Aged care — residential care

When the person can't safely or practically live at home, even with full Support at Home services. It's not a failure — it's a different type of support. Sometimes it's the right answer for someone with advanced dementia, complex medical needs, or no informal supports nearby.

This is the single biggest financial decision in aged care, and it has a 28-day window after entry.

• RAD (Refundable Accommodation Deposit): a one-time refundable lump sum, often $150,000–$550,000, depending on the home. The home invests it; the balance is refunded to you or your estate when you leave.
• DAP (Daily Accommodation Payment): a daily fee instead of (or partly instead of) the lump sum. No upfront capital required, but cumulative cost can exceed the equivalent RAD over multi-year stays.
• Combination: part RAD, part DAP on the unpaid balance.

The right answer depends on cashflow, expected length of stay, estate-planning intentions, the home's interest rate on the unpaid balance, and your means-tested care fee. Get advice before you sign. Services Australia's Aged Care Specialist Officers will give you free aged care financial information; a registered financial adviser can give you tailored financial advice.

Three additional things every resident pays (or can pay):

• Basic daily fee — $66.80 per day as at 20 March 2026 (indexed in March and September each year, in line with the Age Pension). Everyone pays this.
• Means-tested care fee — only if your income and assets are above the pension threshold. Calculated by Services Australia. Self-funded retirees can pay $100+ per day here.
• Additional services — optional, vary by home (hairdressing, outings, premium meals, entertainment). Always ask the home for a sample monthly bill before signing.

Yes. Generally with 28 days' notice. Many families don't realise switching is possible. If you're unhappy with care quality, the order is:

1. Raise it with the provider directly first.
2. If unresolved, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 (you can complain confidentially or anonymously).
3. If care still doesn't improve, ask My Aged Care about moving.

Under the Aged Care Act 2024 there's a legally enforceable Statement of Rights — dignity, choice, privacy, autonomy, respectful care, and more. These aren't aspirations; they're obligations on providers.