Common questions
Aged care questions, answered plainly
The questions families ask us most when they start looking for an aged care home. If yours isn't here, your first consultation is free.
How do I apply for a place in an aged care home?+
Start by registering with My Aged Care and arranging an assessment (an ACAT assessment in most states), which confirms the level of care your loved one is approved for. Next, complete a Centrelink or DVA means assessment so fees can be worked out. Then shortlist suitable homes, tour them, and lodge applications — often with several homes at once. We guide families through every one of these steps and handle the paperwork.
Should I use an aged care placement service?+
A good placement service saves you weeks of research and phone calls at an already stressful time. Because MyAgedCareAgent is independent and never takes commissions from aged care homes, our shortlists are based only on what's right for your loved one — care needs, budget, culture and location. Your first consultation with us is free, so you can decide with no obligation.
When should someone with dementia go into a care home?+
It's usually time to look at residential care when safety is at risk — wandering, missed medication, falls or a stove left on — or when the carer's own health is breaking down. A secure memory support unit with dementia-trained staff can give your loved one a calmer, safer life than struggling at home. Our dementia care page covers the signs in detail, and the National Dementia Helpline (1800 100 500) offers free advice 24/7.
How much does dementia care cost in Australia?+
Dementia care in a residential aged care home is funded the same way as other residential care: a basic daily fee, a means-tested care fee based on income and assets, and an accommodation payment (a refundable RAD or daily DAP). Some homes charge extra for secure memory support units or additional services. We explain the exact figures for your family's situation in plain English before you commit to anything.
What's the difference between a RAD and a DAP?+
They're two ways of paying for accommodation in an aged care home. A RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit) is a lump sum that's refunded when your loved one leaves. A DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment) is a non-refundable daily charge instead. You can also combine the two. Which suits your family depends on assets, cash flow and whether the family home is kept — this is one of the most important decisions we help with.
How long does it take to find an aged care place?+
It varies with location, care needs and vacancy levels. With an urgent hospital discharge, a suitable place can sometimes be found within days; a more considered search usually takes a few weeks. Starting the My Aged Care registration and assessment early — before a crisis — gives your family far more choice.
What does MyAgedCareAgent charge?+
Our Placement & assistance package is a one-off $6,000 + GST and covers everything from My Aged Care registration through to move-in support. Ongoing support & advice after the move is $100 per month + GST. Your first consultation is always free, and we never take commissions from aged care homes.
Do you only recommend certain aged care homes?+
No. We're independent and receive no commissions or payments from any aged care provider. We shortlist homes purely on fit — care needs, location, culture, budget and current vacancies — and we join you on tours so you can judge each home for yourself.
Looking for step-by-step reading? Browse our weekly care guides, read our plain-English guide to aged care costs and fees, or try the free care needs checklist.