Preparing your parents for aged care

Aged care is a very serious matter and when the time comes to find the right aged care for your parents, there are some serious questions that need to be asked.

As you would expect, it is normal for your parents to want to live at home for as long as possible.  However, once they can no longer care for themselves, you will need to consider moving them to an aged care facility.  Each facility is different and each may have a waiting list from a few weeks to a few months.  You can obtain assistance from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) to help determine your parent’s eligibility for residential aged care.  The costs depend upon what service you wish your parents to have, the provider themselves and your ability to pay.

When you have found the right facility, you may be asked to pay:

  • an accommodation payment in the form of a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) and Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) to help meet the maintenance costs of the facility;
  • a basic daily care fee for your living expenses;
  • a means-tested care fee which is a contribution towards the cost of care.

Talk to your parents about their options for residential aged care before their health fails.  We have seen many instances where parents are prepared to risk their health to keep their independence.  It makes sense to discuss this before it becomes urgent.  It allows time for all parties to consider options and to make the transition for your parents more comfortable.

 

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