Applying for Residential Aged Care
We understand that the process of applying for a residential care place can be overwhelming.
To make the application process a little less stressful we have broken the process down into five manageable steps.
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Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
Your journey starts with My Aged Care, the Commonwealth Government’s primary hub for senior support. Think of them as your essential first port of call; they provide the information you need and determine which government-funded services you are eligible to receive. Before you can access care, you’ll need to set up a personal profile with them.
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Step 2: Apply for an Aged Care Assessment
The next step is your Aged Care Assessment which is essentially a formal conversation with a representative from My Aged Care to determine exactly which services and how much support you are eligible to receive. This process ensures that the assistance you get is perfectly matched to your unique circumstances and personal needs.
During this assessment, a qualified professional such as a nurse, social worker, or another government representative will visit you in the comfort of your own home. They will take the time to evaluate your physical and mental wellbeing, observe how you manage your everyday activities, and ask specific questions to identify the areas where you require the most support.
You can apply for an assessment with My Aged Care online or over the phone on 1800 200 422.
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Step 3: Call Services Australia
You may need to contribute to the cost of your care services and accommodation. Navigating the financial side of aged care can feel like a lot to take in, but it essentially boils down to a personalised assessment of your assets and income.
To ensure you aren't paying more than necessary, Services Australia (or Department of Veterans’ Affairs for veterans) will conduct a means assessment to calculate your contribution towards care and accommodation.
It is important you contact Services Australia and complete this assessment; otherwise, maximum contributions apply. You can call Services Australia on 1800 227 475. To learn more about the costs and fees of Residential Aged Care, visit our Understanding Fees page.
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Step 4: Receive Your Aged Care Assessment results
Once your assessment is complete, My Aged Care will send you a formal letter detailing your results and confirming which Commonwealth-funded services you are eligible to receive.
If you are planning to move into an aged care home, this letter will contain a permanent residential referral code. This specific code is essential for your transition, as providers require it to officially offer you a place in residential aged care. You can also see this information online on your My Aged Care account.
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Step 5: Apply for Residential Aged Care with Boandik
If you’ve decided that Boandik is the right fit for you and can meet your individual care needs, have a chat with our friendly Boandik Residential Services team on (08) 8725 7377 or email us at respite@boandik.org.au
