What will it cost?

The government sets rates for care fees depending on your income levels and your pensioner status. These figures are reviewed every six months and are index-linked. There are a number of different fees depending on your level of care as well. See current costs.

How will I pay?

This really depends on your assets and income. There are a multitude of way of structuring your finances to achieve the best way of finding the daily fees as well as the accommodation bond if this is needed. At a minimum get some advice from a Centrelink Financial Advisor, but preferably from a financial advisor who specialises in this field.

What do I do with my house?

This needs to be taken into account along with all your assets and depending on what level of care you need. Sometimes it is actually more beneficial to keep the house and rent it out. But if you need to find a large sum to pay an accommodation bond, then often this is the only place that such a sum can be raised. Professional financial advice will go a long way to providing the best answer on this issue.

How will it affect my pension?

Your pension and all your income is taken into account when your fees are calculated. If you own your own home, then getting financial advice before you move in will be the best way of ensuring that all your finances (including your pension) are structured in such a way that your costs are as low as possible and you can retain as much of your assets as possible.

I haven't get any assets – how can I get a place?

The government has rules called Hardship Provisions for people who have very few assets. All accredited homes must provided a set number of these places, although this is often a small number. In less-well-off areas, the demand for these places can be quite high, with the result that the waiting times can be quite long.

How long can I stay?

Once you have signed your Resident's Agreement, you can stay until you die or until you chose to move elsewhere or until you need a higher level of care that can't be provided where you are now. The home may ask you to leave if it is closing or if it has to do repairs that would affect the residents.

What standard of care can I expect?

All care homes are regulated. The vast majority are accredited homes which means they must meet the requirements of the Accreditation Standards. These homes are monitored by the Accreditation Agency at least once a year. Other private homes are regulated by State government departments.

What qualities should I be looking for in a home?

There are many criteria you can judge a home by, but the most basic ones are its smell, the state of its upkeep, and your gut feel about the place. The best place to start is by writing a list of the features that you must have in a home – everyone's list will be slightly different.

Can I move to another home if I don't like the first one?

You are at liberty to move anytime you choose. But the upheaval of finding an alternative, arranging the move and settling into a new home are big factors to consider before you do decide to move.