<\/p>\nGetting Started<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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When should I start planning for aged care?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Do I need to know exactly what help I need before contacting you?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help me if I’m arranging care for a parent or family member?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What happens during an initial meeting?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nStaying at Home<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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Can I receive aged care support while continuing to live at home?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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How do I access support at home?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What if I can no longer safely manage at home?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nResidential Aged Care<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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How do I know when residential aged care is the right option?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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How do I choose an aged care home?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help me find an aged care facility?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What happens if someone needs to move into care urgently?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nFees & Financial Considerations<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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What is a RAD?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What is a DAP?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Do I have to pay a RAD?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What happens to the family home when someone enters aged care?<\/span> 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” \u2014 it’s important to consider the broader financial and family picture.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Will moving into aged care affect the Age Pension?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Have aged care fees changed?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Should I sell the family home to pay for aged care?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help me understand what information I need to provide?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Do I need to have all my financial information ready before contacting you?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help with Centrelink forms?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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How much does your service cost?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Do you offer a first conversation?<\/span> Yes. The current service structure includes an initial meeting designed to discuss the current situation and establish what support may be required.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nFamily & Planning<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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Should I wait until there’s a crisis before planning?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What documents should older Australians have in place?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can I plan for aged care even if I don’t need it yet?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nPractical Support<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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Do you only provide financial advice?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help with moving house or downsizing?<\/span> Where appropriate, Trusted Aged Care Services can help coordinate practical services involved in a move, including removal and storage services.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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What if a family pet can’t move into aged care with their owner?<\/span> The current service offering identifies pet-rehousing assistance through the AWL Golden Hearts program for pets that cannot move into the facility.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can you help arrange legal support?<\/span> Where appropriate, Trusted Aged Care Services can connect clients with relevant professionals for matters such as wills and powers of attorney.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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<\/p>\nAccessibility & Visiting<\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
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What if I have accessibility requirements?<\/span> 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.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Can I meet somewhere other than your office?<\/span> 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 caf\u00e9 or another accessible location.<\/pee> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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