Author: marketing@apollocare.com.au

Every person who moves into an aged care community as a respite or permanent resident, or who receives home care services, requires an aged care needs assessment to obtain a Support Plan. 

Rather than waiting to see if a significant event happens, such as a fall or a stroke, an early aged care means assessment (previously called an ACAT) gives you and your parent more choices about care options, and more peace of mind. 

So, what is an aged care needs assessment? 

This is a free assessment that determines whether your loved one is eligible for aged care services and what kind of services they can access. 

What happens in the assessment? 

The Assessor will visit your parent at a location of your choosing, and you and your parent can invite others to be present, like other family members, neighbours or friends. In this one-hour meeting, the Assessor will ask a series of questions about your parent’s health, lifestyle, social connections, mobility, diet, current support, and importantly, their goals for living well as they age. Both you and your parent will also have the opportunity to ask the Assessor any questions. 

Does getting an aged care assessment mean my Mum or Dad will automatically be put in aged care? 

No! It might seem like a confronting step, but an aged care means assessment is merely the process of finding out what care and support services could help your parent stay safe and as well as possible. It’s helpful to think of the assessment as getting access to the right support BEFORE it might be needed – like having an insurance policy or pre-approval of a loan just in case.  

When is the right time to organise an aged care needs assessment? 

If you’ve started to notice signs that your parent may not be coping as well as they used to living at home, then it’s time to consider organising an aged care needs assessment. The wait times vary depending on a person’s care needs and the demand at the time. Keep in mind that the whole process can take several months.  

Start the process early. Delaying could mean that if your parent has a critical incident and requires dedicated care: 

• You may have limited choices about which aged care community they move into or it could delay the transition to aged care 

• You may be faced with a situation where a family member needs to provide the care to your loved one, or fund private home care, until you can organise an assessment 

How do I organise an aged care needs assessment?

You can book an appointment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral. 

More questions? 

Our friendly team is ready to help you navigate this step. Just call us on (07) 4848 000 or download our helpful Aged Care Guide for more information. If you’d like to arrange a tour of Nanyima, click here.  

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

Seeing our parents age can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, how wonderful that they have reached a ripe old age and enjoyed so many life experiences. On the other hand, it can be challenging to see them struggle with everyday tasks that they used to take in their stride. 

So how do you know whether it’s still safe for them to live in their own home, or whether you need to consider the next steps?  

Here, we’ve explored some of the signs to look out for and what you can do to help. 

Signs your parent might be struggling at home  

1. Changes in mobility – Is your parent having difficulty getting in and out of chairs, or up and down stairs? Are they holding on to furniture or walls when they walk through the house? Even small changes in mobility can lead to an increase in falls. It can also lead to a less active lifestyle and a reduced interest in getting out and about, which in turn, can affect their quality of life, and physical and mental health. 

2. An increase in confusion or forgetfulness – Is your Mum or Dad displaying signs of dementia, like asking the same questions over and over, frequently misplacing items, or forgetting people’s names? Or are they displaying more concerning behaviour like wandering or forgetting to turn the stove off, which can make living alone at home very unsafe?  

3. Losing weight – Sometimes elderly people lose interest in preparing meals for themselves, choose less nutritious options, or experience a general loss of appetite. Without proper management, this can quickly cause health issues, including malnutrition, or it can also be a sign of other underlying medical conditions.  

4. Issues with personal or household hygiene – Changes in a loved one’s ability to take care of themselves and their home environment can be a cause of concern. If you’ve noticed their house doesn’t seem as clean as it used to, or their personal grooming standards are dropping, it might be a sign they aren’t able to take care of themselves. 

Other signs could include changes in mood, having trouble managing a diary, withdrawing from their usual social activities, missing medication or taking incorrect doses, displaying irritability or frustration, recurring hospital visits, or avoiding communication with friends and family. 

So, what can you do to help? 

The first step is to visit their GP with them to discuss your concerns and start the process of applying for an ACAT Assessment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Ask your GP what care and support options might be available, such as: 

• A mobile alarm with fall detection alert 

• A medication management system, eg. Webster Pack 

• Help from a home care provider 

It takes a while to complete an ACAT, so it’s a good idea to start this process early. Read our blog for more information on what this is and how to arrange one.  

What about residential aged care? 

We all want our parents to feel safe and secure and to enjoy the best quality of life possible. At some stage, this might mean moving them into a residential aged care community, like Nanyima.  

Here, they can receive around-the-clock care and support from a dedicated and compassionate team of Nurses and Carers, a full home-cooked meal service, housekeeping and laundry services, a meaningful and engaging lifestyle program, daily social interaction, Church services and pastoral care.   

Residential aged care is affordable. It’s means-tested, government funded and there are multiple pricing options. We explain more in in our blog, “How much does aged care actually cost”, or you can find out more on www.myagedcare.gov.au.  

Our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help you with any questions about aged care support, or to arrange a private tour of our community. Call us on (07) 4848 0000.  

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

If you’re starting to consider residential aged care for your Mum or Dad, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost – and if they can afford it.

The Australian Government’s New Aged Care Act came into effect from 1 November 2025. The reforms include changes to the costs of permanent residential aged care. These costs apply to every aged care community across Australia.

The following costs apply to those entering residential aged care after 1 November 2025. If you were approved for, or accessing, a Home Care Package on 12 September 2024, you will pay fees under the 1 July 2014 arrangements – see fact sheet.

Fees and contributions you may pay

Before you enter permanent residential care, you should have your means assessed to see if you’re eligible for Australian Government assistance with fees and accommodation costs. The fees you pay will depend on the outcome of your means assessment and what you agree on with your aged care provider.

You may need to pay some, or all, of these fees:

• Basic daily fee
• Hotelling contribution
• Non-clinical care contribution
• Accommodation costs

Basic daily fee

All residents pay this fee for daily living services, including meals, cleaning, laundry and utilities. The maximum fee is set at 85% of the single basic age pension. This fee increases in March and September each year in line with the age pension. Based on current rates, the maximum basic daily fee is $65.55 per day.

Hotelling contribution

People who can afford to will contribute more towards their daily living costs through a hotelling contribution.
Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a hotelling contribution and if so, how much you need to pay. This is based on your means assessment. The maximum amount changes with indexation in March and September. Based on current rates, the maximum hotelling contribution is $22.15 per day.

Non-clinical care contribution

People who need to pay the maximum hotelling contribution may also need to pay a non-clinical care contribution. This fee contributes to personal care costs such as bathing and mobility assistance.

Services Australia will tell you if you need to pay a non-clinical care contribution and if so, how much you need to pay. This is based on your means assessment. The maximum amount changes with indexation in March and September. Daily and lifetime caps apply. Based on current rates, the daily cap is $105.30, and the lifetime cap is $135,318.69. A four-year cap also applies to the non-clinical care contribution. The fee ceases after a person pays it for four years, even if they have not reached the lifetime cap amount.

Visit MyAgedCare.gov.au for current fee rates. You can also get an estimate of your aged care fees using the Aged care home fee estimator.

Accommodation costs

Room prices
How much you pay for a room at your chosen aged care community will depend on your means assessment.

If you are eligible for assistance, the government will pay some, or all, of your accommodation costs to your provider. If not, you will need to pay the room price.

Payment options
You can choose to pay your accommodation costs in one of three ways.

• Option 1: A lump sum refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) that is refunded when you leave care, less any retention amounts and any fees that you agree to draw down.
  
  A refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) retention also applies – if you pay a lump sum, your provider keeps 2% of your lump sum per year. This amount is not refunded when you leave care. After 5 years in care, no further retention amounts will be deducted.

• Option 2: A daily accommodation payment (DAP) that is not refunded when you leave care.
  
  The interest rate used to calculate a DAP is called the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR). This is set by the Government and reviewed quarterly.
  
  Daily accommodation payment (DAP) indexing applies – if you pay by DAP, this amount will increase due to indexation on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October each year. Indexation does not apply to daily accommodation contributions (DAC) paid by residents eligible for government assistance with their accommodation costs.
  
  
• Option 3: Any combination of a RAD and DAP.
  
  Until you pay a RAD, you will pay a DAP. You can pay a RAD at any time after you enter care.
  
  A RAD payment is considered an asset for aged care purposes. This means it is counted in your means assessment and may affect your hotelling contribution and non-clinical care contribution.
  
  If you choose a combination payment, you can choose to draw your daily payment from your paid RAD. Over time, this will increase your daily payment unless you top up the lump sum. Your provider may also agree to draw other fees from the lump sum, like your basic daily fee.

Confirm your fees with a means assessment

To confirm your aged care fees, you will need a means assessment where Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) assesses your income and assets. If you are a couple, they will assess half of your combined income and assets, regardless of who earns the income or owns the assets.

If you choose not to have your means assessed, you will not be eligible for assistance with your accommodation, and your provider can ask you to pay:

• The full hotelling contribution and non-clinical care contribution
• The accommodation room price

To complete a means assessment, fill in the Residential Aged Care Calculation of your cost of care form (SA457) or the Residential Aged Care Property details for Services Australia and DVA customers form (SA485). If Services Australia or DVA already have your financial details, you may not need to complete a form to have your means assessed. Check if you should complete an Aged care calculation of your cost of care form at ServicesAustralia.gov.au.

Once your assessment is complete, Services Australia will send you a fee advice letter.

You should lodge your request for a means assessment as early as possible – even before you enter an aged care home. If your assessment is finished before you enter, the results are valid for 120 days unless there is a significant change in your circumstances.

More information

For more information, read our Aged Care Guide.

We have additional resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here.

Got questions?

We understand that residential aged care costs can be confusing. That’s why our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help you. We’ll guide you through the options, answer your questions and help you at every stage.

We can also arrange a private tour of our community. Call us on (07) 4848 0000 or email admin@nanyima.org.au.

If you’re starting to consider residential aged care for your Mum or Dad, you might be unsure where to start. Here’s a handy resource that can help you assess available aged care communities and whether they are the right choice. 

1. Organise an aged care needs assessment to obtain a Support Plan 

The first step is to arrange an assessment to find out if your loved one is eligible for aged care. You can book an appointment through My Aged Care (visit www.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422). Hospitals and doctors can also provide a referral.  Read more on aged care assessments and why they’re important in our blog. 

2. Determine your parent’s care needs and other criteria 

The aged care needs assessment will help determine the type of care and support you need for your ageing parent or family member, but it is important to consider all aspects, such as keeping them close to you or their home community. Remember to consider their future care needs too.  

3. Look for a community where your loved one feels at home

Find out what aged care communities are around the locations that suit you and your loved one and arrange tours of the ones that appeal to you. You can take anyone with you, including your loved one, and other friends or family. During the tour, you might like to consider or ask about these things: 

• Do you get a sense that residents come first? As you walk around, notice how staff interact with residents. Are they taking the time to listen to them, are they respectful, and are they supporting them to live their way?
 
• Does the community create a sense of home? Smaller, welcoming spaces with lots of natural light are often more appealing, and more like home, than vast communal areas. Are the shared spaces decorated in a homely way, with comfortable and familiar touches? Do they have set visiting hours, or can family visit any time? 
• Does the Care team focus on holistic, personalised care? Ask about their philosophy of care. Do they offer high-quality care 24/7 from a dedicated team of Nurses and Carers that’s delivered with kindness and compassion?  
• Is there access to lovely outdoor spaces? Time outdoors is important for everyone. Consider whether your loved one would be able to regularly spend time outside. Are there walking paths and areas to sit and catch up with friends? Are the gardens inviting and well maintained?
 
• Is there a meaningful Lifestyle Program? Ask to meet members of the Lifestyle Team and view the program. Are residents supported to enjoy daily life with a range of enjoyable outings and activities? Do they support residents to maintain connections with loved ones and the wider community they live in? 
• Is there a nutritious and flexible approach to meals? Ask to view the menu and the kitchen and dining areas.  Are the meals freshly made on site and is there a variety of delicious choices to cater for different needs? Do they allow residents to choose when or where they eat their meals? 
• Are there rooms available for when you need? Ask about the different room options, if there is a vacancy or, if not, how long the waiting list is. Discuss the cost and different payment options. You can read more about the costs and how aged care funding works in our blog, “How much does aged care actually cost” or you can find out more on www.myagedcare.gov.au. 
• Do they have specialised dementia support? If your parent has advanced memory care needs, ask about dedicated memory support households. Find out if the care team has specialised training in supporting residents with individualised dementia care needs. 

Here, at Nanyima, your loved one can receive around-the-clock care and support from a dedicated and compassionate team, a full home-cooked meal service, housekeeping and laundry services, a meaningful and engaging lifestyle program, daily social interaction, and pastoral care.  

If you’re ready to start looking at options for residential aged care communities, give us a call. We know there is a lot to think about and we’d be happy to show you around our community, introduce you to some of the residents and staff and provide you with the information and confidence you need to make a decision. Call us on (07) 4848 0000. 

Remember, every person who moves into an aged care community as a respite or permanent resident, or who receives home care services, requires an aged care means assessment. It’s a good idea to do this sooner rather than later. 

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or emailing admin@nanyima.org.au. 

I have watched Mum become frailer over the past few years. I arranged for regular visits from a home care provider and increased the frequency of my visits to try and make sure she was safe and eating properly.  

As the eldest daughter, I felt immense guilt at the thought of moving her away from her beloved home where she had lived since she was married. Her home was so special to her, and she had always stated that she wanted to remain living there as she aged. 

I began staying a night or two at her place each week. These visits were exhausting! My time was spent doing her shopping, preparing meals that she could reheat, writing her instructions on how to use the microwave, leaving her reminder notes, managing her diary and appointments, checking the house for things she might trip over, and so on. And then when I’d leave, I’d be riddled with anxiety about whether she’d be safe until the next home care or family visit. 

Then last year, her health declined further and I was faced with a very difficult decision. Mum needed around-the-clock care, and it was more than our family could provide. 

After a careful search of local aged care communities, we found the right place. I was agonising about how she’d adapt to her new home, but after a few days, she seemed more settled, less anxious and generally happier in herself. She soon made some friends with other residents and the wonderful staff, who got to know her so well in no time. 

I visit her at least twice a week at whatever time suits my schedule and I love finding her sitting in the garden with a neighbour, joining in some of the activities, or enjoying lunch at a chatty table in one of the small dining rooms.  

In contrast to when she was living at home, now it is such a joy to visit her! I take her to the nearby café, or for a drive around the local area, or I join her for a meal or just a stroll through the outdoor areas. My time with her now is genuinely quality time. 

She’s more social than before, never feels lonely and I’ve even overheard her telling others that she feels very lucky to be living here. 

So, from dreading making this momentous decision, I now have absolute confidence that I did the right thing. My Mum is receiving the care she needs in a welcoming and homely environment, and I can concentrate on enjoying spending time with her in these special years. 

If you have questions about moving your parent into residential aged care, our friendly team can help. Call us on (07) 4848 0000 to arrange a private tour of our community.  

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or emailing admin@nanyima.org.au. 

Bringing up the topic of residential aged care with your elderly parents can be challenging. It’s natural to want your ageing parents to continue living in their own home for as long as possible. But, if you’ve noticed a change in their health, mobility or mood lately, or that they’re starting to find everyday tasks a bit more difficult, a move into an aged care community might be a safer option for them.  

So, when is the best time and what’s the best way to raise the subject? Here are some tips to help you start a positive conversation about aged care:  

1. First talk to your siblings or other family members to make sure you’re all on the same page 

2. Don’t wait. It’s better to have the conversation sooner, rather than later. Planning for a move into aged care is easier when they’re still able to contribute their thoughts, and before you’re forced into making urgent decisions.  

3. Do some research first. Before you raise the topic, find out about the residential aged care communities in their local area. Contact them to take a tour and compile a list of what you liked or disliked about each one.  

4. Pick the best moment and location. Choose a time when you won’t be interrupted and when your loved one seems receptive and calm. The setting is also important – choose somewhere private and on neutral ground so they don’t feel ambushed. Consider options such as a scenic drive or a quiet park bench with a view. 

5. Choose your language carefully. Be sensitive and understanding of their concerns. Rather than leading with an emotional statement like, ‘I don’t think it’s safe for you to live at home anymore’, tell them what you’ve noticed and try something that conveys you’re in this together. A softer approach could be to say, ‘If you’re starting to find daily tasks a bit harder, what other options could we investigate?’. Ask them how they feel about their future, listen without interrupting and keep looking at things from their perspective. 

6. Be prepared for an emotional response. Your elderly parent might feel scared or even shocked at the prospect of leaving their own home. They might resist talking about it altogether or respond with negativity. Remind them how much you want them to live their best life possible, and that talking through options together is a way of forward planning to keep them safe and healthy. Be patient and, if you feel the conversation isn’t going well, consider trying again another time, or even engaging help from their GP or health practitioner.  

Here, at Nanyima, your loved one can receive around-the-clock care and support from a dedicated and compassionate team, a full home-cooked meal service, housekeeping and laundry services, a meaningful and engaging lifestyle program, daily social interaction, and pastoral care.   

If you’re considering residential aged care, give us a call on (07) 4848 0000. We’d be happy to show you and your loved one around our community, introduce you to our team, and answer any questions you might have.   

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or emailing admin@nanyima.org.au. 

Have you noticed a change in your ageing Mum or Dad’s eating habits? For some people, getting out to the grocery store becomes harder, or they might not have the energy or desire to prepare a meal just for one. For others, they can simply forget to eat meals or lose their appetite. 

Eating fresh, balanced meals or getting the right essential nutrients is important for our loved one’s health and vitality as they age and can reduce their risk of falls and fractures, weakened immunity or cognitive decline. 

If you’re concerned about your loved ones and are considering if it’s still safe for them to live in their own home, here’s some information to help.   

Signs to look out for 

• Lower energy levels, fatigue or reduced muscle strength 

• Unintentional weight loss  

• Mood swings, irritability or confusion  

• Prolonged recovery from illness or wounds or increased susceptibility to infections 

• Dental problems  

So, what can you do to help? 

If maintaining a healthy diet is challenging for your loved one, then perhaps it’s time to consider in home care or a residential aged care community. 

The first step is to visit their GP and / or registered dietitian with them to discuss your concerns, assess their nutritional needs and find out what care and support options might be available, such as: 

• Nutritional supplements 

• A meal preparation and delivery service 

• Help from a home care provider 

• Moving to a residential aged care community 

We all want our parents to remain healthy and enjoy their best quality of life possible. If moving them into a residential aged care community, like Nanyima, is an option, reach out to our knowledgeable and friendly team.  

Here, they can receive around-the-clock care and support from a dedicated and compassionate team. When it comes to food, there’s plenty of choice and variety. All meals are freshly prepared in our own kitchen from seasonal menus that combine family favourites and modern options.  

Call us on (07) 4848 0000 and arrange a tour of our friendly community and excellent facilities, including the kitchen and dining areas. 

More information 

We have more resources to help you with your aged care journey here. Read why residents love living at Nanyima here, and why our team members love working with us here. 

To find out more about our welcoming community, call our friendly admissions team on (07) 4848 0000 or emailing admin@nanyima.org.au.