Frequently Asked Questions.
Making Aged Care Easier to Understand.
Aged care can come with unfamiliar terminology, financial decisions and a lot of information to process.
Below are some of the questions we hear most often. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re always happy to have a conversation.
You don't need to wait until a crisis occurs. Planning ahead can give you and your family more time to understand your options, consider your preferences and prepare financially and practically. Even if aged care isn't needed immediately, having a plan in place can make things much easier if circumstances change unexpectedly.
No. You don't need to understand aged care terminology or know which services you need before getting in touch. We can start with where you are now, understand what's happening and help you work out the next step.
Yes. Many people who contact us are adult children helping a parent or loved one navigate aged care. We can help you understand the options, identify the financial and practical considerations and work through the decisions together.
The initial conversation is an opportunity to understand your circumstances, what has brought you to us and what you're hoping to achieve. We'll listen, answer questions and explain the areas that may need further consideration. From there, we can discuss whether further advice or assistance would be appropriate.
Yes. There are government-funded and privately arranged care options that may allow an older person to remain at home for longer, depending on their circumstances and assessed needs. Trusted Aged Care Services can help you understand the options available and the financial and practical considerations involved.
Access to government-funded aged care begins with an assessment of your care needs. We can help you understand the assessment process, what information you may need and how to work with appropriate providers.
Sometimes a person's circumstances change quickly following a fall, hospital admission or a change in their ability to live independently. We can help you explore the options and work through what may be appropriate, including home support, alternative accommodation or residential aged care.
There isn't one answer that suits everyone. The decision can involve care needs, safety, independence, location, lifestyle, family circumstances and finances. We help you consider the whole picture rather than making the decision based on one factor alone.
Choosing a facility is about more than finding an available room. Consider the level of care provided, location, accommodation, lifestyle, services, reputation, costs and whether the environment feels right for the person moving in. Trusted Aged Care Services can help you understand the factors worth considering when comparing options.
Yes. As part of its broader service offering, Trusted Aged Care Services can assist with finding a residential aged care facility and with the transition into care.
Sometimes there isn't time for months of planning. Where an urgent transition is required, we can help you understand the available options, coordinate the practical elements and work through the financial considerations as quickly as possible.
A Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) is a lump-sum payment that can be used to pay for accommodation in residential aged care. The amount varies between facilities and rooms, and the way you fund accommodation can have wider financial implications.
A Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP) is a daily payment used to pay for accommodation instead of, or alongside, a RAD. Whether a RAD, DAP or combination is appropriate depends on your circumstances and the accommodation arrangements.
Not necessarily. Depending on the circumstances, accommodation can potentially be paid through a RAD, DAP or a combination of the two. The right approach depends on the available funds, cash flow, other assets and personal circumstances.
This is one of the most common questions families face. There can be different financial and Centrelink implications depending on whether the home is retained, rented or sold, as well as who remains living there and the person's circumstances. The decision shouldn't automatically be "sell the house" — it's important to consider the broader financial and family picture.
It can. The impact depends on individual circumstances and factors such as assets, income, accommodation arrangements and the treatment of the family home. This is an area where getting personalised advice can be particularly valuable.
Yes. Aged-care rules and fee structures changed from 1 November 2025, so information created under the previous system may no longer apply to new entrants. Trusted Aged Care Services has published information about these reforms and the changes affecting residential aged care.
Not necessarily. Selling the family home is an important financial decision and should be considered alongside accommodation costs, Centrelink implications, investment options, family circumstances and longer-term needs.
Yes. The Aged Care 'What If' Analysis Checklist can help you gather information about assets, income, pensions, property, superannuation, investments and debts before a consultation.
No. The checklist is designed to help you prepare, but you don't need to have everything organised before starting the conversation. We'll help you understand what information is relevant to your situation.
Where included within the agreed service, Trusted Aged Care Services can assist with relevant Centrelink and aged-care forms, including assistance with assets and income forms.
The cost depends on the level of service and advice required. We recommend discussing your circumstances and the assistance you need so that the appropriate service and associated fee can be explained clearly before proceeding.
Yes. The current service structure includes an initial meeting designed to discuss the current situation and establish what support may be required.
No. A sudden hospital admission, fall or loss of capacity can make decisions much harder for families. Planning early can give you more choice, time and clarity.
Depending on your circumstances, important documents may include an up-to-date will and appropriate powers of attorney and guardianship arrangements. It's important that these arrangements are considered while the person has the capacity to make and communicate their wishes.
Absolutely. Planning isn't about assuming something will happen tomorrow. It's about understanding your options and putting yourself in a stronger position should your circumstances change.
No. While financial considerations can be an important part of aged-care planning, the service is designed to consider the wider picture. The service includes assistance with accommodation, home care, residential aged care transitions and coordination with other services such as legal, removal and pet-rehousing support.
Where appropriate, Trusted Aged Care Services can help coordinate practical services involved in a move, including removal and storage services.
The current service offering identifies pet-rehousing assistance through the AWL Golden Hearts program for pets that cannot move into the facility.
Where appropriate, Trusted Aged Care Services can connect clients with relevant professionals for matters such as wills and powers of attorney.
Please tell us when making your appointment. We aim to make our communication and meetings as accessible as possible and can discuss your preferred communication method and any mobility, hearing, vision or other requirements. Where appropriate, we can also discuss an alternative meeting location.
Yes, where practical. If visiting the Mudgeeraba office isn't suitable, we can discuss an alternative meeting location that works better for you, such as a suitable local café or another accessible location.
Aged Care Jargon Buster
Aged Care Assessment Service (only Victoria uses the term ACAS). See ACAT.
Aged Care Assessment Team – the team that assesses a person's care needs and eligibility for government-funded aged care services.
The payment made for accommodation in a residential aged care home, paid as a lump sum (RAD), daily payments (DAP), or a combination of both.
The process by which an aged care home is assessed against the Aged Care Quality Standards to confirm it meets required standards of care and safety.
The tool historically used to assess a residential aged care resident's care needs and determine the level of government subsidy paid to their provider.
A government-funded program that provides entry-level support services to help older Australians continue living independently at home.
A daily payment made for accommodation costs in residential aged care, as an alternative or supplement to a lump-sum RAD.
The basic daily fee all residential aged care residents pay to cover everyday living costs such as meals, cleaning, and laundry.
An aged care facility approved to charge additional fees for a higher standard of accommodation, food, and services beyond the basic standard.
Government-subsidised packages of coordinated care and support services delivered to help people remain living safely at home.
Support services delivered in a person's own home to assist with personal care, daily living tasks, or health needs.
Self-contained units, typically within a retirement village or aged care community, where residents live independently.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex. Aged care providers are required to deliver inclusive, non-discriminatory care to LGBTI clients.
An additional daily fee some residential aged care residents may be asked to pay, based on an assessment of their income and assets.
Care focused on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness, along with support for quality of life, often in the later stages of life.
A lump-sum payment for accommodation in residential aged care, which is refunded when the resident leaves the aged care home.
Short-term residential or in-home care that provides temporary relief for full-time carers, or lets a person trial residential aged care.
A privately-run facility offering accommodation and support to older or vulnerable people, regulated at the state level rather than under the Commonwealth Aged Care Act.
An additional payment available to eligible veterans receiving aged care services, to help with the cost of their care.
Still Have Questions?
You don’t need to navigate aged care alone.
There is a lot to understand, and every person’s circumstances are different. If your question isn’t answered here, get in touch and we’ll help you work out where to start.
Prefer to talk?
