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Aged care explained in plain English

From ACAT assessments to understanding your bill — our guides cover every part of the aged care journey so you can make confident decisions.

Costs & Funding
5 min read
Understanding RADs and DAPs
The Refundable Accommodation Deposit and Daily Accommodation Payment — explained in plain English so you know what you are actually paying.
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7 min read
What does aged care actually cost?
A breakdown of every fee you might encounter — basic daily fee, means-tested care fee, accommodation costs — and how to estimate your total.
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6 min read
The means test: what it is and how it works
How the government calculates what you contribute toward care costs based on your income and assets.
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Getting Started
4 min read
What is an ACAT assessment?
Before accessing government-funded care, your loved one needs an Aged Care Assessment Team assessment. Here is what to expect.
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5 min read
How to get a referral code for aged care
Step by step — from My Aged Care registration through to receiving your referral code and starting your provider search.
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4 min read
Permanent vs respite care — what is the difference?
Respite gives families a break and can be a useful trial. Permanent is full-time. We explain when each is right.
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Support at Home
6 min read
The new Support at Home program explained
Support at Home replaced the old Home Care Packages system on 1 November 2025. What changed, what stayed the same, and what it means for you.
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5 min read
How to choose a Support at Home provider
What to look for when comparing providers — services offered, pricing transparency, staff qualifications, and how to avoid common traps.
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3 min read
What services can home care cover?
From personal care and nursing through to gardening, transport and allied health — a complete list of what your funded budget can be spent on.
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Dementia Care
6 min read
Finding dementia-specialist aged care
Not all facilities are equal when it comes to dementia. What to look for — secure memory care units, specialist staff, and behavioural support.
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7 min read
When is it time for residential care for a loved one with dementia?
One of the hardest decisions families face. Here are the signs that home care may no longer be safe, and how to have that conversation.
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Choosing a Facility
5 min read
How to read a facility's star rating
The government's star rating system covers four areas — residents' experience, staffing, compliance and quality measures. Here is what each means.
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4 min read
What to ask on a facility tour
A practical checklist — the 20 questions to ask when you visit an aged care home, and the red flags to watch for.
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5 min read
Understanding compliance history
Every facility is audited by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. We explain how to read the audit results and what non-compliance actually means.
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