Find the Right Aged Care Accommodation – Without the Stress

ApplyWise offers tailored aged care accommodation support to help you and your family find the most suitable care options across Australia. We understand the stress of finding the right place and guide you through every step — from shortlisting homes to understanding payment structures and availability.

aged care accommodation support in Australia

Choosing the Right Accommodation Isn’t Always Easy

Whether it’s a crisis situation or a long-planned transition, finding suitable aged care accommodation can be stressful and confusing.

There are many options — residential aged care, supported living, retirement villages — each with different costs, care levels, and availability.
Families often don’t know where to start, what’s affordable, or how to make an informed decision.

Alongside the emotional toll, families are often faced with a confusing mix of costs, assessments, and funding options. That’s where we step in.

Our aged care accommodation support is designed to simplify the process and take the pressure off families during what is often a difficult time.

Our aged care accommodation support is personalised, practical, and based on years of hands-on experience helping families find the right care.

How Our Aged Care Accommodation Support Works

We know what you’re going through — the stress, the urgency, the feeling of not knowing where to start. At ApplyWise, we take the weight off your shoulders by offering clear, compassionate guidance every step of the way.

When it comes to aged care accommodation, there’s a lot more involved than just finding a vacancy. Families are often confronted with complex paperwork, assessments, and unexpected costs. That’s where we come in.

We can help you:

Understand the key costs involved — including the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), the basic daily fee, and any means-tested care fees
Navigate the Services Australia income and asset assessment process
Work out what government support you may be eligible for, such as the Accommodation Supplement
Assist with Centrelink paperwork and help interpret your fee advice letter
Shortlist appropriate aged care homes based on care needs, budget, location and personal preferences
Provide ongoing support and clarity at every decision point

Our goal is to take what feels overwhelming and make it manageable. We act as your guide, advocate, and sounding board — helping you make informed, confident choices at a time when things feel anything but simple.

You Might Be:

A family urgently needing accommodation after hospital discharge
Planning ahead for aged care transitions
A couple exploring living options before a health event forces it
Confused by fees, contracts, or waitlists

No matter your situation, we can help simplify the decision-making process.

Aged Care Accommodation Payment Calculator (RAD & DAP Explained)

Easily estimate what you’ll pay daily if you don’t contribute the full RAD amount. Enter your figures below.

Aged Care Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate your Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) if you don’t pay the full RAD upfront. You can also estimate how much of your RAD may be refunded after a number of years in care, based on any agreed deductions.

RAD Price ($):
RAD Paid Upfront ($):
MPIR (%):
Years in Care (est.):
Estimated Annual Deduction from RAD (%):

Daily DAP: $0.00

Weekly DAP: $0.00

Monthly DAP: $0.00

Total DAP over stay: $0.00

Estimated RAD Refund: $0.00

This calculator provides an estimate only. The RAD refund assumes annual deductions based on your input. Actual fees and refund amounts may vary depending on your resident agreement and any unpaid charges. Always confirm details with your provider.

FAQ – Understanding the costs

This is paid by all residents to cover everyday living costs like meals, cleaning, and laundry.
Current rate (as of July 2024): $61.96 per day

A lump sum that secures your room in the aged care facility.
It’s fully refundable when you leave care, unless you choose to have other fees deducted from it.

You can choose to:

Pay the RAD in full
Pay nothing upfront and instead pay a Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
Or pay a mix of both

If you don’t pay the RAD in full, the remaining amount is charged as a daily fee, like rent.
It’s calculated using a government-set interest rate (currently 8.36%).

💡 Example:
If the RAD is $500,000 and you pay none of it upfront, you’ll pay about $114 per day in DAP.

To understand more about RAD, DAP and means-tested care fees, visit My Aged Care.

This is an additional fee some people pay based on their income and assets.
It’s calculated by Services Australia, and helps cover the cost of care.
💡 There are annual and lifetime caps to protect you from paying too much.

If your financial means are limited, the government may cover some or all of your accommodation costs through the Accommodation Supplement.
You may also be eligible for a full or part Age Pension, depending on your situation. The government will help with aged care accommodation support should you need it – we will help you get it.

Download Our Simple Aged Care Accommodation Overview

This short guide explains the key types of accommodation, funding basics, and how placement works — all in plain English. Learn more about residential aged care at My Aged Care.

Download the Accommodation Guide (PDF)

Download Accommodation Costs Guide (PDF)

Let Us Help You Find the Right Place

Need Guidance on Aged Care Accommodation?
Contact ApplyWise today for expert assistance in navigating your options and securing the best care.

ApplyWise is here to make aged care decisions easier with expert, compassionate aged care accommodation support tailored to your loved one’s needs.