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.
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.
Understanding the Costs
Residential aged care comes with several types of fees. Some are paid by everyone, while others depend on your income and assets. It’s easy to feel confused or caught off guard — but we’ll help you understand exactly what applies to your situation.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the main costs involved:
🧾 1. Basic Daily Fee
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
💰 2. Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD)
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
📆 3. Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP)
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.
🧮 4. Means-Tested Care Fee
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.
🏛️ 5. Government Support
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.
At ApplyWise, we help you:
Explore your options and plan ahead — with no jargon or guesswork
Understand what these fees mean
Estimate what you’ll likely be asked to pay
Apply for assessments through Centrelink
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.
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.
Contact Us
📬 PO Box 8035, North Road, Brighton East, Victoria, 3187
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