all your options where complex situations need decisions. Chris will help map out all your options and show all the outcomes to help the family come to the best decision.

Chris also provides Centrelink services and can act on your behalf in communicating with Centrelink.